David James Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 I have come across a 1980 TR8 advertised in the States. Referring to Bill Piggott's book on the TR7 and TR8 the numbers given for the chassis by the vendor do not mean anything. The following is on a plate that looks to be on the door frame near the lock catch: 'ASSIGNED IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CA 398175 Control No. 477175 State of California'. I was expecting to see a VIN plate on a suspension turret but this is not there. Little things like the glove box don't look TR8 ish but obviously this may have been replaced with a 7 item. Can anyone assist with identification? Regards David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr8steve Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 (edited) Hi, a photo or link would be helpful.. The Vin should be on an aluminium tag clearly visible in the windscreen, it is often stamped in the boot gutter r/h side. There should a plate on the door with the date of manufacture, Vin, paint code, trim code. It's not on the turret on those cars.. Also check the engine number. The glove box lid is the same except for the sticker.. Sounds like the sticker you have found is do with California Smog testing.. Regards Steve Edited October 15, 2018 by tr8steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr8steve Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 (edited) Vin in boot channel Edited October 15, 2018 by tr8steve Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Christopher Kenneth SMITH Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 The important digit here is the 5th one on the boot/trunk channel - VERY hard to make out but it appears to be a 'V' which makes it a TR8 … however if it is the silver car on US eBay that states it is a 1977 convertible then it is not! The number quoted appears to be a local registry number issued by California Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David James Posted October 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 Thanks for all your rapid responses. The car was first advertised as a 1977 TR8 fuel injected convertible. Looks to be silver. The vendor then had numerous people inform him this was not the case. Has now re-advertised as 1980 TR8. On American ebay site. see: eBay item number: 223189969424 Regards David Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Christopher Kenneth SMITH Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 Yes I know the car, it looks to be a rebodied 1980 TR8. lots of things wrong with it (from an originality point of view) … i'd be viewing it as a TR7 with a V8 engine until proven otherwise Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David James Posted October 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 Wise advice. Thanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
UlsterTR7 Posted October 16, 2018 Report Share Posted October 16, 2018 I guess the 'rust-free project' description doesn't extend to the boot floor.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tr8steve Posted October 19, 2018 Report Share Posted October 19, 2018 That bad photo of the boot channel vin is my Canadian TR8 Chris.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
frank_s Posted October 31, 2018 Report Share Posted October 31, 2018 Anyone seen the "RHD UK TR8" just popped up on UK eBay? No under-bonnet pics, and US spec in some regards. What are the experts' views on this car? Frank Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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