Barn find TR8 coupe

[DiDueColpi]

Just took in a 1980 (aug 79) TR8 coupe. Barn find.
It's a little rough but it's all there and not rusty.
It hasn't run since 2007 but the engine turns over and most things seem to work so far.
Serial # is TCN 160029 UCF
The speedo is in Km only so I'll assume it's a Canadian version. 47,000 verified original Km.
I know that it's on the rare side, but is this one anything special?
If not, I'm thinking of playing with it a little ;-)





Cheers
Fred

[Dan B]

I have heard the production for TR7s was more than MGBs, so you might be safe.  Here is the forum: http://www.tr7triumph.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=d188a74ec666829f00ea21cd0434c417

[Mickey Richaud]

If it were mine, I wouldn't mess with it - numbers vary, but probably less than 400 were built.  Check this out:

http://www.littledoggarage.com/TR8Coupehiddentreasure.pdf

[BlownMGB-V8]

A 1UZ fits in it pretty nicely.

Jim

[DiDueColpi]

I know Jim, that's my problem.
If it's really a desirable car then I'll clean it up and pass it along.
The temptation to fiddle with it is just too great!
That's why I sold my 82 TR8. It was one of the last six and my buddy promised to restore it properly.
If I still had it it wouldn't stay stock for long.

Fred

[tr8]

It is a fairly rare car. It also looks very original. What color is it, looks like Carmine. Any chance of getting more pictures, perhaps the VIN plate? This is the first time I have heard of this car and I have been tracking TR8 coupes for 20 years.I have a list of just over 200 TR8 coupes that I have compiled over the years. Thanks so much for posting the details. Don't 'find' a 'new' one very often.
Paul

[BlownMGB-V8]

I'd have to pass it along I'd expect. Not very much difference between a TR8 and a TR7 except the engine and TR7's aren't anywhere near as rare, even the relatively scarce coupes.

OTOH, a TR8 coupe with a 1UZ engine is a better car in every way except collector value. OTOOH a TR8 already has a pretty good engine.
OTOOOH you already have the car and wouldn't have to look for another.

It's your car. Do whatever you want with it.

Jim

[tr8]

Clean it up and pass it on would be my vote. I am hot rodding my TR8 coupe, but it wasn't original when I got it, and the engine was shot.

[DiDueColpi]

Here ya go Paul.

[tr8]

AAE is Russet Brown, thanks for the pictures. Looks like the rear parcel shelf is missing, but the car looks to be in very good shape....Duh! I see the parcel shelf on the passenger seat. hard to find in good condition, not all shrunk in the parcel pockets.

[tr8todd]

You should have no problem getting $7.5K for it the way it sits.  There are more people looking for coupes than come up for sale.  Post it up on Triumph Experience or the wedge owners site and start a bidding war.  Would not be the least bit surprised if it fetches $10 or more.  If you want to mess with a TR8 coupe, I suggest you start with a TR7 coupe and clean slate it.  Stock TR8s are pretty boring and difficult to work on.  Modified ones are quick and easy to work on.  I've had 5 coupes and still have 3 of them.  Paul is the man when it comes to coupes.

[alana]

What Paul and Todd said.
Sell the coupe and you'll have enough to buy and convert a 7.