TR7 - Triumph's Last Sports Car

The last of the Triumph postwar TR sports cars was the TR7, offered 1975-1982.  Its Wikipedia entry is here.

TR7s developed a poor reputation related to reliability issues, but our focus is on its styling.

Triumph's previous model was the TR6 that shared the same body as the TR4 of 1961, so the line was long due for upgrading.  Its styling theme was that of a wedge featuring a tapered hood profile, a high, squared-off trunk and a raked-back windshield.  This was before aerodynamic efficiency became a key element in body shaping, so the wedge concept was probably more a thematic notion than a science-based exercise.  That said, the windshield and the headlights, when retracted, were probably helpful.

Otherwise, the wedge shape was only marginally successful on the TR7 due to its short length: its features were too cramped.

Gallery

What appears to be a factory photo of an early TR7.  Unlike previous roadster/convertible TRs, the 7s usually came with a fixed roof.  Styling seems satisfactory from this high viewpoint.

From a rear quarter perspective, matters aren't so good.  The heavy front bumper (in compliance with recent US federal regulations) blends reasonably well with the wedge theme.  The rear bumper is massive and has more of a tacked-on look to it.  Black panels above the bumper and abaft of the rear wheel well are probably intended to break up what otherwise would be a massive block -- the blunt part of the wedge.  The latter panel strikes me as being too contrived and awkward.

Side view of that TR7 (Mecum auctions photos of this car).  Here the stubbiness shows clearly.  The wheels/tires are too small, making the car resemble a roller skate shoe.  The wheelbase (85 inches, 2,159 mm) is too short, as is the entire vehicle.  From the leading edge of the C-pillar forward, the design works fairly well, but abaft of there it's too stubby.  Moving the rear wheel aft about 6 inches (150 mm) and lengthening the car one foot (300 mm) at its rear might have been sufficient to save the design -- that and larger wheels.

Finally, three views of a convertible version advertised for sale.