1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint

Although the Triumph Dolomite range, introduced in 1972, had proved to be refined and rapid, competitors such as BMW's 2002 had a performance advantage which was costing Triumph dearly, both in terms of sales and prestige. To remedy this, Triumph unveiled the Dolomite Sprint in June 1973, although the launch had been delayed by a year; it had been due to go on sale in 1972 alongside the main range.

A team of engineers led by Spen King developed a 16-valve single overhead camshaft head. The capacity was increased to 1,998 cc and combined with bigger carbs the output was upped to 127 bhp. This represented a significant increase over the smaller 1850cc variant, however it fell frustratingly short of the original target of 135 bhp.

As a result of this new engine the Dolomite Sprint has a claim to be the world's first truly mass-produced multi-valve car and the design of the cylinder head won a British Design Council Award in 1974. Performance was excellent, with 0-60 mph taking around 8.4 seconds, giving a maximum speed of 119 mph.

As with many other British Leyland cars of the period, a number of "Special Tuning" options were available for the Dolomite Sprint, offering dealer fitted upgrades to the car that included larger carburettors, free flowing exhaust systems, and competition camshafts. These upgrades were designed by the factory race team and offered in order to homologate the tuning parts for competition purposes.

Many drivers of the era were familiar with the "Dolly Sprint" as Tony Dron, Gerry Marshall and other saloon legends were regularly seen in them at events ranging from National touring car Championships up to the Tourist Trophy.

This car was originally built up by Roger Dowson at renowned saloon car specialists - Gerry Marshall Racing - to compete in the Monroe and Uniroyal Production Saloon Car Championsips in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is understood that this car was put together in 1979, utilising a factory fresh body-shell. Chuck Nicholson and Roger Payne both had success in this car, with Payne winning both the Monroe and Uniroyal titles in 1980 and the Monroe Championship again in 1981. During this period this car held its class lap record at every major UK circuit.

Offered here in ready to race configuration, apparently needing "just a spanner check" before taking it onto the grid, this is a bargain-priced opportunity to drive a machine once fielded by the legendary Gerry Marshall. The car comes with one of the late Mr Marshall's racing helmets and a number of signed books and period photographs/programmes/result sheets etc. Now offering a budget oportunity to join the swelling ranks of historic saloon car racers and the many series that exist today - in an historically successful and interesting car that should appreciate in value over time.