Triumph Wedge TR7 / TR8 - Best Budget Sports Car?

Is the Triumph Wedge one of the best budget classic cars on the market? Let's take a look at this uniquely designed roadster and examine its value proposition. However, it has its flaws too which we discuss in detail. Sit back and relax as you listen to that sweet exhaust note and Mike Joy make his case for the #triumph TR7 TR8.
#joyriding
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Under The Hood
01:55 Interior Styling
02:32 Cockpit Functionality
03:16 Color Choices
04:03 Value Proposition
04:34 What To Watch Out For

[jimmymyers]

I wish Mike had a half hour series on tv kinda like My Classic Car

[twsmotors]

We might be bias, but I think we would say YES, this is the best sports car value in the British car world!

[ronspence]

I bought a (rust free) 1980 Orange Tr7 17 years ago, and it still puts a smile on my face to this day!
Mind you I did upgrade the powertrain to a Buick V6 3.8 with a 5 speed ( Tremec ) about 200hp of smiles!
Can’t wait to pull it out in the spring!
Pretty wet here now on Vancouver Island.
Great show by the way, I do enjoy your comments on all your videos, look forward to more!
Take care, I’m a fan!
Ron

[pheatong]

Hey Mike... this brought back a few memories... I never owned a TR8, but I had 2 TR7's - a bright yellow/black hardtop in the late 70's and a turd brown/tan convertible in the early 80's. One of the most fun cars to drive when they were running good... but keeping them running good was more than a hobby! I'm enjoying your channel - look forward to more!

[key-TR]

Great video, Mike! These wedge cars offer a lot of top down fun and can be hot rodded as you alluded to. My ‘82 TR8 makes 225HP at the crank with simple mods. Big cabin space for a tall guy( I’m 6’-2”) and very simple to work on. A great hobby car. They made only 69, 1982 models ( CA in the VIN ) that all went to Canada. They are the last to leave the Solihull factory and are great cars. Mine is the 408405 car, which was the last out the door on October 20, 1981. Get one while you can!

[chriscav]

Nice video Mike, did not know you were a fan! These really are fun cars that can be upgraded as an owner desires. A lot of bang for the buck, I enjoy mine!

[south_carolina_man]

Y'all have greatly increased the audio and production quality. Keep up the good work!

[JCats_Quest]

Wow, great videos so far mike and scott! I was looking at TR8s until i stumbled upon my Conquest. I love the shape, the colors, and the stout V8. Never thought i could fit in them though 😂

[davevan]

Back in the 80's my brother in law had a auto shop for British cars. We called these TRBuick as we knew that engine as a Buick Nail Head!!! Thanks

[phensriwood]

A unique simple and interesting car, fun to own. I bought one new in 1978, had it for 11 years. Love another Triumph!

[andybroer]

My father had a coupé TR8 that I was able to drive on many occasions, his was an early car and had no badging only the glove box 'TR8' and dual exhaust gave it away. Sneaky car in the early 1980s as it was very quick compared to anything modern back then. Very much like a British Corvette as many people called it. Top speed was just North of 130 mph which very few new cars could do in 1981. I have fond memories of driving it through the Catskills with my dad. I miss him and the TR8, but still have the memories <3 Thanks for the video.

[hankosaurus]

I had a burgundy TR7 for 18 months. So CUTE a car. FUN to drive. Was in the shop almost every month for something. Mostly electrical (LUCAS)... ugh! Several starter relays. Dissimilar metal contacts! Stupid engineering. Only one mechanical problem. shifter stick popped out of socket. Mechanic got drunk and wrapped the car around a tree. He had to buy the car from me. I was as happy that day as I had been the day I bought the car!!! I always wondered two things when I got into the car: 1. Will it crank? and 2. Will it get me back home? I never had that experience with any other car.

[MrRocketguitar]

V8 TR7 looks a lot of fun. If only it had been a V8 convertible from day one.

[ronspence]

Great show! Love my upgraded orange Tr7 Buick 3.8 5sp, gets sooo many thumbs up!

[TheLeylander]

Im from the UK and ive had two TR7s but they never manufactured TR8, s for the uk market, most over here are TR7 to TR8 conversions .

[garykinney]

I have a 1980 TR8 very rare original coupe and love the drive. Installed an electric power steering kit and it really made a difference in the performance.

[CarlSwanson-ef]

Reminds me of the tr7 commercials with bob tullius group 44 race car. Thanks for posting this video Mike.

[tonyfranks]

My favourite fun car....In 1980 my TR8 stayed with me for over 10yrs driving in Uk / Canada / USA ....no problems....just great handling and fun with space to tour and golf. I had more fun in it than my Jensen, Jags, Ferrari. I would like to find one again ( Vancouver, BC.)

[buckybucky]

What sort of glue do you have to be on to have an all aluminum V8 that makes only 135hp?

[markpaul]

It was designed from the ground up for the v8.
However, internal wars at British leyland meant it had to have the 2l engine as thats all was available in numbers.
The Subframe was changed and they stuck the asthmatic 2l lump in.
When the v8 was available, they left it too late to use it to save the car.