Package Post 1: 1980 Triumph TR8 – Sold?

August 20, 2021 Update – while this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 12, 2021 Update – After a brief lapse following their original ad expiring, the private seller of both this TR8 and an MGA just posted a new listing for both cars. For this TR8, the seller is still asking $19,000.

The Shape of Things To Come. That was Triumph’s catchy tag line for their wedge-shaped TR7 replacement for the brand’s stunning TR6. Unfortunately, timing is everything in the automotive world, and when the underpowered TR7 launched in 1975, brand loyalists despised the fact Triumph’s new sports car was only offered with a fixed roof in anticipation of the U.S. Federal government’s roll-over crash standards that never materialized.  By the time Triumph launched an honest-to-goodness roadster version combined with a 3.5 Liter Rover V8 powered version in 1980, years of labor union strikes and shoddy build quality took their toll and Triumph ceased production by the end of 1981.

It’s a shame as personally, we find the Triumph TR8 to be one of the prettiest designs of any car from the late 1970s.  The seller of this restored gold over tan cloth example currently originally listed in May 2021 on Craigslist in Wantage, New Jersey first appeared to try and save five dollars by bunching this listing with their 1957 MGA we’re also featuring, however, the seller promises a dedicated separate listing soon. Offered at $19,000 currently, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their TR8 priced one thousand dollars less than this guide’s #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $20,000. Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is five thousand dollars less than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $24,000.We need another

Here’s the seller’s TR8 description from their grouped listing:

“Also selling a triumph tr8. Gold, 8cyl, also well taken care of. Manual transmission. Also has been through a restoration and many new parts as well.I will be creating it’s own post in the future asking 19k obo for triumph.“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored Triumph?  Comment below and let us know!