The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

HI
I have recently purchased a 1973 Triumph Dolomite Sprint, The plate under the Bonnet says VA1074 and the car is on a L plate, I purchcased it from a family friend who was the team machanic for the car in the 70s, The car was converted into a Rally car by what was British Leyland in the mid 70s, it was part owned by Lional Blair and it competed in may prestigus Rallys, the car has only done 18000 and the engine 5000 since being upgraded, the engine was built by the British Leyland Works team machanic as a private job and produces 205 BHP, it has twin 48 carbs, it has a full roll cage, has fully ajustable suspension all round and upgraded half shafts. The car also has paper work for many of the Rallys it competed in.
Im told it is one of the 1st 2000 built as its yellow? The car was complete when I purchased it and still has the origanol Rally stage timeing equipment installed.
I have stripped the car and had it shot blasted and primed, I am currently repairing the body, it is in remarkably good condition, not much rust apart from the front panel that was left exposed whilst stored.
I will have the original livery repainted on the car to keep it as original as possible.
Would like some advise on where to purchase panels if anyone can help please.
I will try to upload pictures as I work if any one is interested in its progress?

27.03.10
Is anyone out there breaking a Sprint with a good front please??

Regards
Andy

HI Mike

Thanks for the message, the car is as discribed, I remember it when I was around 10 as the family friend worked for my Dad as a mechanic way back then, he purchased it from the Team that owned it once it had finnished its rallying days, A chap called Ian Young "used to own Chat Magazine" was the driver and his name is on the Drivers side front wing, He lives local and recently told my father he has lots of photos and paperwork from its rally days which I can pick up, I think I am going to use it for track days when finnished, I also purchased two stanard Dolimite Sprints, one was a runner the other not, both very rusted but I kept two overdrive gear box;s and a standered sprint engine, also kept all the trim, glass, carpets etc so I have lots of spare parts for mine, Unfortenetly the shells were to far gone to i scrapped them!! Opps!

Will update the club as I go as this seems to be an interesting car?.

Thanks again
Andy

Is this the same Lionel Blair that we all know? The popular entertainer/dancer?

MikeyB wrote:You're a lucky guy Andy, as an early Sprint nut I would have loved to get my hands on that, do you have a VA (commission number for it)?

At first sight there are some really interesting differences on the front suspension. Look at the lower TC arm, anti roll bar, brake backplate & caliper etc.

Mikey,

First line of the post

The plate under the Bonnet says VA1074

Hi
Yes it is the same fella, There shold be plenty of pictues of him with the car when I pick them up.
Andy

qw

Mike
I have yet to pick up the docs, spoke to the fella yesterday and he has the original V5 etc, forgot to ask him the date it was built, with VA1074 be TAX exempt?
Andy

Hiya and welcome. This looks like a really interesting project. Can't wait to follow it!

All the best with it. Excellent fibreglass front end and wing panels are available from the club.


Ken

Hi Ken

Would like to refit as original if possible, if I cannot locate the parts needed how do I obtain prices for the parts required?

Andy

No genuine production Sprints are tax exempt, since they were built from 1973 on.

John
Thanks for the info, makes it a better buy as I intend to use it on the road as well as the track.
Cheers

Andy

Hi Andy, you need to drop Alun (xvivalve) a pm. The main issue is that to access the panels you need to be a member. It ain't pricey but it opens up a world of opportunity re: good quality spares/parts, etc.

Good advice, hints, tips and genuine support and so on is freely and happily given otherwise on the forum

Hi

Thought I was a member? how do I become a fully fledged one?
Regards
Andy

Mike
I will apply for the member ship, you are correct, nearly all the shell is very good, the sills, doors roof etc are very very good, but once I had it shot blasted the front panels were beond repair, I have drilled out the spot welds and removed the complete front panel, would like to replace them with original as the car will get a lot of use when completed.

Thanks again.

Andy

The fibreglass panels that Alun sells are fab. Lots of fibreglass bits were sold to a chap who races these cars and he is more than happy with them. Details will follow no doubt. I can't recall his name.