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Del Lines TR8 how rare and worth the extra


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Im looking and negotiating on a Del Lines TR8 (2881DL), im sure most of you know the car im talking about.

Although recent body work has been completed including a full respray the engine bay and other areas have had Overplates to corroded areas, and the inside to be polite is a mess with non original seats and trim, roll cage was fitted in the past and removed.

Are Del Line's TR8's really worth the asking price?

If it was a TR7 V8 i guess the car would sell for 1500 - 2000, seller is asking for 4995.

Any comments?

Steve

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A few years ago this was for sale as a fairly tidy, halfway sensible sprint car - and for not a lot of money.

 

There is little point in having a V8 Wedge unless it is in a damn good shell, the power and torque is too much for a corroded and inadequately repaired construction. Either it's good, or its scrap - at least in in my book. Cosmetics are secondary, non original interior is neither here nor there if it's good, structure is all important and mechanical integrity close behind..

 

The Del Lines cars were not pukka TR8s, they were good hot rods built by a reputable outfit, and as such might well justify a modest premium over a home-brewed TR7V8 in equivalent condition . . . . just my opinion.

 

This particular car has been doing the rounds ever since it was retired from sprinting, probably 5 or is it 6 years ago ?

 

Cheers,

 

Alec

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I do like the car and recent reciepts 2011 - 2012 show work including welding having been carried out by a Triumph restoration specialist, ive written to the specialist asking him if he cut out and replaced as opposed to overplating areas of corrosion, cage and bucket seats have been removed and new exhaust fitted recently as well as a full service and full body respray.

Im in a position where i will be able to spend additional cash on restoration and maintenence, not being very familiar with the marque ive had a search and found plenty of panel and spares availability and plenty of specialist garages available.

I know it sounds as if im talking myself into the car and perhaps i am, always liked the idea of owning a TR8.

Im waiting for the last series of photos and questions to be answered, seller has been very honest and helpfull.

Watch this space.

Steve

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Put a roll over bar, rear half cage, back in as a minimum . . . .

 

Don't even think about buying the car without having it looked over by someone who really does know what they're looking at.

 

If it's still in Yorkshire, Chris Turner would be a good man to talk to.

 

Cheers,

 

Alec

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It has been my unfortunate experience of having being involved in working on a few Lines cars in my time, and they have all shared slap dash workmanship, and apparently hurried original conversion work.

 

Not that it matters now because I assume the survivors have all had the rough build quality knocked out of them in subsequent restorations.

 

Buy a factory car if you can, its always going to be more desirable.

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