mystery tr8

busheytrader · Postby **busheytrader** » 27 Nov 2009 16:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Underdog
And...I don't mean to offend everyone with a FHC. They certainly have advantages of thier own. It's just the way the values go over here.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

It's the same this side of the pond. 2 seater classic convertibles are generally easier to sell and worth more than their tin top equivalent. It's understandable since they're mostly used on sunny weekends. One of our classic mags has DHC's valued at approx 65% more than the equivalent FHC.

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 5 Spokes and Cruise Lights, S/S Heater Pipes, Replacement Fuel Tank. No Door Stickers. Mine since July 1986, V8 from 1991

Rich in Vancouver · Postby **Rich in Vancouver** » 27 Nov 2009 18:23

Back in early 1979 I can remember seeing a pre-prod TR8 FHC in the showroom of my local dealer, "Fred Deeley Ltd." in Vancouver. It was one of the white ones that they hoped people would race/rally. At the time I was running a white MGB-GT which I intended to convert to V-8 power. The TR seemed like a simpler way to do it. Unfortunately the only thing stopping me was money.
Funny how some things never change!

Rich

1975 TR7 ACL764U

FI Spyder · Postby **FI Spyder** » 27 Nov 2009 18:50

Three grand could be a good price. There were not that many FHC
TR8's and it's rare to see a FHC TR7 or TR8 around any more. The only FHC at Portlands All British Field Meet this year was Ron's son's Triton TR7 (that's with about 500-600 British cars) and the only FHC at this years Van Dusen Gardens All British Field Meet was Rich's TR7 (over 600 British cars). The cheapest price I've seen on a TR8 FHC was last Xmas for $5000 and it had carb conversion and bumpers painted body colour. Just sitting all that time you would have to replace rubbers hoses, belts, seals, battery. It wouldn't be bodged to badly by mechanics/PO's.

While an automatic is not as "sporting" it is certainly rarer. I'd go for it. I won a bid on preproduction coupe on eBay a few months back for $5,500 but didn't meet reserve bid. (It was a current running all stock automatic).

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

V8Wedgehead · Postby **V8Wedgehead** » 28 Nov 2009 01:24

Rich-

Sounds like I nice find. The VIN should be ACN01007UCA. This would make perfect sence since there were no numbers past 5 places as above. The total production for the prototypes was 116. The car should have been produces before 8/77. I do have a ACN01107UCA which is a brown automatic coupe built in 9/77 last known to be in Florida. Could this be the car? Other wise if it is ACN01007 I have never seen or heard of this car. The cars are getting more and more rare just because people never liked the automatics and they are prone to rusting in odd places. From the VIN it is a 1978 prototype coupe and should have a flat/satin black rear light panel and not body colored. Also if you look in the glove box the information tag with say on the lower portion TR7V8 which is correct too. I have owned 2 of these ACN coupes both automatics and both Astral Blue and loved them! If the body is rust free and the battery box is intact with the sunroof it is worth $3,000.00 all day long. If cleaned up would go for more. Another ACN coupe was on ebay about a month ago and I know was asking about $10,000.00 for it and I dont think it sold. Yes they are rare and a blast to drive!

Michael
1980 TR8 FHCs; Rally Conversion #0020 & Stock #0058

If it is broken then fix it....if it is not then make it faster!"

RJS · Postby **RJS** » 28 Nov 2009 02:10

Here is one on ebay. He mentions different vins and years, but he is trying to say this is a pre production coupe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200409093618&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Rob

tr8 · Postby **tr8** » 28 Nov 2009 02:45

I have a photo of the VIN plate on that car. Manufactured DEC78. I didn't see where he was representing it as a pre-production coupe. It is a regular production coupe, still pretty rare.

Paul

uspsmech · Postby **uspsmech** » 28 Nov 2009 04:41

to all that have replied thank you thank you thank you its great to see that you guys know your cars so well, and your willing to share your knowledge with someone you don't even know,who dosen't even own the car yet.hopefully i'll know by sunday if its coming home with me.somebody mentioned some info about preparing the motor prior to turning it over. if you know were this info is please share. i was going to pull the plugs and let marvel mystery do it's magic for about a week(don't want to rush things)then try to move the pistons by hand, probably use a strap wrench on the crank pulley, unless somebody has a safer idea, i'm really hoping its not frozen but i think its worth the proper precautions just in case. thanks again to all, Jim

tr8 · Postby **tr8** » 02 Dec 2009 01:15

Any update?

Paul

jtmco · Postby **jtmco** » 02 Dec 2009 02:12

Jim-

I bought ACN01020UCA last January which sounds nearly the same as your car (white, auto, fabric sunroof, worn red/black tartan interior, mine had a/c). You can see pictures in my photo file on this website. I got mine started, but have been busy with work and other projects so I have not done much more. Hopefully I will have it on the road by the summer.

Let us know if you bought it.

Jim

uspsmech · Postby **uspsmech** » 02 Dec 2009 10:50

hi all, looks like i have to clear some garage space! the seller called last night and said i could have the car at $3000. I'm starting to get excited about this car . i think it has great potential and i feel as though i bought it at a reasonable price. i should be getting it in friday so i'll put it up on the lift and see what the underside looks like and hopefully post some pictures by the weekend thanks to all Jim

uspsmech · Postby **uspsmech** » 04 Dec 2009 17:25

GOT IT!!!!! got a phone call at 7:00 am can you come get the car this morning? was there by 8:15 with trailer, took lots of pictures will post after work tonight it is ser# ACN01007UCA have pictures of that tag and the one under hood that states 3.5 family large orange sticker, also somebody mentioned black rear panel it has that, but what is with the gold colored wheels? or is that just how the silver ages? gave it a bath while it was on the trailer, got rid of 25 years of dust,put up on lift took pictures from below looks pretty good, will post pictures later have to go to work ,thanks Jim

uspsmech · Postby **uspsmech** » 05 Dec 2009 05:53

o.k. if i did this right here are the pictures of 01007 http://s908.photobucket.com/albums/ac286/uspsmech/

V8Wedgehead · Postby **V8Wedgehead** » 05 Dec 2009 13:28

WOW! Incredible find! The Price Is Right! Its a white non AC sliding moonroof coupe.....awesome! I love the paperwork that it has too. What is the build date on the door tag? Should be between March and July I assume. That 10 years ago was THE car I was looking for when I set out to buy another TR8.....heck I would love to have it now!

Michael
1980 TR8 FHCs; Rally Conversion #0020 & Stock #0058

If it is broken then fix it....if it is not then make it faster!"

tr8 · Postby **tr8** » 05 Dec 2009 13:35

Very nice, very original, terrific shape.

Paul

Beans · Postby **Beans** » 05 Dec 2009 17:19

Indeed very nice, original and solid car [:)]

Shame about the typical American dents and scratches. They look all to familiar [B)]

Just make sure you treat the surface rust properly [;)]

<center>

1981 TR7 FHC Sprint (better known as 't Kreng)
1980 TR7 DHC (my first car currently being restored)
In parts a 1980 TR7 PI DHC, 1981 TR7 DHC, 1981 TR7 FHC
http://tr7beans.blogspot.com/</center>

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mystery tr8

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