Corgi 1/43 VA10508 Triumph TR7 Java Green
The TR7 was launched in January 1975 in the USA but not until May 1976 in the UK. However, labour relations at Merseyside’s Speke plant were poor (famously 21 workers went on strike because the factory smelt of cats) and the quality of these early cars was at times woeful.
Production was transferred to Triumph’s traditional home at Canley in Coventry in October 1978 and finally to Rover’s plant at Solihull in April 1980. Paradoxically early Speke built cars which featured a satin-black rear-panel, larger petrol-cap, single bulge bonnet and steel wheels with black-plastic centres are now prized by enthusiasts who appreciate their unadulterated spoiler-free form as the purest incarnation of designer Harris Mann’s vision. Engine 1,998cc ‘Slant’ 4IL OHC Power 105bhp@5,500rpm Torque 119lb.ft@3,500rpm Maximum speed 109mph 0–60mph 9.1secs