Wedge impersonators

Shauniedawn · Postby **Shauniedawn** » 04 Apr 2012 16:37

Seems these guys think THEIR cars are the original WEDGE

Think someone should put them right. I found it all very amusing

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=12&t=1131625&mid=0&i=0&nmt=Is+It+a+TR7+%3F&mid=0

Shaun

nervousnewowner · Postby **nervousnewowner** » 04 Apr 2012 18:13

reminds me of its like a golf but nota golf but could be...... still prefer the tr7 and wedge we definately are the originals......[:D]

Dave...

the project at birth, watch it evolve...I hope...

john 215 · Postby **john 215** » 04 Apr 2012 18:49

Hi,

We have had a few TVR's in at work as trade in's, if people think the build quality was'nt the best on our cars then TVR were a lot worse, everyday something new would fall off of stop working [:(!] Great looking cars but prefer a 'real' wedge not a plastic copy [:p]

Cheers John

LIVE LIFE A QUARTER OF A MILE AT A TIME!

1976 Speke FHC Beauty

1979 3.5 FHC(STATUS PENDING!!)

1982 2.0 DHC NOW A 4.6,ON THE ROAD NOW KICKING AR5E !!!!

busheytrader · Postby **busheytrader** » 04 Apr 2012 19:33

There was a TVR dealer in Arkley not far from where I used to live.

I used to embarass the 350i's and the later Griffiths in my 7, especially on the A1 on a Saturday morning when they were out on test drives. The TVR's couldn't lose the ageing 7V8 behind them.....

Several people at my old work got confused and thought my Wedge was a Fiat X19, now that's insulting..........[:0]

Adam

TR7 V8 DHC Jaguar Solent Blue. 9.35cr Range Rover V8, Holley 390cfm, JWR Dual Port, 214 Cam, Lumention, Tubular Manifolds, S/S Single Pipe Exh, 3.08 Rear, 200lb Spax & PolyBushes all round, Anti- Dive, Strut-Top Roller Bearings, Capri Vented Discs & Calipers, Braided Hoses, 4 Speed Rear Cylinders, Uprated Master Cylinder & Servo, AT 14" 5 Spokes or Maestro Turbo 15" Alloys, Cruise Lights, S/S Heater Pipes, Replacement Fuel Tank. No Door Stickers. Mine since July 1986, V8 from 1991 courtesy of S&S V8 conversion and big brake kits.

gaz · Postby **gaz** » 04 Apr 2012 19:52

I live just three minuites drive from the Bristol ave plant where they used to make the TVR and because it was a Blackpool built people think they know the car. Yet every time i say i have a TR7 they say, they were made on bristol ave wern't they........

http://mytr7.weebly.com/

1981 DHC 2.0 Litre
1980 DHC pedal car
1976 FHC 2.0 Litre

silverseven · Postby **silverseven** » 05 Apr 2012 00:53

we've been living in the same house for 12 years now, and my neighbor still calls my car a MG......

Ron.

John Clancy · Postby **John Clancy** » 05 Apr 2012 06:33

After the DeLorean people failed to reach a deal with British Leyland something went on between Triumph and TVR and I have been told that a last of the line TR8 went up to Blackpool so they could take it apart. Is it coincidence that their TR7V8 replica series (which was to cement their reputation and keep them going for the next 20 years) came out in 1983?

I think the answer is obvious - the TVR was a souped-up TR7V8 in fibreglass. Of course, TVR were able to install a more beefy version of the Rover V8 because they weren't on a mass production scale. Shame Triumph didn't downsize and do it themselves.

<center>[url="http://www.triumphdvd.co.uk"]Triumph TR7 and other car documentaries on DVD here[/url]</center>

Ianftr8 · Postby **Ianftr8** » 05 Apr 2012 08:35

Was watching a programme last night called "Chasing Classic Cars" they were doing up a 1970s Ferrari 365 gtb Daytona spider which had pop up headlights - seems they have the same issues as our cars. one came up fine then the other popped up went down and then came up again before it settled on Up.

Quality!

Cheers
Ian

Ian Freeman
1979 TR8 DHC
Triumph Courier
Triumph owner for 31 years

TR Tony · Postby **TR Tony** » 05 Apr 2012 12:47

A good friend of mine has been a TVR fan all his adult life, & has had several over the years, all of which I have been lucky enough to drive. The 5L Chimera was scary fun, his current T350 coupe is a blast.

The 1980s 350i model & it's bigger engined brothers do have a passing resemblance to the 7 but there it ends. John's right about build quality too - my mate was always having bits falling off or breaking. Apart from the chassis, the TVRs of those days were true "parts bin specials" - the variety of parts that were used from so many different manufacturers in each model was truly amazing. Ford, Triumph, Austin Rover, Hillman/Rootes, and more. And even within that, parts from different models from the same manufacturer were often used on one TVR model. They can have lots of fun trying to figure out what car a particular part came from[:)]

Let's not forget the "wedge" shape was a popular trend in the 70s & 80s. Lotus Elite, Toyota MR2, no doubt others spring to mind.

But the original - well it's the 7 of course [:D]

Tony

1981 TR7 FHC Cavalry Blue
1980 TR7V8 DHC Jaguar Regency Red - sadly sold!
1977 TR8 FHC EFI Factory development car Inca Yellow

claypole1360 · Postby **claypole1360** » 05 Apr 2012 12:53

I spend a fair ammount of time on another forum and there is a fair ammount of gentle banter concerning the MG triumph rivalry, but nothing quite as downright rude and offensive as some of the ill informed people driving tvrs.
I realise something now, I have always liked the TVR be it the wedge or whatever, (the 350c is my dream car..after a rally prepped 7-v8) it's some of the drivers that put me off. Had more than my fair share of rudeness from TVR drivers in the past.

The more I read on this forum about what people are doing with their tr7s, its inherent safety, it's rally/race heritage and to my eyes, its sheer good looks, the more I love My 7!!!

Once more unto the breach my friends!
Clayps,
I feel better now.

What's that coming over the hill? Is it a monster?

lancsman · Postby **lancsman** » 05 Apr 2012 13:28

The TVR Wedges were designed by Oliver Winterbottom who later in his career worked for Lotus in Norfolk. Having worked with Oliver and spoken at length with him I don't think he was involved with Triumph design at any stage.

He did however have a hand in the Lotus Elite/Eclat/Excel which all had strong wedge overtones so maybe he can lay claim to the wedge design from the outset.

Just a thought.

Lancsman

john 215 · Postby **john 215** » 06 Apr 2012 06:31

Hi,

As my learned freind Tony says -

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The 1980s 350i model & it's bigger engined brothers do have a passing resemblance to the 7 but there it ends. John's right about build quality too - my mate was always having bits falling off or breaking. Apart from the chassis, the TVRs of those days were true "parts bin specials" - the variety of parts that were used from so many different manufacturers in each model was truly amazing. Ford, Triumph, Austin Rover, Hillman/Rootes, and more. And even within that, parts from different models from the same manufacturer were often used on one TVR model. They can have lots of fun trying to figure out what car a particular part came from
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Not only do they use other peoples parts but they then they modify it to fit there cars, so often you need to 'rework' it to fit, weld parts on, file, drill, etc !! Having said that all the one's i have driven, including a nice Griffith were all fast cars. The mystery about TVR's are there horse power figures always seam a little optomistic !

Cheers John

LIVE LIFE A QUARTER OF A MILE AT A TIME!

1976 Speke FHC Beauty

1979 3.5 FHC(STATUS PENDING!!)

1982 2.0 DHC NOW A 4.6,ON THE ROAD NOW KICKING AR5E !!!!

John Clancy · Postby **John Clancy** » 06 Apr 2012 07:29

What I actually said was a TR8 was taken to Blackpool (i.e. to TVR) so they could take one apart to see how it all went together. Before this time TVRs were not highly regarded at all (after all they were mainly kit cars using the Triumph six-pot engine). It's no coincidence that they modelled their next car on the TR8 so the stylist may not have worked at Triumph at any time but there can be little doubt the post TR8 TVR was based on it.

The trend had been for wedge sports cars since the early 70s but to produce a TVR in 1983 that looks so similar to a TR7 drophead was not a coincidence. The design was regarded to have another ten years in it so why wouldn't another manufacturer carry it on. DeLorean wanted to do it but couldn't get the money.

<center>[url="http://www.triumphdvd.co.uk"]Triumph TR7 and other car documentaries on DVD here[/url]</center>

John Wood · Postby **John Wood** » 06 Apr 2012 08:13

It's quite ironic that Reliant had a go at a 7 lookalike in 84, It even used the old TR7 winscreen and seats.

And John you are correct the BHP figures on TVRs are a little optimistic

1975 TR7
1977 TR7 Sprint

trobmogxj6 · Postby **trobmogxj6** » 06 Apr 2012 22:40

Oh don't go there! My brother in law has a TVR, a Chimera not a pointy one but he always goes on how his is a proper car and not a modified rust bucket. Funny thing is, when we got my v8 and his car together I lost him in my mirror on the A22! All that we need to remember is that Harris Mann was a visionary, BL and it's work force did it's best to upset that vision, we (modern day owners) can be proud that we have been shrewd enough to see through the ridicule and jibes and help maintain a fantastic car. There will only be one true wedge (apologies to Princess owners) and that is the TR7/8. No retreating Fiat or cobbled together TVR can ever come close! The TR7 typifies the true British spirit of strength in adversity, the under dog and giving Johnny foreigner a damn good beating. Long live Mr Pond!! If you don't already own one get one...... "quick, before it's too late!

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Wedge impersonators

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