full mechanical and cosmetic restortion

Description for Triumph Other 1981

This is a three owner California car which has undergone a complete cosmetic and mechanical restoration over the last two years. The car runs like new and is a pleasure to drive. There is about 500 miles on the car since restoration.

Body and Paint. The car is a rust free California car coming from the factory painted silver leaf metallic with a blue interior. The car was chemically striped three years ago. It wasdamage freeexcept for the driver side fender and front valance which were modestly dented and filled with body filler. The filler was removed and the panels properly metal finished. There is now a light skim coat (paper thin to perhaps 1/8 inch of body filler.

The car was painted with the British Leyland correct color of carnelian red.The paint was PPG base coat/clear coat which was color sanded and polished. Correct decals were obtained and installed. The original bumpers are in good shape and the front spoiler is the correct OEM plastic one (not fiberglass).

Top and Tires. A new Robbins blue canvas convertible top and nylon boot cover were installed and new tires (185/60 R13) fitted.

Interior. The fabrics for a 1981 Triumph TR7/8 were obtained from Aldridge Trimmers in England and then the seats were done here in San Diego using the Aldridge fabrics. Extra material is sold with the car in the event that repairs are required in the future.The various panels and shelf carpet were obtained from Victoria British. The carpeted areas are the correct navy blue loop pile. Original sun visors are now available on a limited basis from Aldridge Trimmers in England and have been installed. The radio is the correct Craig brand installed by British Leyland. A simulated wooden trim kit has been installed on the dash and ashtrays.

Engine and transmission. The rod and main bearings have been replaced, new clutch installed as well as most of the fuel injection components By Mel’s British Repairs in Vista, alifornia (760-591-0311) and International Auto Repair in Escondido, alifornia (recently deceased).The exhaust system and catalytic converter (nearly $1,000) are new as is the alternator.

Cooling System. The radiator has been re-cored and all coolant hoses replaced.

Air Conditioning. The compressor turns but has not been charged with gas.

Suspension, rakes and steering. Everything under the car was taken apart and inspected/repaired as required. All of the suspension bushings are polyurethane making for a great handling drive. The new struts and rear shocks are KYB brand. The rear brakes were completely rebuilt (shoes, heel cylinders) and on the front, he disks were replaced, he calipers cleaned and kitted, nd pads replaced. The brake master cylinder was replaced along with the engine rebuild. The brake servo has been replaced with a remanufactured unit.

Smog Inspection. The car easily passes the bi-annual California smog test.

Fair Market Value. A number of design changes, roduction improvements over six years, he move to a new production facility, nd the settlement of long standing labor problems in England meant that the 1981 model is the most desirable of all the TR7/8 cars. They command a premium over the other TR7/8 cars; see for example Hagerty valuations on line.

What it is and ain't. I've made every effort to do a faithful restoration of the car to an original state where it can be safely driven and enjoyed. It is not a trailer queen. As you can imagine, lot of money and time has been spent to bring the car into this condition. My fleet of British and German classics exceeds a dozen and I just need to cut that down. I'm going to lose money on this but had the satisfaction of creating something nice. The car has a very modest reserve and is reasonably priced to find a good home.