The Triumph TR8 is an eight-cylinder version of the "wedge-shaped" Triumph
TR7 sports car, designed by Harris Mann, and manufactured by British Leyland,
through its JaguarTriumph division. Because of its outstanding performance,
the TR8 was often dubbed the "English Corvette". The majority of TR8s were
sold in the United States and Canada. Background
A more powerful V8-engined version of the TR7 was planned in the early stages
of the TR7's development, a prototype being produced in 1972. However, British
Leyland's financial state, labour problems and lack of engines---as MG and
Range Rover had first priority---delayed the project. By 1978 some 145 prototype
cars were built with V8 engines. These "anonymous" TR8s were evaluated for
British Leyland by various dealers and then sold off as used cars.
Description The TR8 did not use Triumph's own single
overhead cam V8 as found in the Stag due to its weight and service record but
instead shared its Rover V8 engine with the Rover SD1. The engine itself was
derived from an early 1960s Buick/Oldsmobile all-aluminum V8 215 cu
in that Rover acquired from General Motors in the mid-60s.
History has shown this engine to be an extremely reliable, flexible, and robust
powerplant, especially after BL developed a better manufacturing
process. TR8s were initially fitted with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors.
However, about 400 1980 models sold in California, all 1981 models---of which
only 352 were produced including twenty carbed cars for the UK market---and all
1982 models featured a Bosch L-jetronic fuel injection system with a specially
designed Lucas fuel injection computer. The carburetor model was rated at 133
bhp and the fuel injected at either 137 or possibly 148 bhp delivering 0–60 mph
times in the low 8 seconds. Other differences between the TR8 and TR7 are
upgraded brakes, revised axle ratio, battery moved to the trunk, alloy
wheels, leather steering wheel and a few minor trim changes.
Production TR8 coupes based on the original Harris
Mann TR7 design made from 1978 to 1980 are quite rare; it is estimated that
only about 400 TR8 coupes ever existed---this number from records kept
by members of the North America-based wedge club, the Triumph Wedge Owners
Association. To the roughly 150 pre-production coupes mentioned above,
another 250 or so coupes were produced, some sold in Canada as 1979 models but
most ended up being held back and then finally sold in the US as 1980 models.
In 1979, a long awaited Michelotti re-designed TR7 Drophead was introduced,
and all subsequent production TR8s were convertibles. Total worldwide
production, as best as can be determined throughout all the labour turmoil at the
time, is only around 2750, give or take a "handful". Other estimates exist. The
German version of this page claims 2722 and cites the TR Register-Austria as
source; 2815 is the number quoted in an article from Classic & Sports Car, March
1986 and in William Kimberley's 1981 book as well. Both the TR7 and TR8 were
made until October 1981 when production ceased.
Very few genuine TR8s exist outside of the United States and Canada. In other
countries the TR7 is often converted to a "TR7V8" with the same ubiquitous
Buick/Rover 3.5 litre V8 powerplant used in original factory TR8s. In Australia a
popular TR7V8 conversion is to use the 4416 cc version of this engine that had
been developed for the Leyland P76. In North America, the TR8 originally
sold for around $11,000. A current rough estimate of the number of these cars
remaining taken from the Triumph Wedge Owners Association registry of unique
VINs), current Triumph Wedge Owners Association membership records, the
World Wide TR7 TR8 Owners Club, and the TR Drivers Club UK is around 1000
convertibles and 200 coupes. As of Q1 2011 there were approximately
seventeen licensed and 33 SORN TR8s registered with the DVLA. Out of these
fifty cars, only two are automatic. Motorsport
Despite their low production numbers, TR8s have an interesting racing history.
John Buffum successfully raced one as a rally car in the late 1970s. Bob Tullius
of Group 44 fame dominated SCCA racing in 1979 in one, so much so that the SCCA
added enough "reward" weight to the car that Tullius left Trans Am and
successfully competed in IMSA GT instead. TR8s ran successfully in the
SCCA's showroom stock series being campaigned by Morey Doyle and Ted
Schumacher. Schumacher had great success in the Playboy/Escort Endurance series
with his car. Starting the last race of the year, Schumacher was fourth in the
overall point standings when an accident ruined their chances; nevertheless,
Schumacher still ended up seventh in the manufacturer's points for that year, all
with no official factory help. Presently, at least three cars are being
run in SCCA's ITS class. Morey Doyle and his son Andy run their TR8s in the
Midwest Region. Jeff Young runs his green TR8 in the Southeast Division with
numerous regional race wins and the 2011 Southeast Division SARRC ITS
championship, running against over seventy other drivers in Mazda RX7s,
Miatas, 240280zs, BMW 325is, Porsche 944s and Acura Integras.
References External links
North American based, international club dedicated to all Triumph TR7s, TR8s, and
variants UK based club dedicated to Triumph TR7,
TR7V8 and TR8's Internet-based club dedicated to Triumph
TR7 and TR8's UK Based non-commercial forum dedicated
to the TR7, TR7 Sprint, and TR8 community
Commercial forum dedicated to British vehicles, including the TR7 and TR8