Triumph TR8
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Infobox Automobile |image=Image:Triumph-TR8-'81.jpg |name=Triumph TR8 |production=1975–1981 |manufacturer=Triumph Motor Company |class=Sports car |predecessor=Triumph TR6 |related=Triumph TR7 |engine=3528 cc V8 }} The Triumph TR8 was an eight-cylinder version of the "wedge-shaped" Triumph TR7 sports car, manufactured by BL Ltd. and British Leyland. The majority of the TR8s were sold in the United States and very few genuine TR8s exist in other countries.
In 1980, a Drophead (convertible) TR8 was added. It was made until October 1981. TR8s were initially carbureted, but 1980 models sold in California and all 1981 models (of which only several hundred were produced) featured an early Bosch fuel injection system.
The TR8 shared its Rover V8 engine with the top Rover SD1. The engine itself was derived from an earlier Buick/Oldsmobile all-aluminum 215 cu. inch v8 unit.
Despite their low production numbers, TR8s have an interesting racing history. John Buffum successfully campaigned 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 packed up and went and ran IMSA (successfully).
TR8s ran successfully in the SCCA's Showroom stock series being campaigned by Morey Doyle and Ted Schumacher. Schumacher had some success in the Playboy Endurance series with his car as well.
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 convertible in the Southeast Division.
In North America, the TR8 sold for around $11,000.Template:Modern-auto-stub Template:Rover