It's sad, but TR7's are like Rodney Dangerfield....they get no respect. Not that the original coupes didn't earn their poor reputation with shoddy build quality. Once BL moved production back to Canely and introduced the DHC, the cars were quite good, but the damage was done and even the introduction of the TR8 couldn't save them.
The design was quite revolutionary at the time, and though underpowered when introduced, it got universally good reviews. It was a unique design, was comfortable and roomy inside, offered good handling and had a real trunk. Unfortunately, BL tried to produce it on the cheap and starved the R&D budget, cutting out many of the ideas that were introduced later (the DHC and a V8) that could have made it a more successful introduction.
Today, they remain unloved and misunderstood. While prices of other Triumphs and MGs have started to climb, the TR7 has remained at the bottom of the pile. This is both good and bad. Good in the sense that anyone looking to get into the classic British sports car hobby can pick up a TR7 for cheap change. They are a good entry point, are still easy to work on and can be a load of fun...especially a convertible. The bad side is that finding a decent car can be hard to find and that parts availablity is not as good as say an MGB or a TR6. Many cars out there have been patched together and poorly maintained and need serious work to run correctly and reliably.
Bought right and once sorted, they are a blast to drive and represent a decent value to fun ratio. They were the last of the breed and while many may say that they aren't a "real" Triumph, they still bring back the fun, top down motoring that was the British hallmark. Plus, there's always the unique design that insures you'll get plenty of attention and smiles wherever you go.
Greg - 11 years ago
Have owned about 7 or 8 of these and they can be very reliable, once sorted out and not messed with. Almost all of the issues I have had with mine were down to something a previous owner had done to them and once returned to the original state, there were no more issues.
Great handling cars... Even more fun and durable with a 5-speed! And for the ultimate fun, go for a TR8!
(A TR8 is the same car with a 3.5 litre Rover/Buick Aluminum V8 fitted from the factory).
I always get positive comments when driving my cars around town... Most of the younger generation (kids to mid twenties) think it is something exotic, like a Ferrari!
Rob - 11 years ago
I had a neighbor that bought one of these new back in 1976. It broke down on the way home from the dealer. After that it was close to a weekly event seeing the tow truck come and pick the car up. I would say equal to or worse than a Trablant or yugo. It's too bad because at the time it was a great looking car.
It's sad, but TR7's are like Rodney Dangerfield....they get no respect. Not that the original coupes didn't earn their poor reputation with shoddy build quality. Once BL moved production back to Canely and introduced the DHC, the cars were quite good, but the damage was done and even the introduction of the TR8 couldn't save them.
The design was quite revolutionary at the time, and though underpowered when introduced, it got universally good reviews. It was a unique design, was comfortable and roomy inside, offered good handling and had a real trunk. Unfortunately, BL tried to produce it on the cheap and starved the R&D budget, cutting out many of the ideas that were introduced later (the DHC and a V8) that could have made it a more successful introduction.
Today, they remain unloved and misunderstood. While prices of other Triumphs and MGs have started to climb, the TR7 has remained at the bottom of the pile. This is both good and bad. Good in the sense that anyone looking to get into the classic British sports car hobby can pick up a TR7 for cheap change. They are a good entry point, are still easy to work on and can be a load of fun...especially a convertible. The bad side is that finding a decent car can be hard to find and that parts availablity is not as good as say an MGB or a TR6. Many cars out there have been patched together and poorly maintained and need serious work to run correctly and reliably.
Bought right and once sorted, they are a blast to drive and represent a decent value to fun ratio. They were the last of the breed and while many may say that they aren't a "real" Triumph, they still bring back the fun, top down motoring that was the British hallmark. Plus, there's always the unique design that insures you'll get plenty of attention and smiles wherever you go.
Have owned about 7 or 8 of these and they can be very reliable, once sorted out and not messed with. Almost all of the issues I have had with mine were down to something a previous owner had done to them and once returned to the original state, there were no more issues.
Great handling cars... Even more fun and durable with a 5-speed! And for the ultimate fun, go for a TR8!
(A TR8 is the same car with a 3.5 litre Rover/Buick Aluminum V8 fitted from the factory).
I always get positive comments when driving my cars around town... Most of the younger generation (kids to mid twenties) think it is something exotic, like a Ferrari!
I had a neighbor that bought one of these new back in 1976. It broke down on the way home from the dealer. After that it was close to a weekly event seeing the tow truck come and pick the car up. I would say equal to or worse than a Trablant or yugo. It's too bad because at the time it was a great looking car.