TriumphTR8

Triumph TR8 Convertible

The TR8 almost every buyer got: the TR7 convertible with Rover's V8, built at Canley and Solihull for the 1979 to 1982 model years and sold in America with carburettors or fuel injection. The American press often called it the TR8 roadster.

A pale blue TR8 convertible with a dark blue hood up on a hall floor, club banners behind it.
A left-hand-drive TR8 convertible, hood (soft top) raised, at Birmingham's Classic Motor Show in November 2025.kitmasterbloke, CC BY 4.0

The convertible is the TR8 most people mean: Ate Up With Motor writes that all or nearly all TR8s were convertibles. Michael Lamm, who drove it at the launch, set the magazines' word right: "actually, the soft-top was a convertible, because it had roll-up windows." For Motor Trend that was the point:

…the TR8 is a genuine convertible, just like in the good old days. It is not one of those ersatz T-top or 'spyder' affairs.

Fred M. H. Gregory, Motor Trend, June 1980

Canley built the first, for the 1979 model year, and those of the 1980 model year, and Solihull most of the later ones.⁠1​2​3​4

From TR7 convertible to TR8 convertible

The TR8 convertible is the TR7 convertible with the V8 drivetrain. Road & Track explained in 1979 that the coupé's body was stiff enough to be opened up without much redesign: the suspension mountings and front crossmember were strengthened, a box member was added behind the seats and a panel across the body under the rear deck, and the windscreen (windshield) frame was made stronger. Road Test listed the same bracing, and Ate Up With Motor adds balancing weights in the front bumpers and credits the open body to Giovanni Michelotti.

Its hood (soft top) drew comment. Road & Track reported in 1979 that "nearly everyone who sees it comments on how much it looks like the Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible top", and Car and Driver that "one person can manage it in a couple of minutes".

Against a TR7 convertible, the TR8 had Rover's V8, power steering as standard, firmer springs and dampers, its own front subframe, the battery moved to the boot (trunk), the Rover SD1's higher-geared axle, alloy wheels, twin exhausts and its own badges. Its front brake discs were thicker, by about half, as both Autocar and Car and Driver reported; on how their diameter compared with the TR7's, the two magazines disagree.⁠5​6​1​7​8​9

A dark green Triumph TR8 convertible with its black hood up, parked on grass beside a circuit's guard rail.
The hood that, *Road & Track* reported in 1979, nearly everyone likened to a Mercedes-Benz 450SL's, raised on a dark green TR8 at Lime Rock, Connecticut, in September 2024.Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Canley, 1979 model year

The first TR8 convertibles were built at Canley with chassis numbers from TCV 200001, for the 1979 model year. Jaguar Rover Triumph had hoped to have a TR8 convertible in American showrooms by the autumn of 1979. No source read gives the number of TCV cars: triumphtr8.com writes that the record-keeping of the time was "anything but accurate", so the number "is likely to remain unknown". It adds that many were painted in the earlier TR7 and TR8 colours, Russet Brown among them. They had carburettors, and engine numbers from 10E to 13E.⁠2​10​11​5

Contents

The 1980 model year

From October 1979 Canley gave its cars 14-character numbers in one series for every TR7 and TR8, and the TR8 convertible's prefix said where it was going: TPVDV for 49 states, TPZDV for California and TPLDV for Canada. triumphtr8.com calls a car of the 1980 model year "easy to identify with a large TR8 badge on the front panel", and Road & Track that the larger bonnet (hood) bulge had been added late in the 1979 model year to every Triumph sports car.

This was the year of two engines: two Zenith-Stromberg carburettors for 49 states, Lucas/Bosch L-Jetronic injection for California. James TenCate of the Triumph Wedge Owners Association estimated that about a fifth of the cars of the 1980 model year in the clubs' records were injected. Jaguar Rover Triumph put two power ratings for the injected engine into print that year: one in the press figures that Road & Track, Motor Trend and Road Test printed, and a higher one in its own brochure of April 1980, which Car and Driver printed too. The specifications give both.

Inside were blue or tan vinyl seats with tartan plaid inserts, and Mike Cook remembers that what criticism the TR8 drew "was reserved for the tacky, plaid-trimmed interior which was identical to the TR7". The options were air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo, fog lamps, a luggage rack, striping kits and floor mats.⁠2​10​7​12​8​13​14

The engine bay of a light blue TR8, the V8 fed by a carburettor under a black airbox, with orange ignition leads.
The V8 of a carburettor TR8, its Zenith-Stromberg carburettors under a black airbox, at a classic car meet in Alberta, Canada, in July 2008.dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0

Contents

The 1981 model year

Solihull built almost all of the cars of the 1981 model year, and "All of the 1981 models had fuel injection", as Cook puts it. Their engines were numbered 14E, or 15E with the automatic in James TenCate's reading of the records, though Cook's own panel lists no automatic for 1981: the versions page sets out the dispute. The highest 14E number TenCate found, 14E00799, was in a Silver Leaf car built on 12 October 1981, one of the last.

Cook records that "For 1981, Triumph dropped the plaid interiors of the 1980 cars and upholstered seats and doors in an attractive cloth", blue or tan velour, and triumphtr8.com adds square door locks and larger headrests. Ate Up With Motor's picture captions give the 1981 model-year cars a second inset in the bonnet and a passenger door mirror as standard. From May 1981 the chassis number gained the letters SAT in front and a check digit, to meet new American and Canadian rules. Which power rating applied to the 1981 engine is unsettled in the sources read.

The last TR8s by number and by date were both built in October 1981, and both are among the notable cars.⁠14​13​15​1​2​10

A white wedge convertible with a tan hood and rust along its bonnet edge and front wing, in an industrial yard.
A convertible its photographer describes as a 1981 TR8, with a Triumph roundel on its nose, a mirror on the passenger door and plain tan seats, rusting at its bonnet's front edge in Sausalito, California, in January 2013.Mic from Reading - Berkshire, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0

Contents

The 1982 model year in Canada

The last cars to leave Solihull were sold in Canada as 1982 models. An enthusiast site, tr8.com, recorded about 70 Canadian-specification TR8s, and about 130 TR7s, built between 21 August and 10 October 1981, with a C for 1982 in the chassis number; it lists them in Silver Leaf, Champagne or Cashmere Gold, with kilometre speedometers and a scoop under the front bumper to cool the starter. Canadian dealers advertised 1982 TR7s and TR8s.⁠16​17

Contents

Against its rivals

Of the four rivals the American magazines named, the convertible was cheaper than the Chevrolet Corvette and the Porsche 924, dearer than the Mazda RX-7 and, in Michael Lamm's figures, close in price to the Datsun 280-ZX; quicker than the Mazda and the Datsun, slower than the Corvette. The history gives their prices and how it compared for pace, and Cook gave it a place of its own:

Despite being so long in coming, the TR8 was the first new British sports convertible since the Series III E-type went out of production …

Michael L. Cook, Special Interest Autos, November–December 1996⁠7​3​14
A maroon Chevrolet Corvette coupé in profile, parked at a kerb in front of a grassy bank.
Dearer and quicker than the TR8: a Chevrolet Corvette of the 1980 style, in a photograph of 2016.Jeremy from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0

Contents

Specification: 49-State

Production

Sources for Production, 49-State

Price new
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (via triumphtr8.com), Window labels (suggested retail price and EPA economy) of a 1980 TR8 convertible (49-state, carburettor) and a 1981 TR8 (injected), 1980⁠18; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48⁠3; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
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)⁠2; triumphtr8.com, Variant pages (group): "FHC TR8 (ACN) 1977", "FHC TR8 (TCN) 1978–1979", "TR8 (TCV) 1979 DHC", "TR8 (TP) 1980", "DHC TR8 (SAT) 1981/82"⁠10; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14; James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13
Designers
Several figures in print.Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built at
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)⁠2
Price new$11,900

Price new, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • $11,900Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (via triumphtr8.com), Window labels (suggested retail price and EPA economy) of a 1980 TR8 convertible (49-state, carburettor) and a 1981 TR8 (injected), 1980, 1980 49-state convertible, manufacturer's suggested retail price P.O.E.⁠18; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48, suggested retail price for the roadster, May 1980⁠3
  • $11,500 (est.)One good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, estimate before prices were set, June 1980⁠7
Built1979 (first TCV convertibles) to August 1980 (Canley car assembly ended)

Built, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 1979 (first TCV convertibles) to August 1980 (Canley car assembly ended)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), Canley⁠2
  • TCV 1979 MY, then TP 1980 MY, CanleyOne good source: triumphtr8.com, Variant pages (group): "FHC TR8 (ACN) 1977", "FHC TR8 (TCN) 1978–1979", "TR8 (TCV) 1979 DHC", "TR8 (TP) 1980", "DHC TR8 (SAT) 1981/82"⁠10
  • to the 1980 model yearGood sources agree: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17, North America; the 1981 cars were all fuel-injected⁠14; James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2, North America; the 1981 cars were all fuel-injected⁠13
DesignersHarris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)

Designers, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • Harris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)Good sources agree: Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19
  • Harris Mann (styling)Good sources agree: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built atCanley (VIN letter T)

Engine

Sources for Engine, 49-State

Capacity
Good sources agree.All. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Engine position
Good sources agree.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Valve gear
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Bore × stroke
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Compression ratio
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026⁠15
Fuel system
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Carburettors
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Aspiration
One good source.US 49-state, 1980 MY. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Cycle
One good source.Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Capacity3528 cc
Engine positionFront
Valve gearoverhead valve

Valve gear, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • overhead valveGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • hydraulic valve liftersGood sources agree: Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4
  • pushrods, overhead valves, hydraulic liftersGood sources agree: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Bore × stroke88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)

Bore × stroke, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, all⁠12
  • 88.9 x 71.1 mmGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, all⁠7
Compression ratio8.1:1

Compression ratio, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 8.1:1Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, North America⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, North America⁠7
  • 8.13:1One good source: triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026, North America, engine-number list⁠15
Fuel systemCarburetor

Fuel system, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • CarburetorGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US 49-state, 1980 MY⁠12
  • a pair of Stromberg carburettorsGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, "the rest of the country"⁠7
Carburettorstwin Zenith-Stromberg 175CDSET carbs on 49-state cars

Carburettors, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • twin Zenith-Stromberg 175CDSET carbs on 49-state carsGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, US 49-state, 1980 MY⁠6
  • twin Zenith 1.75 CDSETGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US 49-state, 1980 MY⁠12
  • StrombergGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, US 49-state, 1980 MY⁠7
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
CycleFour-stroke

Performance

Sources for Performance, 49-State

Power
Good sources agree.SAE net, at 5,000 rpm; US 49-state, 1980 MY. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Torque
Good sources disagree.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1; Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Standing start
One good source.Quarter mile at 83 mph; the 49-state figure C&D quotes. Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Power133 bhp
Torque174 lb ft

Torque, 49-State

Good sources disagree.

  • 174 lb ftDisputed: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, at 3,000 rpm; carburettor⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, at 3,000 rpm, "w/carbs"; JRT press data⁠6; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, carburettor⁠1
  • 168 lb ftDisputed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, at 3,000 rpm; US 49-state, 1980 MY⁠12
Standing start16.7 s

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, 49-State

Steering
One good source.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Gears
One good source.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Front brakes
One good source.1980. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Rear brakes
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Front suspension
Good sources agree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Rear suspension
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Tyres
Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Wheels
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Clutch
One good source.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Steeringpower-assisted rack and pinion, 2.8 turns lock to lock
Gears5
Front brakessolid discs 244 mm (9.61 in), servo
Rear brakesdrums 229 mm (9 in)

Rear brakes, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • drums 229 mm (9 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • drums 9 inGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Front suspensionMacPherson struts, coil springs, lower arms, anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionlive axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar

Rear suspension, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • live axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • live axle on four links, coil springs, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • tube shocksGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Tyres185/70 HR 13

Tyres, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 185/70 HR 13Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • 185/70SRx13One good source: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Wheels13 x 5.5J cast alloy

Wheels, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 13 x 5.5J cast alloyGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • 13 x 5.5J alloyGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Clutchdiaphragm, 241 mm (9.5 in), hydraulic

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, 49-State

Body material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Doors
Good sources agree.Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Chassis material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Body materialunit steel

Body material, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Doors2
Chassis materialunit steel

Chassis material, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, 49-State

Length
Good sources agree.US convertible (4,201 mm). Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Width
Good sources agree.1,681 mm. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Height
Good sources agree.Hood up (1,257 mm). Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Kerb weight
Good sources disagree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Wheelbase
Good sources agree.2,159 mm. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Ground clearance
Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Fuel tank
One good source.55.3 L. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Length165.4 in
Width66.2 in
Height49.5 in
Kerb weight2677 lb

Kerb weight, 49-State

Good sources disagree.

  • 2677 lbDisputed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US 1980, brochure (1,214 kg)⁠12
  • 2662 lbDisputed: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, carburettor; JRT press data⁠6
Wheelbase85.0 in
Ground clearance3.6 in

Ground clearance, 49-State

Several figures in print.

  • 3.6 inGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, 91 mm⁠12; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
  • 3.5 inOne good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, 89 mm⁠7
Fuel tank14.6 US gal

Contents

Specification: Fuel Injection

Production

Sources for Production, Fuel Injection

Price new
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (via triumphtr8.com), Window labels (suggested retail price and EPA economy) of a 1980 TR8 convertible (49-state, carburettor) and a 1981 TR8 (injected), 1980⁠18; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Don Green, "Triumph TR8: a 20,000-mile durability run", Motor Trend (probably: not printed on the scans), 1980 or 1981⁠20; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built
Several figures in print.James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13; triumphtr8.com, "Production Figures for the TR8", 5 Jan 2026⁠21; California Air Resources Board (via the Triumph Wedge Owners Association), California Air Resources Board executive orders A-5-47 (1979 model year), A-5-49 (1980) and A-220-5 (1981), with supplemental data sheets, 22 Feb 1979; 18 Mar 1980; Mar 1981⁠22
Designers
Several figures in print.Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built at
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)⁠2
Price new$12,995

Price new, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • $12,995One good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (via triumphtr8.com), Window labels (suggested retail price and EPA economy) of a 1980 TR8 convertible (49-state, carburettor) and a 1981 TR8 (injected), 1980, 1981, manufacturer's suggested retail price P.O.E.⁠18
  • $12,325One good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, as tested, 1980⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, as tested, 1980⁠6
  • just over $13,000One good source: Don Green, "Triumph TR8: a 20,000-mile durability run", Motor Trend (probably: not printed on the scans), 1980 or 1981, with air conditioning⁠20
  • over $14,000One good source: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17, 1981, fully equipped⁠14
Built1980 (California, 1980 MY) to October 1981 (engine 14E00799 in a car built 12 Oct 1981)

Built, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 1980 (California, 1980 MY) to October 1981 (engine 14E00799 in a car built 12 Oct 1981)Good sources agree: James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13
  • October 1981 (408533 built 12 Oct 1981; 408405 finished 20 Oct 1981)Good sources agree: triumphtr8.com, "Production Figures for the TR8", 5 Jan 2026, last cars⁠21
  • 1980 model year: injected California TR8 certified 18 March 1980One good source: California Air Resources Board (via the Triumph Wedge Owners Association), California Air Resources Board executive orders A-5-47 (1979 model year), A-5-49 (1980) and A-220-5 (1981), with supplemental data sheets, 22 Feb 1979; 18 Mar 1980; Mar 1981, order A-5-49⁠22
DesignersHarris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)

Designers, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • Harris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)Good sources agree: Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19
  • Harris Mann (styling)Good sources agree: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built atCanley (1980 California cars), Solihull (1981 model year)

Engine

Sources for Engine, Fuel Injection

Capacity
Good sources agree.All. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Engine position
Good sources agree.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Valve gear
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Bore × stroke
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Compression ratio
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026⁠15
Fuel system
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13
Aspiration
One good source.Injected; California 1980 MY. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Cycle
One good source.Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Capacity3528 cc
Engine positionFront
Valve gearoverhead valve

Valve gear, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • overhead valveGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • hydraulic valve liftersGood sources agree: Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4
  • pushrods, overhead valves, hydraulic liftersGood sources agree: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Bore × stroke88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)

Bore × stroke, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, all⁠12
  • 88.9 x 71.1 mmGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, all⁠7
Compression ratio8.1:1

Compression ratio, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 8.1:1Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, North America⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, North America⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
  • 8.13:1One good source: triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026, North America, engine-number list⁠15
Fuel systemLucas/Bosch L-Jetronic electronic injection, closed loop

Fuel system, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • Lucas/Bosch L-Jetronic electronic injection, closed loopGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, injected; California 1980 MY⁠12
  • Lucas/Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection with a 3-way catalystGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, injected; California 1980 MY⁠7
  • fuel injectionGood sources agree: James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2, 1981 MY, every car outside the UK⁠13
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
CycleFour-stroke

Performance

Sources for Performance, Fuel Injection

Power
Good sources disagree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR8", 2026⁠23
Torque
Good sources disagree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4
Top speed
Several figures in print.Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Don Green, "Triumph TR8: a 20,000-mile durability run", Motor Trend (probably: not printed on the scans), 1980 or 1981⁠20; Malcolm Paris (compiler), "Triumph TR7 / TR7 V8 and TR8 Buyers Guide", TR Register⁠24; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1
0–60 mph
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Malcolm Paris (compiler), "Triumph TR7 / TR7 V8 and TR8 Buyers Guide", TR Register⁠24; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48⁠3
Standing start
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4
Power148 bhp

Power, Fuel Injection

Good sources disagree.

  • 148 bhpDisputed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, SAE net, at 5,100 rpm; injected; California 1980 MY (JRT brochure)⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, SAE net, at 5,100 rpm; injected; California 1980 MY (C&D test car)⁠8; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR8", 2026, at 5,100 rpm; 1981 North America (R&T 1981 annual, as cited)⁠23
  • 137 bhpDisputed: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, SAE net, at 5,000 rpm; injected; California 1980 MY (R&T)⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, SAE net, at 5,000 rpm; injected; California 1980 MY (JRT press data)⁠6; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, SAE net, at 5,000 rpm; injected; California 1980 MY (JRT press data)⁠4
Torque180 lb ft

Torque, Fuel Injection

Good sources disagree.

  • 180 lb ftDisputed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, at 3,250 rpm; injected⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, at 3,250 rpm; injected⁠8; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, at 3,250 rpm; injected⁠1
  • 165 lb ftDisputed: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, at 3,200 rpm; injected⁠7
  • 168 lb ftDisputed: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, at 3,250 rpm; injected⁠6; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, at 3,250 rpm; injected⁠4
Top speed117 mph

Top speed, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 117 mphOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, measured, fifth gear at 4,750 rpm⁠8
  • 120 mphOne good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, data panel, fifth at 4,700 rpm⁠7; Malcolm Paris (compiler), "Triumph TR7 / TR7 V8 and TR8 Buyers Guide", TR Register, performance table⁠24
  • 135 mphOne good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, "Our test TR8 reached 135 mph" (text; its own panel gives 120)⁠7
  • 130 mphOne good source: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, estimated⁠6
  • 123 mphOne good source: Don Green, "Triumph TR8: a 20,000-mile durability run", Motor Trend (probably: not printed on the scans), 1980 or 1981, "made its 123-mph run"; durability-run car⁠20
  • about 125 mphOne good source: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1
0–60 mph8.4 s

0–60 mph, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 8.4 sGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, injected⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, injected⁠6; Malcolm Paris (compiler), "Triumph TR7 / TR7 V8 and TR8 Buyers Guide", TR Register, performance table⁠24
  • 8.1 sOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, injected⁠8
  • 8.5 sOne good source: Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, injected⁠4; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48, stopwatch, launch drive (recalled)⁠3
Standing start16.3 s

Standing start, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 16.3 sOne good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, quarter mile at 85.5 mph⁠7
  • 16.2 sOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, quarter mile at 87 mph⁠8
  • 16.34 sOne good source: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, quarter mile at 85.4 mph⁠6
  • 16.6 sOne good source: Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, quarter mile at 84.2 mph⁠4

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Fuel Injection

Steering
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Gears
Good sources agree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48⁠3
Rear brakes
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Front suspension
Good sources agree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Rear suspension
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Tyres
Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Wheels
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Clutch
One good source.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Steeringpower-assisted rack and pinion, 2.8 turns lock to lock

Steering, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • power-assisted rack and pinion, 2.8 turns lock to lockGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • 2.7 turns lock to lockOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
  • 2.8 turns lock to lockGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Gears5
Front brakessolid discs 244 mm (9.61 in), servo

Front brakes, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • solid discs 244 mm (9.61 in), servoOne good source: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, 1980⁠12
  • discs 9.8 in (249 mm)One good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • solid discs 9.5 inOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, "thicker by 50 percent" than the TR7's⁠8
  • discs 9.7 inOne good source: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48⁠3
Rear brakesdrums 229 mm (9 in)

Rear brakes, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • drums 229 mm (9 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • drums 9 inGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Front suspensionMacPherson struts, coil springs, lower arms, anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionlive axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar

Rear suspension, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • live axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • live axle on four links, coil springs, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • tube shocksGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Tyres185/70 HR 13

Tyres, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 185/70 HR 13Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • 185/70SRx13One good source: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Wheels13 x 5.5J cast alloy

Wheels, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 13 x 5.5J cast alloyGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
  • 13 x 5.5J alloyGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Clutchdiaphragm, 241 mm (9.5 in), hydraulic

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, Fuel Injection

Body material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Doors
Good sources agree.Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Chassis material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Body materialunit steel

Body material, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Doors2
Chassis materialunit steel

Chassis material, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Fuel Injection

Length
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Width
Good sources agree.1,681 mm. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Height
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Kerb weight
Good sources disagree.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Wheelbase
Good sources agree.2,159 mm. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Ground clearance
Several figures in print.Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Fuel tank
Good sources agree.55.3 L. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Length165.4 in

Length, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 165.4 inGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US convertible (4,201 mm)⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • 165.5 inGood sources agree: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Width66.2 in
Height49.5 in

Height, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 49.5 inGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, hood up (1,257 mm)⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
  • 49.2 inOne good source: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
  • 48.5 inOne good source: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Kerb weight2677 lb

Kerb weight, Fuel Injection

Good sources disagree.

  • 2677 lbDisputed: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US 1980, brochure (1,214 kg)⁠12; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17, 1981 (same as the brochure)⁠14
  • 2655 lbDisputed: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, injected test car⁠7
  • 2620 lbDisputed: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, injected test car⁠8
  • 2650 lbDisputed: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, injected; JRT press data⁠6
  • 2660 lbDisputed: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, convertible⁠1
Wheelbase85.0 in
Ground clearance3.6 in

Ground clearance, Fuel Injection

Several figures in print.

  • 3.6 inGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, 91 mm⁠12; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
  • 3.5 inOne good source: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, 89 mm⁠7
Fuel tank14.6 US gal

Contents

Specification: UK RHD

Production

Sources for Production, UK RHD

Built
One good source.Build records; project approved end March 1980. triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25
Designers
Several figures in print.Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19; Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built at
One good source.triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25
BuiltApril 1980 to 31 March 1981
DesignersHarris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)

Designers, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • Harris Mann (styling of the TR7/TR8 body)Good sources agree: Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19
  • Harris Mann (styling)Good sources agree: Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17⁠14
Built atfirst batch built at Canley, second at Solihull; chassis numbers carry the Solihull code

Engine

Sources for Engine, UK RHD

Capacity
Good sources agree.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Engine position
Good sources agree.US convertible. Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Valve gear
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980⁠4; Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Bore × stroke
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Compression ratio
One good source.20E/21E engines. triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026⁠15; R. Hurdwell (BL Motorsport, Abingdon), "TR8 Modifications" (memo, 4 pp.), BL Motorsport (via the Triumph Wedge Owners Association), 16 Dec 1980⁠26
Fuel system
Several figures in print.James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13; triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25
Carburettors
Several figures in print.triumphtr8.com, "Rover V8", 12 Aug 2026⁠27; triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026⁠15; Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5⁠1
Aspiration
One good source.James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13
Cycle
One good source.US convertible. Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8
Capacity3528 cc
Engine positionFront
Valve gearoverhead valve

Valve gear, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • overhead valveGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US convertible⁠12
  • hydraulic valve liftersGood sources agree: Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, US convertible⁠4
  • pushrods, overhead valves, hydraulic liftersGood sources agree: Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, US convertible⁠8
Bore × stroke88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)

Bore × stroke, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • 88.9 x 71.1 mm (3.50 x 2.80 in)Good sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US convertible⁠12
  • 88.9 x 71.1 mmGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, US convertible⁠7
Compression ratio9.35:1
Fuel systemcarburettors

Fuel system, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • carburettorsGood sources agree: James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13
  • carburettors, no injectionGood sources agree: triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25
CarburettorsZenith-Stromberg

Carburettors, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • Zenith-StrombergOne good source: triumphtr8.com, "Rover V8", 12 Aug 2026⁠27; triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026⁠15
  • twin SUNot yet confirmed: Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, non-US TR8s; no source given in the passage⁠1
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
CycleFour-stroke

Performance

Sources for Performance, UK RHD

Power
Good sources disagree.TR Drivers Club, "Early Cars: TR8" (data panel)⁠28; triumphtr8.com, "TR8 How Fast", 10 Feb 2026⁠29; triumphtr8.com, Pages (group): "TR8 Press Cars UK", "TR8 Press Articles and Cuttings" (21 Mar 2026), "Classic and Sports Car TR8 Article" (9 Apr 2026), 2026⁠30
Top speed
Several figures in print.triumphtr8.com, "TR8 How Fast", 10 Feb 2026⁠29; triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25
Power152 bhp

Power, UK RHD

Good sources disagree.

  • 152 bhpDisputed: TR Drivers Club, "Early Cars: TR8" (data panel), at 4,750 rpm; UK carburettor (unsourced panel)⁠28
  • 153 bhpDisputed: triumphtr8.com, "TR8 How Fast", 10 Feb 2026, EXP 923, the MIRA car⁠29
  • 155 bhpDisputed: triumphtr8.com, Pages (group): "TR8 Press Cars UK", "TR8 Press Articles and Cuttings" (21 Mar 2026), "Classic and Sports Car TR8 Article" (9 Apr 2026), 2026, "standard ... RHD pre production cars" (Classic & Sports Car, as shown)⁠30
Top speed205 km/h

Top speed, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • 205 km/hOne good source: triumphtr8.com, "TR8 How Fast", 10 Feb 2026, design maximum, UK type approval no. 377, para 8.5 (127 mph)⁠29
  • 130.43 mphOne good source: triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026, EXP 923, MIRA flying quarter mile, 27 Aug 1981, from Roy Ford's account⁠25

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, UK RHD

Steering
One good source.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Gears
One good source.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Front brakes
One good source.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Rear brakes
One good source.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Front suspension
Good sources agree.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Rear suspension
Several figures in print.Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Steeringrack and pinion
Gears5
Front brakessolid discs
Rear brakesdrums
Front suspensionMacPherson struts, coil springs, lower arms, anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionlive axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll bar

Rear suspension, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • live axle on four links, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, US convertible⁠7
  • live axle on four links, coil springs, anti-roll barGood sources agree: Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, US convertible⁠12
  • tube shocksGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, US convertible⁠6

Body and chassis

Sources for Body and chassis, UK RHD

Body material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Doors
Good sources agree.US convertible. Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40⁠8; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Chassis material
Several figures in print.Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7; Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86⁠6
Body materialunit steel

Body material, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, US convertible⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, US convertible⁠6
Doors2
Chassis materialunit steel

Chassis material, UK RHD

Several figures in print.

  • unit steelGood sources agree: Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, US convertible⁠7
  • Unitary, steel bodyGood sources agree: Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, US convertible⁠6

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, UK RHD

Width
Good sources agree.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Wheelbase
Good sources agree.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12; Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79⁠7
Fuel tank
One good source.US convertible. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980⁠12
Width66.2 in
Wheelbase85.0 in
Fuel tank14.6 US gal

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

2097, Convertible, BL calendar 1980 (9 home, 2,088 export); row labelled "TR 8 FHC (DHC?)", convertibles
One good source.
414, Convertible, BL calendar 1981 (9 home, 405 export)
One good source.
2088, Convertible, US convertibles, batch table
One good source.
1954, Convertible, 1979-80 convertibles (plus 13 UK DHC in 1980)
One good source.
about 800, Fuel Injection, all injected TR8s; Lucas order of 800 systems, engine numbers to 14E00799
One good source.
22, UK RHD, Home Market RHD cars, from build records and Heritage certificates; plus 3 EXP cars (X921, X923, X925)
One good source.
18, UK RHD, BL's table: 9 home in 1980, 9 in 1981
One good source.
9 + 9, UK RHD, batch table, Solihull 1980 and 1981
One good source.
14, UK RHD, unregistered RHD cars sold at Measham
One good source.
16, UK RHD, unregistered TR8s in the Measham lists (some possibly LHD)
One good source.

  1. 2097Convertible, BL calendar 1980 (9 home, 2,088 export); row labelled "TR 8 FHC (DHC?)", convertibles

    Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠2

  2. 414Convertible, BL calendar 1981 (9 home, 405 export)

    Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠2

  3. 2088Convertible, US convertibles, batch table

    Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19

  4. 1954Convertible, 1979-80 convertibles (plus 13 UK DHC in 1980)

    triumphtr8.com, "Production Figures for the TR8", 5 Jan 2026⁠21

  5. about 800Fuel Injection, all injected TR8s; Lucas order of 800 systems, engine numbers to 14E00799

    James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2⁠13

  6. 22UK RHD, Home Market RHD cars, from build records and Heritage certificates; plus 3 EXP cars (X921, X923, X925)

    triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25

  7. 18UK RHD, BL's table: 9 home in 1980, 9 in 1981

    Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016)⁠2

  8. 9 + 9UK RHD, batch table, Solihull 1980 and 1981

    Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club⁠19

  9. 14UK RHD, unregistered RHD cars sold at Measham

    triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026⁠25

  10. 16UK RHD, unregistered TR8s in the Measham lists (some possibly LHD)

    Canley Classics, "TR7 & TR8 Experimental Records"⁠31

Contents

Sources

Sources are given as plain text; their addresses are 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. Aaron Severson, "Way of the Wedge: The Triumph TR7 and TR8", Ate Up With Motor, 5 Feb 2012, pp. 1–5, p. 4, "all or nearly all were convertibles"; p. 4, Michelotti; the bumper weights; the TR8's differences; p. 4, picture captions: the second bonnet bulge, the passenger mirror; p. 4; p. 4, caption. Reference
  2. Paul Towle and Rex Holford (update) and Mark Elbers (update), "TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained", TR Drivers Club, 1987, updated (© 2016), Canley and Solihull sections; Canley section, TCV 200001; the TP prefixes; Canley's series, October 1979 to August 1980; the SAT VIN from May 1981; 1978-79 and 1979-80 sections; 1979-80 section; 1979-80 and 1980-81 sections; BL production table (b). Reference
  3. Michael Lamm, "1st Drive in the Triumph TR8", British Car, Feb–Mar 1999, pp. 46–48, p. 48, "actually, the soft-top was a convertible"; p. 48, the rivals' prices; p. 48; p. 47. Reference
  4. Fred M. H. Gregory, "TR8 V-8: A mighty Triumph" (road test), with the sidebar "A String of Triumphs", Motor Trend, Jun 1980, text, "a genuine convertible"; June 1980, text; June 1980, data. Primary
  5. Thos L. Bryant, "New from Britain: Triumph TR7 Convertible & TR8", Road & Track (reprinted by the TR Drivers Club), 1979, p. 1, the stiffening; the hood and the 450SL; TR8 section: the convertible planned for the autumn of 1979. Primary
  6. Walt Woron, "1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible: RT's Selection for 'Best New Sports Car of 1980'", Road Test (US), Jul 1980, pp. 16, 83–86, p. 83, the bracing; July 1980, data box p. 86. Primary
  7. Road & Track, "Triumph TR8: Good news from the other side" (road test), Jun 1980, pp. 76–79, pp. 76–78, the TR8's differences from the TR7; the top; p. 77, the two engines; the options; At a Glance: the RX-7 and the Corvette; June 1980, data panel; June 1980, data panel p. 79 (Chassis & Body); June 1980, p. 77; June 1980, p. 77 and data panel. Primary
  8. Don Sherman, "Triumph TR8" (road test), Car and Driver, Aug 1980, pp. 36–40, p. 38, the top; the discs "thicker by 50 percent"; data panel, the injected rating; Aug 1980, data panel p. 40 (Vehicle type); Aug 1980, data panel p. 40; Aug 1980, p. 38; Aug 1980, data panel; Aug 1980, data panel and text. Primary
  9. John Miles, "Miles Behind the Wheel: America's TR8", Autocar, 1979 (May, according to triumphtr8.com), p. 2, the discs' thickness. Primary
  10. triumphtr8.com, Variant pages (group): "FHC TR8 (ACN) 1977", "FHC TR8 (TCN) 1978–1979", "TR8 (TCV) 1979 DHC", "TR8 (TP) 1980", "DHC TR8 (SAT) 1981/82", TR8 (TCV) 1979 DHC; TR8 (TP) 1980; DHC TR8 (SAT) 1981/82; TCV and TP pages. Reference
  11. Triumph Wedge Owners Association, Document pages (group): "TR8", "Memos", "Brochures", TSB indexes, "Deciphering the Wedge", "Component Serial Numbers", "TR8 Cooling Fan System", "TR8 ECU", Component Serial Numbers: 10E–13E engines. Reference
  12. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (Leonia, N.J.), Triumph TR8 (sales brochure), USA, printed 4/80, 1980, specification panel: both ratings; the option list; 4/80 brochure, Engine; 4/80 brochure, Steering; 4/80 brochure, Drive train; 4/80 brochure, Brakes; 4/80 brochure, Suspension; 4/80 brochure, Wheels and tyres; 4/80 brochure, Exterior dimensions; 4/80 brochure, Engine (bracketed California figure). Primary
  13. James TenCate, "Production Numbers – A Detective Story", TR Driver (TR Drivers Club), 2012 no. 2, para. 4, the California cars in club records; engine numbers: 14E and 15E; 14E00799; text; engine numbers; conclusion. Reference
  14. Michael L. Cook, "1981 Triumph TR8: Fast and Last", Special Interest Autos, no. 156, Nov–Dec 1996, pp. 10–17, p. 15, the plaid interior; p. 10, the 1981 cloth; p. 14, "All of the 1981 models had fuel injection"; p. 15, "the first new British sports convertible since the Series III E-type"; pp. 10-17, text; p. 14. Reference
  15. triumphtr8.com, "TR8's Genuine Factory cars: History & Authentication" and "Is it a genuine TR8?", 6 Jun 2026, square door locks and velour; engine numbers. Reference
  16. tr8.com, "The 1982 Model Year TR7's & 8's", summary (2012 archive copy). Unchecked
  17. Chris Cowin, "History: Exporting British cars to Canada – Part Two: The British Leyland Years", AROnline, 19 Aug 2025, 1982 models advertised. Reference
  18. Jaguar Rover Triumph Inc. (via triumphtr8.com), Window labels (suggested retail price and EPA economy) of a 1980 TR8 convertible (49-state, carburettor) and a 1981 TR8 (injected), 1980, 1980 window label; 1981 window label. Primary
  19. Rex Holford, "A Brief History of the TR8", TR Drivers Club, brief history; batch table. Reference
  20. Don Green, "Triumph TR8: a 20,000-mile durability run", Motor Trend (probably: not printed on the scans), 1980 or 1981, p. 5; text (pp. 1, 2, 5 read). Primary
  21. triumphtr8.com, "Production Figures for the TR8", 5 Jan 2026, production page; production table. Reference
  22. California Air Resources Board (via the Triumph Wedge Owners Association), California Air Resources Board executive orders A-5-47 (1979 model year), A-5-49 (1980) and A-220-5 (1981), with supplemental data sheets, 22 Feb 1979; 18 Mar 1980; Mar 1981, A-5-49 p. 1. Primary
  23. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph TR8", 2026, description. Unchecked
  24. Malcolm Paris (compiler), "Triumph TR7 / TR7 V8 and TR8 Buyers Guide", TR Register, performance data. Reference
  25. triumphtr8.com, "Right hand drive TR8 Home Market UK" and "TR8 RHD Production Story", modified 23 May 2026, RHD project production planning; RHD production story; Home Market page; April 1980 section; "22 - the Correct Figure"; Measham section. Reference
  26. R. Hurdwell (BL Motorsport, Abingdon), "TR8 Modifications" (memo, 4 pp.), BL Motorsport (via the Triumph Wedge Owners Association), 16 Dec 1980, memo item 1. Primary
  27. triumphtr8.com, "Rover V8", 12 Aug 2026, engine-number list. Reference
  28. TR Drivers Club, "Early Cars: TR8" (data panel), data panel. Reference
  29. triumphtr8.com, "TR8 How Fast", 10 Feb 2026, stability. Reference
  30. triumphtr8.com, Pages (group): "TR8 Press Cars UK", "TR8 Press Articles and Cuttings" (21 Mar 2026), "Classic and Sports Car TR8 Article" (9 Apr 2026), 2026, Classic and Sports Car TR8 Article, reaction. Reference
  31. Canley Classics, "TR7 & TR8 Experimental Records", BCA Measham section. Primary

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