Lot Ended
Description
The odometer currently
displays 66,690 miles; British Leyland development; this fixed Head Coupe is
believed to be one of only two experimental TR8 FHC EFI development cars made;
driven approximately 35 miles to our site
A remarkably rare
piece of British Leyland development history, this 1977 Triumph TR8 Fixed Head
Coupe is believed to be one of only two experimental TR8 FHC EFI development
cars, used by the British Leyland Power Train Division for testing and
evaluation of the Lucas/Bosch electronic fuel-injection
system.
The car comes with its
original V5C showing BL Cars Ltd as the first registered owner, together with a
letter from the TR8 Register supporting its pre-production history. Following
the demise of British Leyland, WAC 272S was reportedly sold through a closed
Measham Auction at the end of September 1981, a history supported by
documentation within the extensive accompanying history files and references to
the car on various TR8 forums and enthusiast sites.
The car has
subsequently been converted to right-hand drive and has had just four previous
owners. The odometer currently displays 66,690 miles and the car is accompanied
by a British Motor Industry Heritage Certificate, together with an impressive
collection of historical documentation and MOT certificates covering September
1998 through to June 2027.
Further specification includes
7x15-inch Revolution five-spoke alloy wheels, although the original steel wheels
are also available from the vendor if required.
Evidence of the
car's development and testing history can still be seen throughout. The engine
bay and interior retain various pieces of what appear to be period test
equipment, including a time-in-use counter connected to the engine, together
with numerous pieces of Dymo embossed identification lettering, adding
considerable character and supporting its fascinating engineering
background.
The TR8 was driven
approximately 35 miles to our site, where it started readily, drove and stopped
as expected during photography and the accompanying
video.
Accompanied by two extensive
history files, original V5C, Heritage Certificate, TR8 Register correspondence
and a wealth of supporting documentation, this represents a highly unusual
opportunity to acquire a surviving piece of Triumph and British Leyland
development history.
The TR8 itself was never
produced in large numbers, and surviving fixed-head cars are particularly
scarce. For the enthusiast, collector or student of British Leyland history, the
combination of its believed experimental EFI origins, documented BL ownership
and surviving evidence of its development role makes WAC 272S an exceptionally
intriguing and important car.
Contact
james.booth@brightwells.com