Triumph TR7 V8 Rally Car, 1980
Triumph TR7
Triumph TR7•
•104 مشاهدة
Chassis No.: TCG111030
Engine No.: DM237RL
Estimate: £40,000 - £70,000 GBP
- Built by British Leyland's Competitions Department
- In-period competition history
- Present ownership for 40 years
- Presented in 'as last rallied' condition
'HRW 250V' was built in 1980 by British Leyland's Competitions Department at Abingdon, headed by John Davenport. It was fitted with the latest Safety Devices bodyshell, while the V8 motor was built by famed tuner/engine-builder Don Moore. Pierburg fuel injection was used initially, later changed to a Janspeed-designed quadruple Weber carburettor set up. The Triumph made its debut at the TAP Rally of Portugal in March 1980 when it was driven by Tony Pond and Fred Gallagher. Sadly the car succumbed to engine trouble and was forced to retire.
It then finished 4th on the Scottish Rally and followed that up by finishing 1st in the televised Eaton Yale Rally Sprint at Donington Park driven by Pond, whose partner in the same car was that year's Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones, who came 2nd. The car was then used for tyre testing prior to the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland, though it did not take part.
In February 1981 'HRW 250V' was sold to leading club rally driver Cyril Bolton, who enjoyed considerable success with it over the next three seasons. A list of Cyril's events and results is on file. In October 1983 the car was sold to Unipart for Philip Young, partnered by Hywell Thomas, to drive on the 4th Himalayan Rally. The car carried Unipart branding and colours but failed to finish within the time limits having broken a half-shaft.
On returning, it was kept by Unipart just as it had been when rallied. The Triumph spent c.25 years in both the BMIHT museums at Studley and Gaydon but has been back with Unipart for some considerable time. It is just as rallied by Philip Young and remains outstandingly original. It still has a plate on the engine: 'Don Moore. BL 006 No. DM237RL'.
Please note that this lot is subject to VAT on the hammer.
