The Triumph TR8 was the V8-powered evolution of the TR7 and, despite its short production run, has become one of the more interesting British sports cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Around 2,800 TR8s were officially sold in the United States, but the early carbureted examples are considerably scarcer than the later fuel-injected cars. While the model has long been overshadowed by contemporary rivals, collector interest has steadily increased as surviving original cars have become harder to find.

According to the seller, this 1980 example is an early Persian Aqua car equipped with the desirable 3.5-litre Rover V8, five-speed manual gearbox and twin Stromberg carburetors. It is offered with a British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate, factory air conditioning, power steering, factory alloy wheels, the original catalytic converters, and the correct 140-mph speedometer. The photographs show what appears to be a complete, largely original car that has spent many years in storage, with a dusty but intact interior and engine bay. The seller states that the engine turns freely, no significant rust is present, and that it should not take much to return the car to running condition.

Early carbureted TR8s seldom appear on the market in untouched condition, making this an interesting restoration candidate rather than simply another used TR8. As with any long-stored British sports car, prospective buyers should verify the originality of the drivetrain, inspect the chassis and suspension pick-up points for corrosion, and expect a full recommissioning of the fuel, cooling, braking and hydraulic systems before attempting regular use. The accompanying British Motor Heritage Trust Certificate adds useful documentation to a model that is increasingly appreciated by collectors seeking uncommon V8-powered sports cars from the era. Find it for sale at $7,795 here in La Verne, CA.