These pages are intended to provide production information related to the TR7 and TR8 cars. Some information, relating to the prototype cars and the very rare, genuine, home market TR8s has been purposely omitted. It was felt that there is a significant risk that some unscrupulous individuals might take the information presented here, fabricate VIN numbers (close to the originals), and attach them to upgraded TR7-V8s thus passing these new cars off for real TR8s. Those who feel they have a rare car are encouraged to contact us and we will attempt to assist you with VIN verification (and authentication). Below are four pages that we have built to help one decipher the various IDs and codes found on the Wedge
Deciphering and Decoding VIN Codes The first page deals with the specific VIN prefix and suffix numbers. This very involved and detailed page is aptly titled VIN Numbers Decoded. This page has broken down the VIN codes, by year and manufacturing plant to help you decode the specifics to the VIN on a TR7 or TR8..
Paint and Trim Explained The second page, Paint and Trim Codes, helps to break down the information provided on the driver side door plate. This page will help you determine if your car body color is original color or not, translating the color codes to actual paint colors. As an added item, Dupont and PPG Historical Color Library data has been added to allow you to steer your paint and body person to the appropriate catalog to help you match your paint. We are regularly contacted for this sort of information,because the three character paint code isn't easily matchable in modern databases. Additionally, the other door / VIN plate information will tell you what the original interior seat material was, as well as the trim located throughout the car. Paint and trim code research can be confusing, so feel free to contact us for assistance.
The Wedge Colours page has pictorial examples of the colours offered by the factory through the production life of the TR7 and TR8..
Location Guide This page is designed solely to help you find the VIN and other serial number locations used throughout the years. Included are photos of the different plates used on the cars and their locations, as well as the locations of other number such as body numbers and secondary VIN locations. This information can be accessed via the VIN and Component Serial Number Locator Guide page.
Miscellaneous Serial Numbers As the title implies, this page helps to decipher and decode the 'other' serial numbers. These were the different prefixes used on the TR7 and TR8 gearbox and differentials. Information is also provided to help determine final drive ratios based on the rear differentials. This is particularly handy if you find that you have, as many people do, aftermarket wheels. Details on deciphering this information can be found on the Component Serial Numbers page.
Triumph Wedge Owners Association: Formerly the TR8 Car Club of America TWOA is an Affiliate Chapter of the Vintage Triumph Register