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Triumph TR7
RSR 136R
This is a 1976 Triumph TR7 Fixedhead Coupe in Pimento Red. It was built in September ’76 and shipped to
California where it was registered in October ’76. Originally it was fitted with a 4 speed gearbox, Air-con and various smog/emissions controls (including a single Stromberg Carburettor – Wow!), which severely hampered
its performance. With California being a ‘dry state’ the car had no underseal or rust prevention treatment
whatsoever – as there was simply no need for it. Little else is known about the cars American history other than
its registration number, until it was re-imported back to Scotland in 1999. The previous owner registered it and
kept it in its original state, other than having the car fully undersealed and waxoyled – a smart move!
In August 2002 I bought the ‘7’ when I saw it advertised in Adtrader. I already had a Convertible ‘7’ but wanted one I could use all year round. I had a very limited budget (by order of ‘the boss’) and spent some time looking
for one, although all were junkers, until I saw this one. It seems there is no demand for the Coupe version, which was great for me, but they are harder to find in decent condition, and almost impossible to find
‘unmolested’. Since getting it I have done a fair amount of work on it, and although not a show car (lets face it
these cars are for driving), it is very comfortable, has good performance and turns heads - (everybody’s Dad or Uncle seems to have had one!).
The following pages show what has been done on the car – to date
The original car - August 2002
Paintwork looks ok after several layers of polish but was in dire need of a respray. Also note the sidelights/indicators which I am told are in fact illegal in the UK as they should be white/orange
First job to do was the new back axle, trailing arms, rear brakes, and propshaft for the vastly superior (and quieter!!) 5 speed box
Next - look no engine!!
Tea-time
Subframe and suspension for fitting (old engine and gearbox in the background)
New engine and gearbox, being guarded by my apprentice !
Preparation for painting
New paint job - just to be re trimmed
Finished (so far)
Cost so far
Car 825
Respray 700
Running gear 700
(Engine, gearbox, axle, propshaft from another scrap car I found plus new Brakes, shockers, poly bushes, clutch and exhaust)
Alloys and tyres 200
Total 2500
This does not include the labour costs of good friends, who helped, which came to tea, biscuits, bacon rolls, strained backs, and chapped knuckles
So you don’t have to break the bank to run a modern classic, just make sure you get the right car to start with.
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