Triumph

The Triumph TR7 was launched in January 1975 in the United States, where it was met with strong initial demand. Due to its popularity overseas, the British release was delayed twice, and the TR7 only became available in the UK from May 1976. The car’s striking wedge-shaped design was the work of Harris Mann, who had also styled the Austin Princess. The TR7 was intended to modernise the Triumph sports car range, but its early success was soon overshadowed by build quality issues, stemming from mismanagement and ongoing labour unrest at British Leyland. These problems quickly damaged the car’s reputation, particularly in its home market. Despite several updates and even the addition of a convertible version, the TR7 never fully recovered its image. Production came to an end in 1981, as British Leyland’s financial troubles deepened. The TR7’s cancellation effectively marked the end of Triumph as a sports car manufacturer. Only the Triumph Acclaim - a rebadged Honda Ballade- would follow, before the Triumph name was retired entirely in 1984.