SOLVED: Djetset #24 - Triumph TR7 fixed light rally car proposal by BL Works Team

[Djetset]

Nope! 

[Allemano]

a variation considering regulations for the american market with higher lamps and without pop ups?

You made some subtle hints to Otto, but maybe I misinterpretate them.

[Djetset]

No, not a special version for the North American market.  To clarify though, it is a TR7, modified by the Factory for a particular reason. 

[Djetset]

I'm surprised that this one is still hanging around, so I'll now award TWO points to the first person to get the correct answer.  Happy hunting!

[Otto Puzzell]

Was the hood raised the clear the Stag's V8, as Triumph had toyed with doing before adopting the Rover V8?

[pnegyesi]

Got anything to do with the Rover-Triumph SD2 project?

[Djetset]

Unfortunately nothing to do with either of the above I'm afraid.

[Allemano]

Is there any connection to DMC?

[Djetset]

No, it was for an in-house British Leyland project (as a mild clue!).

[gilescooperuk]

triumph TR7 Coupe prototype

[Djetset]

It is a Triumph TR7 prototype of sorts, but for the point can you tell me the full reason why it has been modified like this please?

[ImpishGrin]

A TR7 version planned for one of the other BL makes, sorta badge engineering?

[gilescooperuk]

Intended for the american market in case they banned pop-up headlamps for safety reasons?

[Djetset]

No, not a TR7 intended to be rebranded, and not something for the American market, although Giles has tounched on something with his pop-up headlamps comments!

[Otto Puzzell]

A TR-7 modified for pedestrian safety testing?

[Djetset]

Nice idea, but that's not the reason.

[Otto Puzzell]

Lower drag / higher MPG?

[Djetset]

No, not that either.

[Otto Puzzell]

Testing components for Rover?

[Allemano]

Simply a planned four eyed TR7 version without pop-ups?

[Djetset]

Not testing components for Rover or BL.  However, thinking again about your previous response, although this modification was not made specifically to lower drag, improved aerodynamics would have been a useful bonus benefit of why this car was modified.

[Djetset]

Sorry Otto/Allemano, our posts crossed at the same time.

It is simply a four-eyed TR7 without pop-up lights, but there is a specific reason for this, and before you ask, it was not part of a planned mid-life face lift refresh!

[Otto Puzzell]

Simpler assembly, with fewer parts = lower cost of manufacture?

[Djetset]

No, not that either I'm afraid, but this really is one of those 'you'll kick yourself when you know' puzzles!

[Allemano]

reading your comment on Otto's post — was it modified for competition/racing? (lower drag)