1981 Triumph TR8

Description

You're looking at a true time capsule, because this 1981 Triumph TR8 has under 100 miles on the odometer. This V8 convertible has yet to enjoyed on the open road, and instead, its only miles were basically to get it into climate controlled storage to be tucked away for decades. So if you're looking for a long-gone marque that can still give you the new car smell, read on about this unique classic.

Triumph is a storied brand. Less than 415 TR8s were produced in 1981, which was the last year they sent cars to the USA. So to find one of the few TR8 convertibles imported in its final year is already an interesting treat, but this one is matchless even amongst its unique brothers. It was purchased to be a collector time capsule. That means all the paperwork was saved, and this convertible went into climate controlled storage while raised off its wheels. That explains how you get a nearly forty-year-old classic that's original down to the tires, and yet, it remains looking so fresh. The Aran Beige paint has a deep luster that showcased the distinct wedge shape, and the tan folding roof is a great coordinating hue. The doors haven't spent decades bring opened and closed, so you crisply see the sporty crease that runs almost seamlessly through the profile. And those distinct alloy wheels have never seen a curb. So if you want to turn your garage into a 1980s showroom, this car can take center stage.

It doesn't look like this one ever had the top down outside, which is a shame, because the golden tan interior looks terrific against the exterior paint. And with almost impossibly low mileage, there's barely even a wrinkly in the velour. These TR8 were expensive when new (the same money could have bought a Camaro Z/28 with enough left over for a Chevette.) So this needed to be loaded for the era, and it includes comfortable bucket seats, power steering, a center console, front disc brakes, and an AM/FM stereo. This one even was optioned with air conditioning, and it's original, right down to the coolant. And as a true British droptop, this is meant to be a driver's machine. That's why you have a gear stick in the ideal position, a grippy steering wheel, and beyond that is a full set of Smiths gauges – including a large speedo and tach.

Under the hood is the original 3.5-liter V8, and just like the rest of the car, you'll be amazed at the untouched preservation. In fact, the only pieces identified as not from the factory are the battery (original comes with the sale) and ceramic coated exhaust manifolds to prevent corrosion. Even the clean undercarriage photos reveal the lengths they went to keep this one looking truly amazing. This fuel-injected powerhouse was the secret to why the TR8 is a coveted classic. After all, the Corvette wouldn't even get fuel injection until the next year. And if you do decide to add to the odometer, you get full control over the V8 with the five-speed manual transmission.

The paperwork that comes with the sale is worthy of a time capsule like this. It includes the original window sticker, certificate of origin, owner's manual, title documentation, and even the original stickers that came on the car when it was delivered to dealer. You already understand how interesting an opportunity this is to own a classic and significant British machine that's frozen in time. So if you're a true collector, call today!