1980 TRIUMPH TR8 Clean Survivor Low Miles 23k V8 5 Speed NR

1980 Triumph TR8

Up for auction is this rare original 1980 Triumph TR8. I'm listing this for a friend who's owned it for 20 years. It's only been used for occasional pleasure driving since he's owned it. V8 engine, 5 speed transmission, 23,437 original miles. This is a very nice example of a TR8 and still retains it's original drive train, paint, interior, top, etc... A true survivor that should be a great find for a Triumph enthusiast.
This car was purchased at the 1997 Hot August Nights auction in Reno and shipped to Washington state. I've seen this car often since the purchase and it's always been clean and garaged when not in use. This is the very limited fuel injected model built compliant with California emission requirements. A very clean, original, tight driving car with no known accidents.
I had the pleasure of taking this car for a drive recently and was very impressed with the power it has and how quiet it rides. I didn't notice any squeaks or rattles and it steers especially tight. It shifts smooth and I didn't hear any unusual noises from the drivetrain. I found that the brakes worked well, but the pedal seemed to require more effort than expected. I suspect there may be an issue with the power brake booster. I noted a small exhaust leak barely audible when first accelerating. The underside of the car is dry and does not appear to be leaking any fluids. The radiator has visible discoloration on the tanks, and will probably require attention some time in the future, but still works well. Some slight surface rust on undercarriage pieces here and there, that appears normal for it's age.
The engine sounds great and does not smoke, tick or rattle. I noticed it surges some while driving and when warmed up the idle likes to fluctuate up and down some. These issues have not been investigated, and I expect a good tune up or minor adjustments would correct these.
The body, interior, and top are very nice. It's finished in Poseidon Green metallic with Golden Tan Check interior and black top and tonneu cover. There is a small ding near the passenger side headlight that I've tried to show in a picture. It's very small and barely noticed. The paint on the driver's door and fender have some light stains I've also tried to show in the pictures. When the car was being transported to Washington state after it's purchase, a car above it on the carrier leaked some fluids onto these areas, and though they were addressed at the time, they left some small drip type stains in the paint finish. They are only a distraction up close. The small plastic quarter window of the top, on the driver's side, is cracked (pictured). Some of the outer caps of the snaps that hold the top down are missing, but are probably easy to replace. I did not lower the top, but assume it should go up and down as expected. I saw no cracks to the material of the top itself.
The interior shows very well and I found no tears in the seats, no cracks in the dash, no holes or major soiling to the carpet, nice door panels, etc... The stereo is aftermarket as are the wheels. They were installed by the previous owner and are period to the car. The doors open and shut well, lock properly, windows roll up and down well. Gauges all work, even the clock. Headlights go up and down properly. Wipers work. The indicator light for the left blinker didn't work when I was inspecting it. The heater and fan worked fine. The grilles for the door speakers are missing. This car is not equipped with air conditioning.
Tires are all Goodyear but do not match from front to rear. The rear tires are made in England and I suspect they are original, the front tires having been replaced by previous owner. The tires on this car are all very old and should probably be replaced do to age, though the car rides very smooth with the current tires and they all have good tread.
If you're looking for a low mile TR8 that's very original, hasn't been messed with, and is still in great shape, this car is well worth considering.
If you're interested in bidding on this car, I strongly recommend it be inspected in person by the bidder or their agent. It's available for viewing by appointment near Gig Harbor, in Washington State. I've tried to describe the car accurately but it's no substitute for an in person viewing. Clear Washington State title in hand. Car is being sold as/is and where/is. Buyer responsible for shipping if necessary. $500 deposit due withing 48 hours. Payment in full due within 10 days unless other arrangements are made ahead of time.

• Make: Triumph
• Model: TR8
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1980
• Mileage: 23,437
• VIN: TPZDVSAT206398
• Color: Green
• Engine size: 215
• Number of cylinders: 8
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Tan
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!