1978 Triumph TR 8 Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:1978
Production Years:1978 - 1981 discontinued in 1981
1257 mm49.5 in4.1 ft
L: 4201 mm165.4 in13.8 ft | W: 1681 mm66.2 in5.5 ft
Length
4201 mm165.4 in13.8 ft
Width
1681 mm66.2 in5.5 ft
Height
1257 mm49.5 in4.1 ft
Trunk Capacity
275 liter9.7 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 1978 Triumph TR 8, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4201 mm165.4 in13.8 ft
Width:1681 mm66.2 in5.5 ft
Height:1257 mm49.5 in4.1 ft
Ground Clearance:91 mm3.6 in0.3 ft
Trunk Capacity:275 liter9.7 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1214 kg2676 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Size:5.5J x 13
Tire Size:185/70 R13 (W:185 | H:70 | D:13)
Useful Information

About 1978 Triumph TR 8

The Triumph TR 8, produced between 1978 and 1981, is a classic British coupe that stands out with its sporty yet compact design. Measuring 4201 mm (approximately 165.5 inches) in length, 1681 mm (66.2 inches) in width, and a low height of 1257 mm (49.5 inches), the TR 8 exhibits a sleek, aerodynamic profile ideal for enthusiasts of vintage sports cars. Despite its modest size, the vehicle offers a practical luggage capacity of 275 liters (9.7 cubic feet), making it suitable for weekend drives or longer trips with minimal baggage. The curb weight of the TR 8 is 1214 kg (2677 lbs), contributing to its agile handling and dynamic performance. Ground clearance is set at a relatively low 91 mm (3.6 inches), enhancing the car’s road-hugging stance but requiring cautious navigation over uneven surfaces. This coupe rides on 13-inch rims sized 5.5J x 13, paired with 185/70 R13 tires, providing a balanced combination of grip and ride comfort. The Triumph TR 8 remains a celebrated model for collectors and driving aficionados who appreciate a classic British sports car that merges compact dimensions with spirited driving characteristics.

Exceptional Features

1978 Triumph TR 8 Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Triumph TR 8 a leader in its class

Engine

Equipped with a 3.5-liter V8 engine derived from the Triumph 2.5-liter inline-six, the TR8 delivers approximately 134 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, offering robust performance for its era.

Transmission

Comes standard with a 4-speed manual gearbox featuring a lay-down shift for faster, sportier shifting, and an optional 3-speed automatic transmission was also available.

Chassis and Suspension

Features a fiberglass body on a steel sub-frame with independent front suspension using coil springs and wishbones, and a live rear axle with leaf springs, providing a balance of sporty handling and ride comfort.

Interior and Comfort

The two-seater sports car includes leather seats, wooden dash and door trims, and optional air conditioning, aiming to blend classic British sports car charm with some premium comfort features.

Braking System

Standard front disc brakes and rear drum brakes deliver reliable stopping power, with power-assisted braking available on some models for improved brake feel.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The Triumph TR8 coupe, produced between 1978 and 1981, features a length of 4201 mm (165.4 inches), a width of 1681 mm (66.2 inches), and a height of 1257 mm (49.5 inches). These compact dimensions reflect its classic sports car styling, offering a sleek and agile profile suitable for spirited driving while maintaining a manageable footprint for parking and urban driving.

The Triumph TR8 has a curb weight of 1214 kg, which is approximately 2677 pounds. This weight reflects the car's relatively light construction for a V8 powered coupe of its time, contributing to its agile handling characteristics. The modest weight made it competitive in terms of performance during its production period from 1978 to 1981, balancing power and handling effectively.

The Triumph TR8 offers a luggage capacity of 275 liters (about 9.7 cubic feet). This space is reasonable for a sports coupe from its era, allowing for small suitcases or groceries, but it is not designed for heavy cargo or extensive travel luggage. The luggage area is suitable for short trips or weekend use, but users planning longer journeys should consider packing light or using external luggage solutions.

The Triumph TR8 features a ride height (ground clearance) of 91 mm (approximately 3.6 inches). This relatively low ground clearance is typical for sports cars, enabling a lower center of gravity which improves handling and cornering stability. However, it requires careful driving over uneven surfaces or steep driveways, as the low clearance may cause the undercarriage to scrape.

The standard wheels on the Triumph TR8 measure 5.5J x 13 inches, paired with tires sized 185/70 R13. These rim and tire dimensions provide a balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The 13-inch wheels and moderately wide tires suit the vehicle's sporty dynamics, offering good road grip without compromising the car's classic aesthetic or ride quality.

Yes, the Triumph TR8 fits comfortably into a standard garage. With its length of 4201 mm (165.4 inches), width of 1681 mm (66.2 inches), and height of 1257 mm (49.5 inches), it occupies less space than many modern sports cars and SUVs, which tend to be larger in all dimensions. Most single-car garages are at least 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and 4.8 meters (16 feet) deep, providing ample room for parking the TR8 with additional space for opening doors and storage.

The Triumph TR8 is based heavily on the TR7 platform but features slight differences in dimensions due primarily to its V8 engine and associated engineering changes. The TR8 retains the TR7's overall length of approximately 4201 mm (165.4 inches), width around 1681 mm (66.2 inches), and height near 1257 mm (49.5 inches). Essentially, the two models share the same external dimensions, but the TR8 has a greater curb weight at 1214 kg (2677 lb), due to the larger engine and associated modifications, resulting in a somewhat heavier but similarly sized coupe.

The Triumph TR8 competes well in size with other late 1970s sports coupes like the MG B V8 or Porsche 924. Its length of 4201 mm (165.4 inches) and width of 1681 mm (66.2 inches) place it in the compact sports car category, smaller than many contemporary muscle cars but typical for European coupes of its time. The V8 engine gives the TR8 a performance edge over naturally aspirated four-cylinder competitors. Its curb weight of 1214 kg (2677 lbs) is moderate, balancing agility and power, making it a sporty yet manageable vehicle for enthusiasts in that era.

The Triumph TR8 is a two-door coupe, produced between 1978 and 1981. It features a classic wedge-shaped body typical of late 1970s British sports cars, characterized by clean lines and a relatively low profile. The coupe design provides a focused driving experience, with seating for two plus occasional rear seats for small passengers or extra cargo space. Its compact shape and sporty stance highlight its design emphasis on performance and driver engagement.

Considering its compact dimensions—length of 4201 mm (165.4 inches), width of 1681 mm (66.2 inches), and height of 1257 mm (49.5 inches)—the Triumph TR8 remains quite manageable in modern urban environments where tighter parking and narrower streets are common. Its relatively low weight of 1214 kg (2677 pounds) and sports-tuned chassis make it agile in handling, though its low ground clearance (91 mm) requires caution on rougher roads. While safety and technology may lag behind modern vehicles, from a size and maneuverability perspective, the TR8 remains practical for enthusiasts who appreciate classic styling and driving dynamics.