1980 Triumph TR8 Convertible

California import, converted in 1995 with 5-speed Rover SDi V8, with specifications such as the original TR8 V8 supplied by Triumph. It was decided to build Rover's 8 cylinder V engine in the TR 7.

This had already been taken into account in the design phase so that there were no technical obstacles. The car was called TR 8] and was only sold in the United States. Production number from 1979 to 1981: 2,722 pieces. The TR8 did not use Triumph's own single overhead cam V8 as found in the Stag due to its weight and service record but instead shared its Rover V8 engine with the Rover SD1. The engine itself was derived from an early 1960s Buick / Oldsmobile all-aluminum V8 215 cu in (3.52 L) that Rover acquired from General Motors in the mid-60s. History has shown this engine to be an extremely reliable, flexible, and robust powerplant, especially after BL developed a better manufacturing process. TR8s were initially fitted with twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. However, about 400 1980 models sold in California, all 1981 models --- of which only 352 were produced including twenty carbed cars for the UK market --- and all 1982 models (of which all seventy went to Canada featured a Bosch L- jetronic fuel injection system with a specially designed Lucas fuel injection computer (ECU).

The carburetor model was rated at 133 bhp (99 kW; 135 PS) (at around 5000 rpm) and the fuel injected at either 137 or possibly 148 bhp [12 ] delivering 0–60 mph times in the low 8 seconds. Other differences between the TR8 and TR7 are upgraded brakes, revised axle ratio (3.08: 1 on the TR8 and all automatic TR7s), battery moved to the trunk (boot), alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and a few minor trim changes.