1976 Triumph TR7 'Victory Edition'

While all too many of these exciting British sports cars were used and eventually retired, this 1976 Triumph TR7 Victory Edition is a rare and highly attractive specimen, fully restored with authenticity and correctness foremost, using OEM parts. Restored by a passionate TR7 enthusiast, this vehicle’s refurbishment was a true labor of love and a tribute to the first TR7 they owned new back in 1976.

Since the TR7’s body was dry and mostly straight and rust-free, with the engine bay and trunk not requiring restoration due to their sound and presentable condition, the restoration was quite straightforward, yet completed to demanding standards. It was stripped to its bare shell and prepared and sprayed with five coats of epoxy primer, followed by five coats of poly primer, block-sanded and wet-sanded, before the 2-stage DuPont base/clear Carmine Red paint finish was applied. Next, the paint was color-sanded and buffed to a show-quality finish. The underside of the TR was not ignored, with application of protective rubberized undercoating. A local restorer sourced the correct vinyl roof-covering material and performed the installation. Since the original Victory Edition stripes could not be retained and new equivalents were unavailable, the original items were carefully measured, used as templates, and exactingly recreated. The original rubberized bumper covers were replaced as well.

The interior was completely restored to match the striking exterior of the TR7. Great pains were taken for authenticity, including new Beige broadcloth seat covers sourced from a British supplier, and the very last items of their kind in existence. This expert source also provided the correct 1976 panels for the entire interior compartment, plus the top-quality Wilton wool carpets. British Victoria supplied the new headliner and supporting bows, as well as the correct padded steering wheel, inside door handles, speedometer, rear package shelf, and multi-function turn-signal stalk. The period radio unit was retained, and a new antenna and new Kenwood speakers were fitted. The plastic dash and center console were replaced with excellent, used original items.

The TR’s mechanical systems were methodically reviewed and rebuilt by the master foreign-car mechanic William Barclay of International Motors in Escondido, California. The 2.0-liter engine was completely rebuilt, with the process including a cylinder bore and installation of new pistons, bearings, and a new oil and water pump. A rebuilt 1976-vintage cylinder head was installed as well. Supporting items include a new distributor, new electronic ignition, a new coil, rebuilt carburetor, and re-cored radiator. Power is sent to the road via a new remanufactured gearbox and the original rear axle was sound and did not require overhauling. The suspension and brakes were also rebuilt. The special Victory Edition spoked wheels were stripped, repainted, and fitted with new tires. A new fuel tank and a new muffler were also installed.

According to the seller, this special TR7 spent its early years in Pasadena, California before it was placed into storage in the high desert of Vacaville after suffering a head-gasket failure at an approximate 21,000 miles. While dry and structurally sound, the TR required a comprehensive restoration, which was a true “labor of love” performed to great effect by the previous owner at great expense. A well-written and highly detailed account of the restoration by the previous owner accompanies the sale of this captivating TR7, which is quite rare today in such fine and correct condition. Service, maintenance, restoration receipts, and factory handbooks are also included in the sale of this wonderfully preserved, restored, and presented TR7.

While the TR7 was initially controversial to some British sports-car “purists,” it is now being rightly recognized as the spearhead of new sports cars from Britain, Europe, and Japan, which ushered in an entirely new era during the 1970s. The TR’s bold styling appears as fresh today as when it was new, and even the stodgy old traditionalists now look back on the TR7 quite fondly. Lovingly and totally restored to an uncommon degree of correctness and quality, this 1976 Triumph TR7 Victory Edition is a highly engaging example throughout, with all the hard work already done and nothing left but to enjoy it on your favorite stretch of open road!