Registration - TLJ 809R

Chassis No. - WH8134DL

M.O.T. - TBC

Odometer - 780

This unique example of Triumph’s Dolomite sports saloon has been extensively modified for the track, and is offered at no reserve. Presented in period ‘Leyland Cars’ decals over white bodywork, ‘TLJ 809R’ has had its original 1,296cc engine stripped out, and replaced with a turbo-charged Ford Cosworth 2.9-litre BOA V6, matched to a five-speed gearbox from a Mazda RX8. Changes to the bodywork include a bonnet bulge to accommodate the engine, revised grille and front bumper to fit the intercooler and side exhausts, as well as Superlite alloy wheels added. Inside, the interior is remarkable original considering the changes to the powertrain, with a half roll-cage added, but period correct leather seats, wood trimmed dashboard, and normal door cards retained. The rear seats have been sacrificed to fit the roll-cage however.

Changes don’t simply extend to replacing the engine, as the vendor has fitted a lightened crank and flywheel, forged pistons and rods, and a steel head gasket. Every line is braided for added strength, and there’s a racing spec fuel cell, digital air flow gauge, fibre-glass bonnet and boot lid, Wilwood brakes, coilover springs, and super soft tyres. Because of the work carried out, the odometer displays only 780 indicated miles. The vendor describes the paintwork to be in ‘average’ condition, though the transmission, bodywork, and interior are rated ‘good’, and the engine and electrics are considered ‘excellent’.

• Ready-to-run track car
• Highly modified Triumph Dolomite
• Offered at no reserve

Triumph’s Dolomite compact four-door saloon was launched in 1972, replacing the Triumph 1500, itself was a development of the 1300. Unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1971, production started more than a year later, and the Dolomite went up against the likes of BMW’s 2002 and Ford Cortina. Powered by a 1,854cc straight four at launch, a more powerful Dolomite Sprint was launched a year later, with a 2.0-litre engine, and by 1976 the range had grown to include a 1300, 1500, 1500HL, 1850HL, and Sprint. Triumph raced and rallied the Dolomite to some success, taking the British Saloon Car Championship drivers and manufacturers titles in 1975 and 1974 respectively. Production continued until 1980, after more than 200,000 Dolomites had been made.