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

[Djetset]

Ah, now we're getting somewhere!

[Allemano]

TR7 V8 rally car?

[Djetset]

You're getting much closer now, as this is a TR7 rally car. So, now do you know why this is the way it is?

[Allemano]

The TR7 was built until 1981. The WRC Group B started in 1982... Was it a stillborn TR7 Group B project?

[Djetset]

No, it's not that. 

Interestingly although the production of the TR7 ended in 1981, the last examples registered (sold) in the UK were as late as 1986!

[Allemano]

factory team car?

[Djetset]

Yes, although not 100% certain if it ever actually raced in this format, but don't think it did.

[Allemano]

From the late seventies?

[Djetset]

Crossed over from very late 1970s into the early 1980s.

[Otto Puzzell]

For what it's worth, if you're looking for this car on the web, don't click on this site - it's virus-laden:

hxxp://www.tr7-tr8.com/

"http" modified to prevent accidental clicking.

[Djetset]

Thanks for the health warning tip Otto.  I've never seen this car on the web, but then again I'n not quite as skilled at searching for things as some of our fellow puzzlers!

[Allemano]

I've never seen this car on the web, but then again I'n not quite as skilled at searching for things as some of our fellow puzzlers!

I've searched through the most comprehesive source on the Net for Austin & Rover cars, but as you already pointed out — it's not there! 

[Djetset]

I've seen photos of this car twice; once in a magazine in the late 1970s, and another in a book more recently (from which the puzzle photo was taken).

[guido66]

Was is modified to make room for an inline six?

[Djetset]

No, not that.

[guido66]

four wheel drive?

[ImpishGrin]

TR7 made for rallycross?

[Otto Puzzell]

Shame, because you'll kick yourself when the answer is revealed.  Sleep on it, and maybe the answer will come to you.

Been sleeping for over a year - and still no revelation! 

[Djetset]

It's not four-wheel-drive, and not made specifically for rally cross, more for rallying.  So, any more ideas, or back to sleep for a while longer?

[guido66]

mid-engined?

[Djetset]

No.

[Otto Puzzell]

Perhaps a fuel economy rally, versus a speed / distance rally.

[Djetset]

Hmm, not quite, but you've used a couple of interesting words there (fuel economy, rally).  Now there's a BIG clue!!

[guido66]

Design for long distance rallies like Paris-Dakar?

[Djetset]

Not that.