1980 Triumph TR8 Grinnall

Background:

Triumph’s TR7 was launched in 1974, the latest in a proud line of TRs that had earned the Coventry firm a fine reputation for sportscar manufacture. Following on from the open-topped, 2.5-litre straight-six TR6, the 2-litre TR7 – with its elegant Harris Mann-penned wedge-shaped coupé styling – wasn’t immediately taken to by TR-fanciers; too modern, it had a roof and it didn’t have the oomph of the fuel-injected TR6.

Triumph had been worried that impending US legislation might kill convertibles entirely in that critical market, so a soft-top wasn’t introduced until 1979. The 105hp of the four-pot engine, however, was rather more of a problem, as in US form it mustered a mere 92hp and plans had been afoot to rectify that situation since early in the TR7’s gestation, not by fitting Triumph’s own SOHC V8, which was running into problems in the Stag, but rather using Rover’s 3.5-litre V8.

But Triumph was beaten to the draw – British tuners had also seen the potential, in much the same way that John Cooper and others began seriously tuning the Mini long before BMC. Among them was Worcestershire’s Mark Grinnall, who began converting TR7s for customers who wanted a bit more oomph – a minimum of 145hp for the most basic conversion, along with suitably modified breathing and exhausts, transmission, cooling, braking and suspension – plus considerable attention to the lack-lustre factory rust-proofing!

The small team at Grinnall offered tuning options up to 300hp, which brought the 0-60 time down from around 10 seconds to 6, creating quite the fire-breathing road rocket, capable of living with supercars from Porsche and Lotus. Steel body kits, wider wheels and tyres and a host of interior and exterior options were possible and Grinnall tailored cars for each customer’s desires (and pocket) finding 350 enthusiasts happy to supply a base car and part with a modest amount of cash for a greatly-improved TR.

The car:

This handsome blue example began life as a 1980 convertible (Drop Head Coupé in Triumph-speak) and was one of the earliest UK-market right-hand-drive soft-top TRs, as they had only become available in Great Britain early that year.

The vendor has owned this Grinnall for the past eight years and is in regular contact with the previous keeper, who initiated and oversaw the restoration process of this British rarity. The car has been used as Mark Grinnall intended - as reliable, quick, exciting transport - having been a regular at the Le Mans 24 Hours race over the years.

Finished in a fetching shade of Subaru blue - which suits the car’s shape so well that it looks like it could have been an original BL factory colour, rather than just 5 years old – this V8 certainly belies its age, thanks to a recent restoration. The front and rear impact bumpers have been colour-coded, as have the door handles, further adding to the more modern look of this particular example. Featuring a new black soft-top from Don Trimming in Birmingham (who supplied the original hood to Grinnall) and nicely refurbished alloys, the car presents as well as it goes.

And, of course, performance is really what a Grinnall TR8 is all about. This V8 now features a 3.9-litre version of the Rover SD1 power-unit, breathing strongly through twin Holley carbs and the vendor says that it is ‘amazing to drive’, while Mark Grinnall’s attention to the TR’s handling and brakes is also evident, especially thanks to the front suspension having been fitted with new dampers. The radiator, cooling fans and all hoses have also been replaced.

There is an extensive history file accompanying the Grinnall, the car has been recognised by the TR Grinnall Register and is registered as a Historic Vehicle with the DVLA, so the Road Fund Licence will be cost-free.

Summary:

A real rarity, with the style of Harris Mann and Michelotti’s designs, plus the grunt of a well-developed Rover V8, fully restored. Will you be the next to fall in love with this Grinnall?

Location: Buckinghamshire

Photography: Professional

Seller: Private