TriumphTR7
A pale gold convertible with its hood down, photographed from low on grass under a wide sky, with poplars behind.

Triumph TR7 Convertible

The open TR7, sold as the Triumph TR7 Convertible in North America from 1979 and as the TR7 Drophead in Britain from 1980: British Leyland's drophead coupé (DHC), made from a Michelotti prototype and built at Canley and Solihull until October 1981.

A late British TR7 convertible, registered in 1981–82, its hood (soft top) folded, photographed from low on the grass at the Luton Festival of Transport in 2017.pyntofmyld, CC BY 2.0

The convertible was the TR7 that American safety rules had seemed to forbid when the car was designed. Its American launch came in the summer of 1979, four years after the coupé's, and Britain had it in March 1980, the year before the TR7 ended. The last TR7 of all, built in October 1981, was a right-hand-drive drophead, now the last TR7 at Gaydon.⁠1​2​3​4​5

Development and engineering

A dark green convertible from behind and to one side, showing the low rear deck and the folded hood.
A TR7 convertible registered in 1981–82, hood folded, in an English car park in July 2023: the low, flat rear deck, without the coupé's raised tail; its mud flaps and wind deflector are later additions.Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0

The TR7 had been a coupé because open cars were expected to be outlawed in America. They were not. The proposed American standard on roof crush failed a court challenge in 1972, Ate Up With Motor writes, and was revised to exempt convertibles; by the time the court had ruled, Motor Sport explained in 1980, it was too late to engineer an open version for the TR7's launch. Work on one began in 1976, AROnline writes, and Road & Track reported in 1979 that money and labour troubles had held its introduction back by about a year.

The prototype came from Michelotti, Ate Up With Motor writes; Triumph did the engineering. With the roof gone, the body needed strength put back. Rover Triumph's own account, issued for the British launch in March 1980, lists an extra box section behind the seats, tied into the pillars behind the doors; rear quarter panels carried down into the sills; and tongue-and-groove fixings above the door latches. Road & Track added stronger suspension mountings and front crossmember, a panel under the rear deck and a stiffer windscreen (windshield) frame. For the shake that open cars suffer, the engineers turned to the front bumper:

By making use of the substantial front bumper armature, which is pivotted at its centre and fitted with carefully tuned weights at its ends, Triumph development engineers have provided an effective and weight-saving antidote to scuttle shake.

Rover Triumph press release, March 1980

A test car, the release adds, covered about 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of the pavé at MIRA, which it calls the equivalent of "at least 100,000 normal road miles", without fatigue. Outside, the convertible has a new rear deck, lower and flat, without the coupé's raised tail. And it weighed no more: BL's figures for 1980 make each convertible slightly lighter than the coupé with the same gearbox (transmission), and Motor Sport, working from the release's figures, called it "5 kg. lighter than the fixed-head". The specifications give the figures.

Speke built about 10 pre-production convertibles in April and May 1978, the TR Drivers Club records, and they were later converted to V8s at Canley.

Contents

The hood

The hood (soft top) folds behind the seats under a cover, without taking room from the boot (trunk). Raised, it reminded people of another car: Road & Track wrote that "nearly everyone who sees it comments on how much it looks like the Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible top". Motor Sport, testing the British car in 1980, found the driving best with it put away: "But really the best way to enjoy this Triumph is at more modest speeds with the hood down."⁠3​5​2

A light blue convertible with its black hood up, parked beside a white building with brick arches.
A British TR7 convertible registered in 1979–80, with its black hood up and the laurel-wreath decal on its nose, beside a white building in England in 2017.Along time ago..., CC BY 2.0

Contents

Launches and markets

The first convertibles were built at Canley from January 1979, for the American 1979 model year, with commission numbers beginning TCT. One was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Expo that spring, and the car was on sale in the United States "by July 1", Road & Track reported; AROnline's timeline also gives July 1979, though its text says May. In Canada the brochure called it "the first new production convertible in a decade".

Britain waited until March 1980. Rover Triumph's release was embargoed until Sunday 2 March, the press drove the cars at Woburn Abbey, and the drophead was shown at Geneva the same month. Motor Sport passed on BL's claim, with a correction:

… the first mass-produced sports convertible to be introduced in the UK since the Triumph TR6 was revealed eleven years ago (not twelve, as the BL Press Release has it) …

C.R., Motor Sport, April 1980

It cost "some £794 more" than an MGB, the magazine noted, and £217 less than the coupé, with alloy wheels £260 extra; its five-speed gearbox was standard. From April 1980 convertibles were built at Solihull too, and once Canley closed that August, there alone. Ate Up With Motor reports that BL expected more than three-quarters of the later TR7s to be convertibles.⁠4​8​2​6​1​3​9​5​10

A gold convertible with its hood down, a laurel-wreath decal and a 2.0 Litre badge on the front wing.
A British TR7 convertible registered in 1980–81, hood folded, with the laurel-wreath decal on its nose and an engine-size badge on its wing, at a show at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, in July 2018.Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

American convertibles

The American convertibles had the federal engine: twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors outside California, and from 1 July 1980 Bosch fuel injection on California's cars, the first of them number 401225, by Michael Hart's count of the factory build cards. For the 1981 model year every American TR7 was injected. The Spider was an American edition of the convertible for the 1980 model year, built at Solihull; special editions gives Hart's count. The North American TR7s page follows the cars by model year, and the TR8, the V8 convertible sold beside them in 1980 and 1981, will have its own site, triumph-tr8.com.⁠5​11​2

A red convertible with its hood up and long black bumpers, side-on beside a building.
A left-hand-drive North American TR7 convertible with its hood up, long bumpers and side markers, parked at a house in Alberta in May 2008; its paint has faded.dave_7, CC BY-SA 2.0

Contents

Verdicts

The testers liked the open car better. Road & Track saw it first:

It simply looks right-it's what the car should have been all along, with a clean, crisp shape that evokes notions of speed and sports car driving excitement.

Thos L. Bryant, Road & Track, 1979

Motor Sport found the handling unchanged by the open body, and less of the body boom above 4,000 rpm than in the closed one. More of what the testers said is on the road tests.

A Canley-built drophead, driven from 8:40; the presenter's verdict is that "the TR7 drop head might just be the car to convert me".Video: The ugly truth about the Triumph TR7, Grand Thrift Auto, 2023

No source read gives a reliable total for the convertible. BL's calendar-year table has no row for convertibles in 1979, though American convertibles were built from January that year, so its rows count only 1980 and 1981, which the production figures below give. The larger total that Wikipedia gives, from the German Oldtimer Katalog, is one BL's published tables cannot confirm.⁠2​3​12​4

A silver convertible with its hood folded away, in a show car park.
A late TR7 convertible with the small round nose badge and its hood folded, at a show in England in July 2022; its wheel trims and mud flaps may not be original.Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

Specification: Convertible

Production

Sources for Production, Convertible

Price new
One good source.UK, 1980; £794 more than the MGB. "C.R.", "The Triumph TR7 Drophead" ("Sunshine Seven"), Motor Sport, Apr 1980, p. 35⁠3
Built
Several figures in print.Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4; Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979⁠2
Built at
One good source.Drophead production. Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4
Price new£5,958
Builtfrom January 1979 (TCT 100001, 1979 model year)

Built, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • from January 1979 (TCT 100001, 1979 model year)One good source: Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016), US convertibles, Canley⁠4
  • on sale in the US by 1 July 1979One good source: Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979⁠2
  • October 1981 (the last TR7 by number, a right-hand-drive drophead)One good source: Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4
Built atCanley (TCT, from January 1979); Solihull (from April 1980)

Engine

Sources for Engine, Convertible

Engine maker
One good source.The TR7's engine. Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5
Capacity
Good sources agree."1998 cc. (122 cu. in.)". Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10; Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Engine position
One good source.The TR7, 1975. Clive Richardson ("C.R."), "The TR7 makes a quiet British bow", Motor Sport, Feb 1975, p. 30⁠13
Block
One good source.Triumph's slant four (and V8) as designed. Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5
Cylinder head
One good source.Early TR7s: head-gasket failure "with an attendant risk of warping the aluminum head". Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5
Valve gear
One good source.The TR7 engine, 1979 ("in other major respects the TR7 is unchanged"). Clive Richardson ("C.R."), "The Triumph TR7", Motor Sport, Jun 1979, p. 58⁠8
Bore × stroke
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Compression ratio
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Fuel system
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Carburettors
One good source.UK. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Cooling
One good source.The TR7's engine. Simon Godrich, "TR7 Tribulations" (owner's checklist), TR Drivers Club⁠14
Cylinder layout
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Aspiration
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Fuel
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Cycle
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Engine makerTriumph
Capacity1998 cc
Engine positionFront
Blockiron
Cylinder headAluminium
Valve gearsingle-overhead camshaft, eight valve cylinder head
Bore × stroke90.3 × 78.0 mm

Bore × stroke, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 90.3 × 78.0 mmGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • 90.3 mm (3.56 in) × 78 mm (3.06 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Compression ratio9.25:1

Compression ratio, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 9.25:1One good source: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, UK⁠1
  • 8.25:1One good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Fuel systemCarburettors 2XSU-HS6 side draught tamper proofed
Carburettorstwo SU HS6
CoolingWater-cooled
Cylinder layoutin line, inclined 45°

Cylinder layout, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • in line, inclined 45°Good sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • 4 in line, inclined 45°Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
FuelPetrol
CycleFour-stroke

Performance

Sources for Performance, Convertible

Power
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Torque
One good source.161 Nm at 3,500 rpm; UK. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Power105 bhp

Power, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 105 bhpGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, 78 kW at 5,500 rpm; drophead, 1980⁠1; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, DIN (77 kW); the non-US cars from 1976⁠5
  • 85.5 bhpOne good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, DIN at 5,500 rpm; Canada, 8.25:1⁠10
Torque119 lb ft

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Convertible

Steering
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Gearbox
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Gears
One good source.Five-speed manual: 3.32, 2.09, 1.40, 1.00, 0.83. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Layout
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Rear brakes
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Front suspension
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Rear suspension
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Tyres
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Wheels
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Final drive
One good source.Manual. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Clutch
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Starter
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Steeringmanual, rack and pinion

Steering, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • manual, rack and pinionGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • Rack and pinionGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Gearboxmanual, five forward ratios; automatic optional

Gearbox, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • manual, five forward ratios; automatic optionalGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • ManualGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Gears5
LayoutRWD
Front brakes241 mm × 9.5 mm discs

Front brakes, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 241 mm × 9.5 mm discsOne good source: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, 1980 specification⁠1
  • 25 cm discsNot yet confirmed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Rear brakes229 mm (manual), 204 mm (automatic)

Rear brakes, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 229 mm (manual), 204 mm (automatic)Good sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • 22.9 cm drumsGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Front suspensionIndependent, comprising telescopic struts and co-axle coil springs, transverse bottom links and an anti-roll bar

Front suspension, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • Independent, comprising telescopic struts and co-axle coil springs, transverse bottom links and an anti-roll barGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • MacPherson strut suspension; independent, telescopic struts, co-axial coil springs, single transverse lower links and anti-roll barGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
Rear suspensionlive axle, lower trailing arms, upper semi-trailing radius rods, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Tyres185/70 HR 13 (manual), 175/70 SR 13 (automatic)

Tyres, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 185/70 HR 13 (manual), 175/70 SR 13 (automatic)Good sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • H-ratedGood sources agree: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, five-speed cars; "wider" than before⁠5
  • 185/70 SR 13One good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
WheelsPressed steel, 13 in dia. with 5½ J safety ledge rims
Final driveShaft
Clutch216 mm dia. (8½ in) single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch

Clutch, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 216 mm dia. (8½ in) single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutchGood sources agree: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
  • 8½ in. dia. (216 mm.) diaphram spring type. Hydraulically operatedGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada⁠10
StarterElectric

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, Convertible

Body material
One good source.Canada. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Doors
One good source.Canada. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Seats
One good source.Canada. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Chassis material
One good source.Canada. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Chassis
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Body materialSteel panelled body with separate front sub-frame
Doors2
Seats2
Chassis materialSteel
ChassisMonocoque

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Convertible

Length
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Width
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Height
One good source.Hood up. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Kerb weight
Several figures in print.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1; "C.R.", "The Triumph TR7 Drophead" ("Sunshine Seven"), Motor Sport, Apr 1980, p. 35⁠3
Wheelbase
One good source.Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980⁠1
Fuel tank
One good source.Canada. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Length4065 mm

Length, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 4065 mmOne good source: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, UK⁠1
  • 165.5 inOne good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, Canada; the brochure's '411.5cm.' contradicts its inches⁠10
Width1681 mm
Height1257 mm
Kerb weight1066 kg

Kerb weight, Convertible

Several figures in print.

  • 1066 kgOne good source: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, DHC, manual, 1980⁠1
  • 1036 kgOne good source: Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, DHC, automatic, 1980⁠1; "C.R.", "The Triumph TR7 Drophead" ("Sunshine Seven"), Motor Sport, Apr 1980, p. 35, 2,284 lb; '5 kg. lighter than the fixed-head'⁠3
Wheelbase2160 mm
Fuel tank54.5 L

Contents

Specification: US

Production

Sources for Production, US

Built
Several figures in print.Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4; Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979⁠2; Keith Adams, "The Cars: Triumph TR7/TR8 development story", AROnline, updated 8 Feb 2024⁠6
Builtfrom January 1979 (TCT 100001, 1979 model year)

Built, US

Several figures in print.

  • from January 1979 (TCT 100001, 1979 model year)One good source: Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016), US convertibles, Canley⁠4
  • on sale in the US by 1 July 1979Good sources agree: Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979⁠2
  • Jul 1979Good sources agree: Keith Adams, "The Cars: Triumph TR7/TR8 development story", AROnline, updated 8 Feb 2024, US sale⁠6

Engine

Sources for Engine, US

Fuel system
Several figures in print.Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013⁠11; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5
Fuel systemfuel injection

Fuel system, US

Several figures in print.

  • fuel injectionOne good source: Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013, California cars from 1 July 1980 (first car 401225); every US car for the 1981 model year⁠11
  • Bosch L-Jetronic injectionGood sources agree: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, every US car, 1981 model year⁠5

Performance

Sources for Performance, US

Power
Several figures in print.Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5
Power86 bhp

Power, US

Several figures in print.

  • 86 bhpOne good source: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, 49 states, by 1980⁠5
  • 89 bhpOne good source: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, every US car, 1981 model year, Bosch L-Jetronic⁠5

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, US

Length
Good sources agree.5.5 in (140 mm) more than the 160 in car sold outside North America. Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠5; Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80⁠10
Length165.5 in

Contents

Specification: Spider

Production

Sources for Production, Spider

Built
One good source.Solihull's 1980 model-year run. Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013⁠11
Built at
Good sources agree.Build cards. Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013⁠11; Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4
Built1 April – 15 October 1980
Built atSolihull

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

9936, Convertible, TR7 DHC, calendar year 1980 (3,737 home, 6,199 export)
One good source.
3202, Convertible, TR7 DHC, calendar year 1981 (1,781 home, 1,421 export)
One good source.
28864, Convertible, convertibles
Not yet confirmed.
1618, Spider special editions, VINs 400301–401918, counted from the Gaydon build cards; 548 fuel-injected for California
One good source.
possibly as high as 1,608, Spider
Not yet confirmed.

  1. 9936Convertible, TR7 DHC, calendar year 1980 (3,737 home, 6,199 export)

    Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4

  2. 3202Convertible, TR7 DHC, calendar year 1981 (1,781 home, 1,421 export)

    Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠4

  3. 28864Convertible, convertibles

    Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR7", 2026⁠7

  4. 1618Spider special editions, VINs 400301–401918, counted from the Gaydon build cards; 548 fuel-injected for California

    Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013⁠11

  5. possibly as high as 1,608Spider

    Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013⁠11

Contents

Sources

Every source the site cites is on the sources page.

  • Primarymade at the time, by the maker or by people who were there
  • Referenceserious later work: clubs, specialists, magazines, books
  • Uncheckedencyclopaedias and enthusiast sites: cited beside a good source, named in the sentence, or marked Unchecked
  1. Rover Triumph (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), "Triumph TR7 Drophead: Structural Engineering and Specifications" (press release), Press release, for release 2 Mar 1980, "Triumph TR7 Drophead"; the box section, quarter panels, door fixings and harmonic bumper; the weights; MIRA, "100,000 normal road miles"; for release on Sunday 2 March 1980; specification, engine; specification, fuel system; specification, steering; specification, transmission; specification, brakes; specification, suspension; specification, wheels and tyres; specification, wheels; specification, electrical; release text; specification, dimensions; specification, weights. trdrivers.com/articles21/tr7dhcengspec1.html Primary
  2. Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979, "Triumph TR7 Convertible"; on sale "by July 1" 1979; the year's delay; the added stiffening; the steering wheel; the Mercedes-Benz 450SL comparison; on sale "by July 1" 1979; the American car of 1979; "It simply looks right …"; page 1, para. 2. trdrivers.com/articles21/newfrombritain1.html Primary
  3. "C.R.", "The Triumph TR7 Drophead" ("Sunshine Seven"), Motor Sport, Apr 1980, p. 35, p. 35, the British launch; p. 35, "a US court ruling"; "5 kg. lighter than the fixed-head"; p. 35, the hood and its cover; "But really the best way …"; p. 35, Woburn Abbey; the price against the MGB and the coupé; the alloy wheels; "The first mass-produced sports convertible …"; p. 35, handling unchanged; less body boom; Apr 1980 p. 35, para. 2; Apr 1980 p. 35. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-1980/35/sunshine-seven Primary
  4. Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016), TCT, from January 1979; DHC rows; the last car, 408534; ACT, about ten pre-production convertibles, April–May 1978; TCT 100001 from January 1979; the Solihull series; DHC rows 1980 and 1981; no 1979 row; TCT prefix entry; Solihull number series; TCT prefix entry; Solihull number series; table b, 1980; table b, 1981. trdrivers.com/tr7_-_tr8_vin_numbers.htm Reference
  5. Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, p. 4, the caption crediting the design to Michelotti; p. 4, the 1972 court challenge; Michelotti's prototype; p. 4, caption: the hood stows behind the seats; p. 4, three-quarters of production to be convertibles; p. 2, carburettors to 1980, injection for 1981; p. 4, the TR8 beside it; p. 2; p. 2, sidebar; p. 3; p. 2 caption. ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/triumph-tr7-tr8 Reference
  6. Keith Adams, "The Cars: Triumph TR7/TR8 development story", AROnline, updated 8 Feb 2024, work on an open car from 1976; the quarter panels; the bumper weights; timeline, July 1979 and March 1980; text, May 1979; timeline. aronline.co.uk/cars/triumph/tr7-tr8/bullet-development-story Reference
  7. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR7", 2026, the convertible's designer, citing Knowles; infobox. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_TR7 Unchecked
  8. Clive Richardson ("C.R."), "The Triumph TR7", Motor Sport, Jun 1979, p. 58, p. 58, the Los Angeles Auto Expo "last month"; Jun 1979 p. 58, engine paragraph. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/june-1979/58/the-triumph-tr7 Primary
  9. Motor Sport, News, editorials and short items on the TR7 (group), Jul 1975 – Aug 1981; Apr 2002, Apr 1980, p. 58, Geneva. motorsportmagazine.com/archive Primary
  10. Jaguar Rover Triumph Canada (Burlington, Ontario), Triumph TR7 Convertible (sales brochure), Canada, c. 1979–80, "the first new production convertible in a decade"; specifications, engine; specifications, steering; specifications, transmission; specifications, brakes; brochure text; specifications, suspension; specifications, wheels; specifications, body style; specifications, dimensions; specifications, capacities. archive.org/details/triumph-tr7-convertible-car-brochure Primary
  11. Michael Hart, "Counting TR7 Spiders: A Day at the Gaydon Archive", Triumph Wedge Owners Association, © 2013, Solihull from 1 April 1980; California injection from 1 July 1980, 401225; the Spiders; Spider page, text; Spider page, count and table; note [2]. triumphwedgeowners.org/spider Reference
  12. Keith Cox, "Gaydon cars with a TR7 connection", TR Drivers Club, the last TR7, a drophead. trdrivers.com/articles21/gaydoncars.html Reference
  13. Clive Richardson ("C.R."), "The TR7 makes a quiet British bow", Motor Sport, Feb 1975, p. 30, Feb 1975 p. 30, layout paragraph. motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-1975/30/the-tr7-makesa-quiet-british-bow Primary
  14. Simon Godrich, "TR7 Tribulations" (owner's checklist), TR Drivers Club, items 3 (cylinder head), 4 (cooling), 5 (water pump). trdrivers.com/articles21/tr7tribulations1.html Reference

Contents