The Triumph TR7 – The Shape of Things to Come

If you had to choose the worst decade of automobile design, it would be hard to surpass the period spanning 1972 – 1982. Rapidly changing regulations, government interventions resulting in enormous bumper protrusions, proportional oddities resulting from shrinking formerly large cars to oddly proportioned small cars in a mad rush to build more fuel-efficient cars, all contributed to panic in the design studios. Some companies did better than others, but one British stalwart had unexpectedly prepared a totally new car that would launch at just the right time – The Triumph TR7. As their advertising mantra proclaimed, it was “The shape of things to come”.

Launched to meet the growing US market desire for a sporty low-cost car, Triumph sales in North America had been brisk enough to warrant and all new entry. Though only offered as a coupe due to the challenges of convertible construction to meet US safety standards, the TR7 would go on to become the top selling series Triumph during its eight-year production run, selling well over 100,000 units, a remarkable number considering the era. Though not intended to be, the TR7 would mark the end of the line for the TR series offering.