1975 Triumph TR7 V8

British Leyland and the exploits of the charismatic Tony Pond driving a "Works" entered Triumph TR7 V8 fired the patriotic imagination of the public in the mid to late 1970's. He won in Ypres, and won again on the Manx International rallies, at a time when Triumph's competition heritage urgently needed reviving.

'KDU 487N' was at the very genesis of that emotive time in the mid-seventies. It was the development car for the 5 speed gearbox that initially started the works rally car programme. It also supported the two works TR7 Rally Sprint cars, KDU 497N and 498N, as a "recce" car.

The first privateer owner was Ken Wood who competed with his navigator Peter Brown. They rolled the car on the Devilla stage of the Bank of Scotland rally in 1975, which necessitated a new shell. Triumph's Competition department provided a new "Works" specification TR8 shell that had been developed in conjunction with Safety Devices, complete with "let in" roll cage to the A posts and roof. The body was also strengthened and fitted with lightened panels. It was stamped "SD 71 ID' which is still visible today on the front panel.In addition to the integrated roll-cage, the factory "Works' shells included heavy duty brackets for the axle, a Panhard rod tower and quick-lift jacking points.

Class wins followed on the Burmah and Trossachs rallies, then 4th on The Bowmaker and an 8th on the Gallway. In 1979, the Kingdom Stages was won outright, followed by 4th on the Bank of Scotland and Burmah Rallies, and they then took another class win on the Trossachs Rally.

Now completely rebuilt and prepared by the renowned rally and race expert, Ricky Higgs, it is currently fitted with a full rally spec fresh Rover V8 engine. This alloy block V8 has cross bolt main bearing caps, a 'Wildcat' dry sump system, forged pistons, steel rods and rocker gear, a Hi-flow water pump and four x 48DCOE Webers on a cross flow manifold. The transmission is just as it was run by the works in period with a LT77 five-speed close ratio box mated to 4HA rear axle and limited slip differential. The fuel system has a purpose built Premier Fuel Cell, which has an FIA certificate. Brakes are AP 4-Pot caliper fronts with 2-pot Girling alloy rears and a hydraulic handbrake. A biased pedal box, fresh Bilsteins dampers ,a high ratio steering rack, areoquipped throughout, new FIA seats and belts, heated front screen and a recent repaint complete the inventory on this seriously well engineered rally car with an important history. FIA papers and now ready to compete.