Triumph Dolomite
Triumph Dolomite Sprint
The Triumph Dolomite is a passenger car of the lower middle class, the Triumph Motor Company (part of the British Leyland group) in Canley in Coventry as a successor to the 1500 produced. He ran from January 1972 to August 1980 from the tape.
- 7.1 Current situation
History
The Triumph Dolomite was last series of the lower middle class (code name: Project Ajax), which began with the triumph of 1300 beginning of 1965. The 1300 should replace the rear-wheel drive Triumph Herald and was originally equipped with a 1.3 -liter inline four- cylinder engine and front wheel drive. In September 1970 he was replaced from 1500 with redesigned front and rear revised, which had been designed by Giovanni Michelotti and had the larger engine with 1500 cc capacity.
Triumph but was dissatisfied with the sales figures of 1300. Though it sold fairly well, he never reached the success of the simpler and cheaper Herald. Thus, the company revised the car again and brought him out at the same time as the successor to 1500 as Toledo, a cheaper and simpler version with rear wheel drive. It was marketed along with the now higher-powered front-wheel drive model.
The Dolomite
The Triumph Dolomite was presented at the London Motor Show in October 1971, but the start of production was delayed due to strikes and other difficulties in the automotive industry to October 1972. The car was as a successor for the better versions of the 1500 and also for the Vitesse, a sporty edition of the Herald, thought. The name " Dolomite " had used triumph before the Second World War for a series and revived him for the new series. The cars had the long body of the front-wheel drive 1500, but most of the mechanics of the rear-wheel drive model Toledo.
Initially, there was only one version of dolomite, which had the four-cylinder in-line engine of triumph with 1854 cc with 91 bhp (68 kW) and decent performance bot. This engine version sold Triumph already in Saab for their Model 99
The car was designed for the then new field of athletic mid-size sedans, should compete against vehicles like the BMW 2002 and Ford Cortina GXL and was offered at a high level of equipment. These included dual headlights, a timer, extensive instrumentation, comfort seats and carpets, a heated rear window and a cigarette lighter. In terms of styling, the car hardly differed from 1500, but got some new features like a matt black tail panel, vinyl -clad C-pillars and new hubcaps. The car ran 170 km / h and acceleration from 0-100 km / h in just over 11 s soon there was a desire on overdrive, which lowered the level of speed in highway driving, and helped the car to less fuel consumption. An automatic transmission was also one of the extras.
Dolomite Sprint
Although the Dolomite proved to be a modern and fast, had its competitors such as the BMW 2002, but a performance advantage, which cost the triumph of both prestige and sales. To remedy this, Triumph brought out in June 1973 the Dolomite Sprint. A development team Spen King designed a 16 -valve cylinder head with single overhead camshaft operated the intake valves directly on bucket tappets and the exhaust valves via rocker arms. The displacement of the engine was enlarged to 1998 cc, which in conjunction with a larger carburetor for an output of 127 bhp (95 kW) made . This was significantly more than the 1.9 -liter variant, although the original target of 135 bhp (101 kW ) was not reached.
Although the British Leyland engineers test engines up to 150 bhp could elicit (112 kW), a reliable series production was not available in this quality. The series machines supplied between 125 bhp (93 kW) and 130 bhp (97 kW). Therefore, after a short notice " Dolomite Sprint " replaced the original model name " Dolomite 135 ".
Because of the new engine, the Dolomite Sprint is considered the first real production car with multi-valve technology. The design of the cylinder head won the prize of the British Design Council in 1974. The performance was excellent: acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 8.4 seconds and top speed 192 km / h The equipment corresponded to that of 1850, but aluminum wheels were standard ( for the first time at a British car), as well as a related with leatherette roof, a front spoiler, dual exhaust pipes and lowering. The 1850 had now seat covers made of fabric and the Sprint got the same.
Because of the higher torque of the new engine, the other drive components had to be reinforced. Transmission and differential were replaced with the parts that were installed in the Triumph TR6 and Triumph in 2000, but with a narrower gear grading. The brakes have been improved, with new pads front and rear with larger drums and a load-dependent brake valve. On request, a limited-slip differential was available. Also, there was as special equipment known from the 1850 Options overdrive or automatic transmission.
When introduced in the Sprint 1740 pounds, a very cost -effective price compared to its competitors. His practical four doors made the Dolomite Sprint also an interesting choice as the first official car for young managers. The British magazine The Motor praised the car in his review that begins with " Britain leads the way " was subtitled (English UK is leading the way ): "... the Sprint is the answer to the prayers of many people. He is well equipped, compact yet surprisingly roomy. Power is available in abundance, but it is economical in the use of fuel and the manners of the model are blameless. (...) The most important thing of all: It is a car that is surprisingly satisfying to drive. "
From May 1975 overdrive and tinted windows are supplied as standard. In addition, all Sprint were equipped with side trim, a plastic cover for the shift lever and an exterior mirror on the driver's side. Head restraints, there was an extra charge. As of March 1976 headrests, radio and laminated glass windscreen were fitted as standard.
From 1980, two rear fog lights were in accordance with the new UK regulations, supplied.
Motorsport
Touring car
The Dolomite Sprint was driving in the British Touring Car Championship from 1974 to 1978, the car had some success. Andy Rouse won the competition in 1975 and reached together with his teammate Tony Dron the Constructors' Championship in 1974.
A sprint, which was driven by Rouse and Dron, reached fifth place in the 24- hour race at Spa -Francorchamps in July 1974. In September reached Dron in a sprint for third place in the overall standings of the RAC Tourist Trophy 1974. 1975 won Andy Rouse the BTCC in a sprint. 1976 reported Broadspeed only a Dolomite Sprint in the British Saloon Car Championship '' where Rouse second in the 2 -liter class was. 1977 no longer drove Rouse, but the made-up of Dron Broadspeed Dolomite Sprint. Dron managed not less than seven out of twelve races against tough competition to win. He missed the overall victory only just due to a puncture when he was in the lead in the last race by more than a minute. 1978 reported Broadspeed only one Dolomite Sprint ( driven by Dron ), but won only one race, even though the Sprint nor the Class B last year won a work car racing in the British Saloon Car Championship.
Rally
Because of its heavier body and a delicate machine, the Dolomite Sprint in rallies was less successful. Failures were frequent and so did not finish a Dolomite Sprint a rally in 1974.
In 1975, things improved somewhat, since a pilotierter by Brian Culcheth and Johnstone Syer Sprint the 11th place in the overall classification of the Welsh Rally in May 1975 finished ( Zulassungsnr. FRW 812L ). Was soon followed by an impressive second place overall in the Tour of Britain in August 1975 and in the Lombard RAC Rally Culcheth and Syer won the Group 1 and were top of the class.
In January 1976 Tony Pond and D. Richards won the Group 1 of the Tour of Dean Rally. In the same month Culcheth and Syer occupied fifth place overall in the Snowman Rally and finished seventh overall in the Mintex Rally a month later, with Tony Pond and D. Richards first Group 1 were. Culcheth and Syer excreted in the Granite City Rally out in March, while Pond and Richards fourth in the overall standings were and won the Group 1. Culcheth and Syer finished second overall in the Tour of Britain and in the Manx Trophy Rally in August, while P. Ryan and F. Gallagher occupied ninth place in the overall standings. P. Ryan and M. Nicholson also won the Group N Rally of Lindisfarm in October and they were second in the Group 1 at the Castrol '76.
As of May 1976, the Dolomite Sprint was used together with the TR7 before the company withdrew him from rallying in favor of the TR7 V8. In the Lombard RAC Rally 1976 Sprint retired with engine failure. 1977 was the last season, took part in the sprint works cars in rallies. Ryan and Nicholson won the Group 1 and occupied the eighth place overall in the Granite City Rally. In the Welsh Rally, they were ninth in the overall standings and second in the Group 1
In the Scottish Rally Ryan and Nicholson occupied twelfth place in the overall standings and won along with two other TR7 the designer price. The Manx Rally in September 1977 was the very last rally, in which started a sprint unit carriage, but he ended his career on a high note, as he finished in seventh place overall and the Group 1 won ( both "Class 1" and " Production " class).
Rationalization of the model range
As of 1975, the Triumph model range had become complex, containing many names and specifications. The Dolomite body was still as a basic model Toledo ( with short trunk, 1296 cc engine ( OHV ) and rear-wheel drive ), 1500 TC ( with normal boot, 1493 cc engine ( OHV ) and rear-wheel drive ) and as dolomite or dolomite Sprint ( with normal boot, 1854 cm ³ -, and 1998 cc engine ( oHC ) and rear-wheel drive ) available. In the spring of 1976, the model range was rationalized as follows:
- Dolomite 1300: basic model, basic equipment, single headlight, 1296 cc engine
- Dolomite 1500: as 1300, but with 1493 cc engine
- Dolomite 1500HL: Luxury design, as in the 1850HL, but with 1493 cc engine
- Dolomite 1850HL: Luxury version with 1850 cc OHC engine (from 1975: front spoiler )
- Dolomite Sprint: High Performance, luxury amenities, 1998 cc engine with 16 valves
The Dolomite 1300 had the 1.3 -liter inline four- cylinder engine, which was developed from the machines of models Herald and Spitfire, and replaced the Toledo base model of the series. On the body there was the occasion of this change hardly changes, but they got the long trunk of the other Dolomite models. The 1300 was easily fitted, eg with single rectangular headlamps instead of double headlights, simpler instruments and seats and the wooden dashboard and carpets of Toledo. There was no two-door model. The basic equipment were reversible front seats, cigarette lighter, Anschnallwarnleuchte, exterior mirror on the driver's side, two reversing lights and dimming interior mirror. The dashboard came from the revised Toledo in 1975. Overdrive and automatic transmission were not offered.
The next higher model was the Dolomite 1500 which replaced the Model 1500. The Dolomite 1500 corresponded to 1300, but had a bigger engine with 1500 cc and two carburetors. Overdrive or automatic transmission were available on request.
The Dolomite 1500HL had basically the same facilities as the luxury model 1850HL, but had the same engine as the Dolomite 1500. The performance was good and overdrive or automatic transmission, there was also desired. The the 1500HL equipment was much better than that of 1500, for example, there was a tachometer, a voltmeter, separate displays for fuel and temperature, a timer, a height- adjustable steering column, a height adjustment for the driver's seat, head rests, pockets on the backs of the front seats, a rear folding armrest and door trim walnut top on all four doors.
With the new 1500 models, the company replaced a front- drive model with a rear wheel drive, without significant changes would have been seen on the body. At a time when most other automotive manufacturer swung to the front-wheel drive, the turn triumph for rear-wheel drive can be viewed as an expression of backward thinking. This context I have to remember that in the big rear-drive model range of Triumph, this move also significant cost savings.
Recent changes
The dolomite in all variants was little changed from its conception to the end of production. Most changes were to trim and additional equipment of individual models.
1979 Dolomite SE was introduced in 1500 with the single rectangular headlights and the body, caused by the 2163 piece. The interior came from the luxury models, and had things like a dashboard and upper door panels made of walnut wood, gray velor seats and matching carpets. All these cars were painted black and had wide silver stripes on the sides of the vehicle, and the letters "SE" on the rear fenders. The SE also had a front spoiler and wheels in the style of the Spitfire. In the late 1970s the Dolomite looked increasingly old-fashioned, especially when compared to its more modern competitors.
In August 1980, the production of this series was, as well as the Triumph Spitfire set, because the Leyland factory in Canley castle in order to have a chance of survival due to shrinkage. Overall, in almost nine years 204 003 copies of the Triumph Dolomite originated.
Reputation
The Dolomite has earned the reputation of fragility. The introduction of the Dolomite was held in particular for BL and Triumph, turbulent times. A wealth of new models along with the completely new design of the OHC in-line four cylinder brought with it that probably were not all service mechanic about the new requirements of the engine maintenance in the clear. Especially for the new engine a properly functioning cooling system was important as well to prevent overheating and damage. This actually happened quite frequently, which tarnished the reputation of the car.
The Dolomite is relatively rare these days; in the UK, only about 1300 copies are signed. But this is not much compared to contemporary models, such as the Morris Marina.
Current situation
The Triumph Dolomite is still used in the UK, mainland Europe and Australia as well as in several other countries in the classic motorsport.
From the Dolomite derived vehicles
The Panther Rio, manufactured 1975-1977 at Panther Westwinds, based on the Dolomite 1850, but was newly clothed with aluminum sheets and got a completely new interior. There was also the Panther Rio Especiale, which is based on the Dolomite Sprint.
The Latham F2 had the mechanics of the Dolomite (usually the model Sprint ), but a fiberglass sports car body.
The early Robin Hood S7 contained the subframe and mechanical components of the dolomite in conjunction with a monocoque body made of stainless steel. Later Robin Hood were built based on Ford vehicles.