Vehicle Description
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.