1980 Triumph TR8 Roadster

Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1980 Triumph TR8 Roadster. This example has seen extensive service and upgrades by marque specialist "The Wedge Shop" (including a full engine rebuild and tune just 10,000 miles ago) and the result is a car that runs, drives and performs significantly better than stock. Finished in the attractive colors of platinum over navy blue plaid interior, this TR8 presents nicely both inside and out. The convertible top and full tonneau are both in excellent condition, with all zippers and snaps fully functional and fitting properly. Indeed, what could be more quintessentially British than driving a sports car with one half of the tonneau zipped? 15-inch Rota wheels are wearing Kumho Ecsta tires. Excellent original underside remains crisp and clean with no undercoating and no known corrosion.

Interior likewise presents well with door cards, seat upholstery, carpets and dash all in good condition. Cocoa mats are a nice touch. All gauges, switches, lights and indicators are working properly. A Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD stereo is fitted in the dash. Climate controls work as they should, although the A/C system was removed for weight savings during the performance upgrade (the removed components are included in a box).

Although this car presents well cosmetically, where it really shines is in its driving dynamics. Due to 1980s-era US emissions controls, the 3.5 liter Rover V8 (like most engines from the malaise era) only made 133 horsepower. But in 2021 this TR8 underwent a full rebuild of the original engine at The Wedge Shop that included oversized pistons, ported heads with larger valves, performance camshaft, lightweight flywheel, headers and an Edelbrock intake manifold with a Holley 600 cfm four-barrel carburetor (full specs available upon request). The result is an engine that makes around 250 horsepower and that revs freely, but that still idles smoothly and makes approachable power throughout the rev range. The extra power is a welcome addition that makes this car very fun to drive, and quick even by modern standards. Wilwood front brakes, slightly lower-than-stock springs, GAZ adjustible shocks and front and rear sway bars afford confident handling without sacrificing ride quality. The transmission was also rebuilt in 2021 (so of course there are no crunchy synchros, and the gear shifts are precise and smooth).

The power delivery and the chassis overall feel "just right" to me -- it's certainly the best driving TR7 or TR8 I've experienced. For more information about this 1980 Triumph TR8 for sale at Motorcar Studio in Savannah, please call 912-235-0435.