If I could find a rotten one I'd do a full restore and do a Tesla small motor in the rear swap, home brew battery pack and a few other bits... but keep it looking as standard as possible on the out side :):)
Only recently learned about the Dolomite (I live in the US), but I absolutely can not get over the lines of the car. There is still something about the clean lines and the standard 3 box design which still looks sharp today!
It’s criminal these cars didn’t get to develop through the next few decades, imagine having a Triumph today that could rival Audi and BMW, a Triumph version of the M3. The Spring and the Stag should have been world beaters.
Don't even get me started about the british car industry; we really shot ourselves in the foot courtesy of lazy workers, unionised sloppy quality control, apathy, very little government support and unimaginative management. Ii'm very very Rule Brittania about my metalwork and would have a Trumph Daytona 600, Jaguar XJR Supercharged and a Rover 3.5 Coupe as my personal stable.
Some actually say that the uk car industry at that time was sabotaged! I was only a kid in the 1970s. So, can’t really expand on that! But, my dad actually owned one of these in this yellow! Went like the wind! Anyway, he was convinced with this theory! Said Red Robbo was specifically sent in to carry out this exercise!
I had five! One was my first car at 17, LGL 396P bless its little head gasket. Gave away loads of parts when I moved jobs/home including a mint 22k miles engine & gearbox and genuine Triumph/BL workshop manuals. Kick myself now when I look at prices...
Beautiful cars. My Mums first car was a 1850HL, absolutely loved that car. JCH957N. She bought it for £1 from my Grandad in 1976 when he bought a Triumph 2500 S, now that really was a special car
@@johndrake2729 Ah, I was confused by them both being called Triumph. I checked and they were the same company until 1939 when they split. The Triumph marque for cars is currently owned by BMW.
Total blast from the past…my old man had one of these in white 16v with black vinyl roof manual overdrive gearbox plus those icon alloys back in the day..awe the memories 👏
Great video, my Mum had one in the same colour in the 70's and she loved driving it as it had great visibility all round. My Dad used to drive it 'enthusiastically' and put a couple of concrete flagstones in the boot during the winter to improve traction.
One of the best sporting saloons of the 70s, and definitely the template for BMW 3 series! It was also the first British production car to be fitted with standard alloy wheels. Engine made its way into the SAAB 900. A very smart looking classic car………..
My dad had his own car repair business when I was a boy. The customer courtesy car was a Dolly 1300. Oh how I coveted that car! I was gutted when he sold it before I was old enough to drive. While all my friends were getting themselves a mk2 Fiesta, or a Nova, I really wanted that Dolomite.
@@idriveaclassic Well I like to think so. I did get a 1970 Fiat 500 as my first car. I currently have a 1991 Micra K10 as my daily driver. It is EXACTLY like the white Micra Premium you drove a while back.
I used to really enjoy driving my parent's 1500HL and found that 3rdo/d was perfect for town use. Using 4th would make the engine pink and judder like crazy. Always wanted to get my hands on one of the larger engined variants. Still a very attractive looking vehicle in my opinion.
In 1984 I had the pleasure of passing my driving test in my Dad's Triumph Dolomite 1500HL after failing three times in the driving instructor's 1.1L Escort. I look back and think the Dolomite was the most pleasing car I have ever driven.
Fascinating car. My classmate's older brother had a Triumph Dolomite Sprint and when I finally learnt more about them I could see what all the fuss was over.
I've only just found this site,and I have to tell you that you are fabulous at your reviews on classic cars. Top gear could do with you. Passionate. Knowledge. Etc and at the end a fair summary. Keep doing these and I hope you get spotted for your talent.
Another lovely video and really nice to see all the attention on the Triumph range (esp. the small saloons). We have an early Dolomite (Badged Dolomite, not Dolomite 1850) Auto and it's LOVELY to drive. I was really worried about the 3 speed auto, but they got the combination of diff, auto and engine torque spot on. One SMALL criticism of the video... the way to really truely LOVE a Dolomite Sprint is to drop it down a gear and boot it and enjoy the top end of the rev range on that amazing 16V engine.
Beautiful car , Around 61 TR7 sprints where made but it is a very finicky engine, a pain in the rear to be honest and that's putting it mildly but yet I do love the Dolomite Sprints 🙂👍 best colour 👌
Oh lordy, you have no idea. Back in the 80's I bought a TR7 Sprint, purely because of the engine. I was also in the process of properly restoring a TR7 convertible and I planned to put the sprint engine in it but, after using the Sprint as a daily-driver for about 6 months, I ended-up fitting a FIAT/Lancia twin-cam into the convertible instead. Back-to-back, the Lancia engine was streets ahead of the Sprint engine; much more reliable, less rattly, less prone to overheating and oil leaks, much better parts-availability and much, much (much) better performance. On paper, I seem to recall that both engines had similar performance but, on the road, the longer stroke of the Lancia engine meant that it had more torque and you could, basically, drive everywhere in a higher gear than in the Sprint, where the Sprint always had to be thrashed to get it moving. In the end, I tidied up the TR7 Sprint and sold it for enough money to pay for itself AND cover the cost of doing the engine-swap on the convertible.
Not much history on the TR7 sprints apparently cancelled in 77 because the FIA band multi-valve heads the 76 us emissions legislation and where there is some evidence canceled in favour of the TR8 none were ever sold as a catalogue car out of the 61 produced
I had a colleague who had one of these in the eighties and she loved it. I still miss my old Herald, even though it went to the great garage in the sky over 45 years ago but I wish I'd had it from new.
I owned a 1979 Dolly Sprint..back in 1984.. Back in the day was in the Motor Trade as a Panel Beater and finisher. I re sprayed in ICI 2 pack mixing Ford XR3 Sunburst Red.. Looked amazing but like all had an overheating issue... Fast for sure clicking the overdrive in ... To this day, I always talk about it.. I did own a W reg XR3 in Sunburst Red... Dolly was my fav...I am 55 now and looking to buy another one...👍👍 Your Dolly in Mimosa Yellow looks great...
Should've been the standard engine in the TR7. I love how this one has that very pretty yellow color. Sunny and cheerful. So many 70s B-L yellow colors are patterned after brands of spicy mustard (full of nuance but not pretty) rather than sunflowers or the like.
@@Velocipedium I thought this car looks like Inca Yellow. Mimosa is a slightly paler, flatter looking colour I think. This colour is from 1977-80 I think so it's an early car in a later colour.
I was working in a Triumph dealership when these were launched and later had one as a company car (although it blew its head gasket at just 800 miles old !). Brilliant car and absolutely loved it. You’re right, the first (I think) 1000 were all painted Mimosa, although that one seems to me to be more like Inca - respray ? If I can find the time I will tell you later about the Dolomite 135 !
The Dolomite was introduced in 1971 with the 1850 engine. By 1976 all medium sized Triumph saloons were called Dolomite from the boring 1300 that replaced the Toledo, the 1500 that replaced the 1500TC. The Sprint is the most exciting model introduced in 1973 that went up to 115mph, and this Inca yellow L reg is one of the earliest.
it says everything about the UK car industry. This is the tip-top flagship model of their luxury small saloon. And it has just a single door mirror - no passenger door mirror. I love the details of this example, like the era-appropriate rear speakers and the fact that it's loved, but actually driven and used. And that colour!
I owned one of these up until 2002, I bought it in 1989 very cheaply it handled well and was quick, a company in Essex called sprint spares helped me out for spare parts, I sold it because I went working away so the car stood for long periods, good memories.
I had a Dolomite Sprint back in 1992 on a L plate. It was stolen in Fulham and found partially stripped in the tower block flats just north of Wandsworth Bridge. Lovely car which I still miss today.
"I'm sure when it was brand new it was absolutely fine" - not a comment people usually associate with 70s BL products! But beautiful car Steph, and what a great colour! Thanks for making this.
When I was a kid still at primary in 1979 I used to ride around on my bike and made a point of riding to see one of these parked outside someone's house. I loved it. And wanted one😄. One day the bloke came out his door while I was peering in at the dash. "You want to buy it" he said. Well it scared me off and I never went back. 😔
One of my favourite cars from the seventies, I never knew they made so few of them. I was pleasantly surprised when Rowan Atkinson drove one in the third Johnny English film.
I had a 1975 Sprint in mimosa after learning to drive in an Avenger 1250 and the difference was chalk and cheese. The performance of the Dolomite was amazing back in the day. I had to sort out a lot of wheel arch rust even though the car was less than 5 years old but the classy interior and acceleration made up for that. I had a major incident on the motorway when the bearing in the viscous fan seized and sheared off causing havoc in the engine bay by cutting through hoses and electrical leads. Didn't put me off though as I kept it for another 3 years after the repair!
Great review thanks Steph, and what an amazing car, an absolute stunner! Love the style and colour...a real favourite of mine, very envious! Great car, great review!
The Sprint was good for 116 mph and hit 60 in 8.4 seconds- which was extremely rapid in the 70's. 127 Bhp, overdrive on 3rd and top. Great ergonomics. Classy Smiths instrument gauges, lovely interior. The Sprint was a superb motor-providing it was maintained properly- especially the cooling system. RS2000 eater!
These came to Australia but I believe this yellow was the only colour available. Very few survive as they were usually driven pretty hard. Lovely example and the paint looks in great condition. Resprayed I guess. Very handsome looking car. Thanks Steph. and the owner.
The all systems go wheel was in the Stag and the 2500S... A lot of carry over in parts and styling which was good. The Dash layout in this, virtually identical to my old 2500S o/d
I owned a Triumph Dolomite Sprint which was the second car that I owned. Initial overheating problems - due to a warped head. But after I had the head skimmed and a thicker head gasket fitted, all was good. Andy Rouse raced this car in the UK Saloon Cars Championship and winning the driver's championship in 1975 - fond memories.
It kinda was based on the Dolly engine (or the dolly engine was half a Stag upped to 18-50) but that OHC V8 was a nightmare for overheating / head warping etc, they should have used the Rover V8 ......... but yes , a 4 litre 16V V8 based on 2 Sprint Cyl banks would have been something so long as they got the reliabiity right .
A lots of the fittings including dash, glovebox, overdrive switch and grab handles seem the same at the Triumph 2000 - brings back memories, especially that wonky overdrive switch.
Have to say your comments are spot on..this dolomite in this colour is the only one i remember i grew up with these cars it stood out in that canary yellow. toledo- stag - 2000 -2500 pi -Gt6 they were all in my youth👍.
My dad had one - the best colour by far - he was daddy cool at our school - I wish I had one ! Great video Steph - brought so many good memories back !! Thanks a mill !
The Two Ronnies."The 1000th car rolled off the British Leyland production line this week and fell onto the other 999".Always liked the Dolomite sprint.
This was a real nostalgia trip for an oldie like me; trust me that Dolly Sprint looks better than I do. Thanks for a fab upload, I love these cars; they were pretty damn quick at the time; my mate had one that did over 40mph in first gear, bonkers! This was a great review, love your work, thank you.
Shame you didn't get to use the overdrive. One of the most enjoyable things on my Dolly Sprint is flicking through the gears and using the overdrive in 3rd & 4th. Easily keeps up with modern traffic
What were we seeing at 11:07? I thought for a minute that this car actually had two clocks on the dash. ;-) That said, what a splendid example of this fascinating car! I’ve long admired the design of the Triumph sedans, especially the Sprint. Thanks as always, and regards from the US. PS: Yes, I do pay attention to the details. ;-)
PCH2N was mine exactly the same, absolutely loved it. Bought a nearly new tahiti blue? After that. Beautiful cars with grace and pace a poor man's Jag? Beautiful interior and great compact looks. O/D box gave you a six speed box back in the 70s. So easy to maintain and I really looked after mine. No probs whatsoever.
A bit of info for you. In Australia we only got Mimosa Yellow Sprints. Consequently, the other colours look a little “strange” to us. I do like the other coloured Sprints.
I love the wobble on the speedo needle until it gets past 30mph. Imagine being pulled over by the old bill. "Can you tell me what speed you were doing?" "I have no idea officer, between 30 and 35 depending on the nano second you asking me for? " I love this car!
As a teenager in the mid 1970's I always remember the advert for the Sprint in the Sunday supplement magazines. It went something like "Dolomite Sprint, 0-The Magistrates Court in 9 seconds"
Exactly what happened to me too, when I was pulled by a plain clothes cop in a Rover P6 3500 on the A3, whilst trying to get a stubborn Granada 3.0 to shift out of the fast lane so I could pass. Guess who got done! ;-)
My mate had the 1850HL version back in the day & I was deeply envious of it's punch & stylish good looks so I hatched a plan to buy a Sprint to out do him. Sadly the insurance quote I was given ended that plan pretty quickly. I think it stands the test of time though. Beautiful thing.
Marina is still in bits! New job has really taken it out of me and she’s taken a back seat whilst I adjust. Also been fighting a bit of battle with depression. A strange summer I must admit x
Thank you Steph for bringing back memories of my favourite ever car - an 1850HL with overdrive and a full Webasto sunroof. It was in the same colour and I loved it. Just one quibble (and I wait to be shot down!) - I'm pretty sure that is Inca Yellow and not Mimosa which was a tad lighter :-)
I always remember as a kid, looking in the car dealer window at the Dolomite and promised myself I'd get one! About 20 or so years later I did! 'Dolly' was a white 1977 (TVJ 649 S) 1500 HL and we loved her! It wasn't really practical with the mileage I was doing, so she became the 'family car' with Karen and the children going about their daily drives to school, shopping and trips to the countryside. Sadly, we gave it to my sister in law just after she passed her test, on the understanding that we'd have it back. She decided to pocket the money from the scrappy and I have never forgiven her. Now Karen has passed, I keep thinking about getting another, but these old cars are getting very expensive now.
Just like the car I owned. The Sprint was a bit of a 'Q' car as a 4 door saloon that could really move but that beautiful 16 valve engine had some significant and fundamental weaknesses. The angled cylinder head bolts meant cylinder gasket problems were inevitable if the car was worked hard leading to head corrosion problems. With the very low production volumes of the 'Sprint only' parts made them seriously expensive. The unique Sprint water pump (it was a known weak point) was about 4 times the price of a Ford one. Nevertheless it was great fun to drive. I kept mine for 3 years and 42,000 miles. Just as well I was single and in a well paid job.
Lewis Collins drove one in The Professionals before he switched to the Capris. Out of all the BL's they drove in the first series of that show, I loved the Dolly Sprint the best.
I had an 1850 Dolomite in the late seventies - much as I loved the car, have to say it was possibly the worst car I ever owned - a real dog that was always breaking down. This Sprint looks great in yellow - would love another one......
I had a red one with black vinyl roof. It looked amazing and went like stink. It was very scary to drive in icy conditions due to the power. To my embarrassment , one Sunday morning when accelerating in such conditions, it spun round in almost a complete circle. The overdrive was brilliant. Sadly one very late night on the way home from a Christmas party in the middle of nowhere, the distributor decided to shear off and had to leave it by the roadside and get someone to pick us up at 2.30am.
This was easily the best looking compact saloon from anywhere in the 70's.
Agreed.
If I could find a rotten one I'd do a full restore and do a Tesla small motor in the rear swap, home brew battery pack and a few other bits... but keep it looking as standard as possible on the out side :):)
stag for me
@@dazspurs9899 : Or as Jeremy Clarkson calls it, the Staaaaaaaag.
@@kylereese4822 If yopu can, go for it and would love to see the result on youtube.
Only recently learned about the Dolomite (I live in the US), but I absolutely can not get over the lines of the car. There is still something about the clean lines and the standard 3 box design which still looks sharp today!
try driving one you will love it. sure handles comfortable and quick.
It’s criminal these cars didn’t get to develop through the next few decades, imagine having a Triumph today that could rival Audi and BMW, a Triumph version of the M3. The Spring and the Stag should have been world beaters.
Don't even get me started about the british car industry; we really shot ourselves in the foot courtesy of lazy workers, unionised sloppy quality control, apathy, very little government support and unimaginative management. Ii'm very very Rule Brittania about my metalwork and would have a Trumph Daytona 600, Jaguar XJR Supercharged and a Rover 3.5 Coupe as my personal stable.
Some actually say that the uk car industry at that time was sabotaged! I was only a kid in the 1970s. So, can’t really expand on that! But, my dad actually owned one of these in this yellow! Went like the wind! Anyway, he was convinced with this theory! Said Red Robbo was specifically sent in to carry out this exercise!
@@Circadianic many a true word spoken in jest,you could be right sabotage,my grandad had one of these,please fasten your seatbelts
Ironically, if the Triumph brand still existed today, it would most likely be under the ownership of the Germans or Chinese.
Love the way Dollys always look like they're seriously moving, even when parked.
...so beautifully appointed inside too..very comfortable...
The Triumph Dolomite was one of my dream cars way back when. I still love the look of them, they still look attractive today!
Oh that's a thing of beauty. Love a Triumph anyway but the colour really sets this off, wow 😍
My yellow 1978 model was lowered with Pirelli P9's and twin Webber DCOE carbs.Good for 135mph.I loved it.
I had two of these in the eighties. One of the best cars I have owned would love to have another when I win the lottery. Well done Steph.
I had five! One was my first car at 17, LGL 396P bless its little head gasket. Gave away loads of parts when I moved jobs/home including a mint 22k miles engine & gearbox and genuine Triumph/BL workshop manuals. Kick myself now when I look at prices...
Beautiful cars. My Mums first car was a 1850HL, absolutely loved that car. JCH957N.
She bought it for £1 from my Grandad in 1976 when he bought a Triumph 2500 S, now that really was a special car
Stunnng Sprint in a fantastic colour! It is such a shame that the Triumph marque never survived.
Triumph Motorcycles still exists.
@@peterjf7723 Different company.
@@johndrake2729 Ah, I was confused by them both being called Triumph.
I checked and they were the same company until 1939 when they split.
The Triumph marque for cars is currently owned by BMW.
Ironically BMW owns the rights to Triumph cars....
@@paullacey2999 Interestingly Triumph was founded in the UK in the 1880s by a German immigrant, Siegfried Bettmann.
Total blast from the past…my old man had one of these in white 16v with black vinyl roof manual overdrive gearbox plus those icon alloys back in the day..awe the memories 👏
Would have been interesting to see these develop over the years like the 1502 changed into the modern 3 series.
Same same!
I had an M reg Sprint in the 80s. It went like a rocket but I had constant trouble with the water pump leaking. Apart from that I loved it.
Great video, my Mum had one in the same colour in the 70's and she loved driving it as it had great visibility all round. My Dad used to drive it 'enthusiastically' and put a couple of concrete flagstones in the boot during the winter to improve traction.
One of the best sporting saloons of the 70s, and definitely the template for BMW 3 series! It was also the first British production car to be fitted with standard alloy wheels. Engine made its way into the SAAB 900. A very smart looking classic car………..
The engine in its 8V form found its way into the Saab 99, Saab developed it further then used it in the 900.
@@cambridgemart2075 it was actually used in a saab before triumph in 1701cc form.
@@amigachris I hadn't realised that, rather interesting fact!
Best looking saloon of its time. I have always been a Triumph fanatic and this is one of their best.
My first car after passing my test in 2003 was a tatty old Sprint, I dearly loved that car! FRW 180T
I passed my test in 2003 and first car was a Toledo!
Great to see another video and we'll done featuring The Dolomite, hope you enjoyed driving Steph !
I love driving my 1850, but always working on it !
Very nice looking car. I always fancied one of these.
Love the retro Radiomobile speakers, lovely car.
My dad had his own car repair business when I was a boy. The customer courtesy car was a Dolly 1300. Oh how I coveted that car! I was gutted when he sold it before I was old enough to drive. While all my friends were getting themselves a mk2 Fiesta, or a Nova, I really wanted that Dolomite.
Ahh you had good taste ❤️
@@idriveaclassic Well I like to think so. I did get a 1970 Fiat 500 as my first car. I currently have a 1991 Micra K10 as my daily driver. It is EXACTLY like the white Micra Premium you drove a while back.
Good to see you again. Loved this vid. Had a 76 Toledo, always wanted one of these. Professionals!
I used to really enjoy driving my parent's 1500HL and found that 3rdo/d was perfect for town use. Using 4th would make the engine pink and judder like crazy. Always wanted to get my hands on one of the larger engined variants. Still a very attractive looking vehicle in my opinion.
In 1984 I had the pleasure of passing my driving test in my Dad's Triumph Dolomite 1500HL after failing three times in the driving instructor's 1.1L Escort.
I look back and think the Dolomite was the most pleasing car I have ever driven.
Fascinating car. My classmate's older brother had a Triumph Dolomite Sprint and when I finally learnt more about them I could see what all the fuss was over.
70s Chic .......love the twin headlamps on cars of that era , ....nice example.
I've only just found this site,and I have to tell you that you are fabulous
at your reviews on classic cars.
Top gear could do with you. Passionate. Knowledge. Etc and at the end a fair summary.
Keep doing these and I hope you get spotted for your talent.
What a lovely Dolly Sprint . These were fast cars in their day. One of the nicest cars of its time.
Wow. One of my three possible classic future purchases. Love it
Another lovely video and really nice to see all the attention on the Triumph range (esp. the small saloons). We have an early Dolomite (Badged Dolomite, not Dolomite 1850) Auto and it's LOVELY to drive. I was really worried about the 3 speed auto, but they got the combination of diff, auto and engine torque spot on.
One SMALL criticism of the video... the way to really truely LOVE a Dolomite Sprint is to drop it down a gear and boot it and enjoy the top end of the rev range on that amazing 16V engine.
Used to have a 1500TC loved that car, so comfortable.
A very handsome design and looks particularly good in that colour & wheel design combination
Beautiful car , Around 61 TR7 sprints where made but it is a very finicky engine, a pain in the rear to be honest and that's putting it mildly but yet I do love the Dolomite Sprints 🙂👍 best colour 👌
Oh lordy, you have no idea.
Back in the 80's I bought a TR7 Sprint, purely because of the engine.
I was also in the process of properly restoring a TR7 convertible and I planned to put the sprint engine in it but, after using the Sprint as a daily-driver for about 6 months, I ended-up fitting a FIAT/Lancia twin-cam into the convertible instead.
Back-to-back, the Lancia engine was streets ahead of the Sprint engine; much more reliable, less rattly, less prone to overheating and oil leaks, much better parts-availability and much, much (much) better performance.
On paper, I seem to recall that both engines had similar performance but, on the road, the longer stroke of the Lancia engine meant that it had more torque and you could, basically, drive everywhere in a higher gear than in the Sprint, where the Sprint always had to be thrashed to get it moving.
In the end, I tidied up the TR7 Sprint and sold it for enough money to pay for itself AND cover the cost of doing the engine-swap on the convertible.
Not much history on the TR7 sprints apparently cancelled in 77 because the FIA band multi-valve heads the 76 us emissions legislation and where there is some evidence canceled in favour of the TR8 none were ever sold as a catalogue car out of the 61 produced
Love these, when I was a nipper a few of the local lads had these, black, green and white ones. Always loved the look of these, I’d happily own one 😍
Great one Steph! Lovely to see you, I’ve had withdrawal symptoms! Hope you’re all good 🙂
Good but super busy! Xx
I had a colleague who had one of these in the eighties and she loved it. I still miss my old Herald, even though it went to the great garage in the sky over 45 years ago but I wish I'd had it from new.
I owned a 1979 Dolly Sprint..back in 1984..
Back in the day was in the Motor Trade as a Panel Beater and finisher.
I re sprayed in ICI 2 pack mixing Ford XR3 Sunburst Red..
Looked amazing but like all had an overheating issue...
Fast for sure clicking the overdrive in ...
To this day, I always talk about it..
I did own a W reg XR3 in Sunburst Red...
Dolly was my fav...I am 55 now and looking to buy another one...👍👍
Your Dolly in Mimosa Yellow looks great...
Fantastic! I’d love one in Magenta
Loved the Magenta, I had a Stag in that colour ...
Should've been the standard engine in the TR7. I love how this one has that very pretty yellow color. Sunny and cheerful. So many 70s B-L yellow colors are patterned after brands of spicy mustard (full of nuance but not pretty) rather than sunflowers or the like.
Agreed - the TR7 would have been a completely different car with the 16v engine……..should have been a drop top from the off too!
@@Velocipedium I thought this car looks like Inca Yellow. Mimosa is a slightly paler, flatter looking colour I think. This colour is from 1977-80 I think so it's an early car in a later colour.
Another cracking video - good to see you back on youTube👍
I sooooo miss mine... Had one here in OZ.
Owned a blue 1973 1850 Triumph Dolmite when I was 19 years old.
Happy memories .
I was working in a Triumph dealership when these were launched and later had one as a company car (although it blew its head gasket at just 800 miles old !).
Brilliant car and absolutely loved it.
You’re right, the first (I think) 1000 were all painted Mimosa, although that one seems to me to be more like Inca - respray ?
If I can find the time I will tell you later about the Dolomite 135 !
One of my favourite cars of all time. Thank you for the review, poppet! 🥰
The Dolomite was introduced in 1971 with the 1850 engine. By 1976 all medium sized Triumph saloons were called Dolomite from the boring 1300 that replaced the Toledo, the 1500 that replaced the 1500TC. The Sprint is the most exciting model introduced in 1973 that went up to 115mph, and this Inca yellow L reg is one of the earliest.
Glad to see Steph back once again! Another interesting car, another enjoyable drive! Cheers! :)
Thank you x
About time Steph lol a great review of a real classic,went to my wedding in my Dolly Sprint in 1981 a true classic.
We have to show all sorts you know 😉
it says everything about the UK car industry. This is the tip-top flagship model of their luxury small saloon. And it has just a single door mirror - no passenger door mirror.
I love the details of this example, like the era-appropriate rear speakers and the fact that it's loved, but actually driven and used. And that colour!
A great review of a fantastic car. I'm from Doncaster so recognise the test drive route. Keep up the good work Steph, I enjoy all of your videos.
I owned one of these up until 2002, I bought it in 1989 very cheaply it handled well and was quick, a company in Essex called sprint spares helped me out for spare parts, I sold it because I went working away so the car stood for long periods, good memories.
I had a Dolomite Sprint back in 1992 on a L plate. It was stolen in Fulham and found partially stripped in the tower block flats just north of Wandsworth Bridge. Lovely car which I still miss today.
"I'm sure when it was brand new it was absolutely fine" - not a comment people usually associate with 70s BL products! But beautiful car Steph, and what a great colour! Thanks for making this.
When I was a kid still at primary in 1979 I used to ride around on my bike and made a point of riding to see one of these parked outside someone's house. I loved it. And wanted one😄. One day the bloke came out his door while I was peering in at the dash. "You want to buy it" he said.
Well it scared me off and I never went back. 😔
Hahahah. You missed your moment 😭
One of my favourite cars from the seventies, I never knew they made so few of them. I was pleasantly surprised when Rowan Atkinson drove one in the third Johnny English film.
Rowan is a car man to be fair. Wonder if he had a hand in it.
@@idriveaclassic I'm sure he had.
I always loved the look of the Dolomite. Dad drove a MK1 Escort but these looked far smarter.
I had a 1975 Sprint in mimosa after learning to drive in an Avenger 1250 and the difference was chalk and cheese. The performance of the Dolomite was amazing back in the day. I had to sort out a lot of wheel arch rust even though the car was less than 5 years old but the classy interior and acceleration made up for that. I had a major incident on the motorway when the bearing in the viscous fan seized and sheared off causing havoc in the engine bay by cutting through hoses and electrical leads. Didn't put me off though as I kept it for another 3 years after the repair!
Great review thanks Steph, and what an amazing car, an absolute stunner! Love the style and colour...a real favourite of mine, very envious! Great car, great review!
Thanks Tom!
The Sprint was good for 116 mph and hit 60 in 8.4 seconds- which was extremely rapid in the 70's. 127 Bhp, overdrive on 3rd and top. Great ergonomics. Classy Smiths instrument gauges, lovely interior. The Sprint was a superb motor-providing it was maintained properly- especially the cooling system. RS2000 eater!
These came to Australia but I believe this yellow was the only colour available. Very few survive as they were usually driven pretty hard. Lovely example and the paint looks in great condition. Resprayed I guess. Very handsome looking car. Thanks Steph. and the owner.
I think it might’ve been although if it has it bears no hallmarks. It’s seamless.
The all systems go wheel was in the Stag and the 2500S... A lot of carry over in parts and styling which was good. The Dash layout in this, virtually identical to my old 2500S o/d
I owned a Triumph Dolomite Sprint which was the second car that I owned. Initial overheating problems - due to a warped head. But after I had the head skimmed and a thicker head gasket fitted, all was good. Andy Rouse raced this car in the UK Saloon Cars Championship and winning the driver's championship in 1975 - fond memories.
I love the airbox on these, craftily makes the engine look like a V8 (in that you expect another bank of cylinders under it) .....
What if the Stag V8 had basically been two of these instead of whatever it was?
It kinda was based on the Dolly engine (or the dolly engine was half a Stag upped to 18-50) but that OHC V8 was a nightmare for overheating / head warping etc, they should have used the Rover V8 ......... but yes , a 4 litre 16V V8 based on 2 Sprint Cyl banks would have been something so long as they got the reliabiity right .
Another awsome video Steph, i really loved this review, keep up the good work.
A lots of the fittings including dash, glovebox, overdrive switch and grab handles seem the same at the Triumph 2000 - brings back memories, especially that wonky overdrive switch.
Have to say your comments are spot on..this dolomite in this colour is the only one i remember i grew up with these cars it stood out in that canary yellow. toledo- stag - 2000 -2500 pi -Gt6 they were all in my youth👍.
Thanks for another great video Steph, I have one of these! 😊
My dad had one - the best colour by far - he was daddy cool at our school - I wish I had one ! Great video Steph - brought so many good memories back !! Thanks a mill !
Thanks x
Now that is one great looking car - I had the pleasure only once back in 1983 to drive a friends 1850HL would have loved to drive a Sprint
The Two Ronnies."The 1000th car rolled off the British Leyland production line this week and fell onto the other 999".Always liked the Dolomite sprint.
This was a real nostalgia trip for an oldie like me; trust me that Dolly Sprint looks better than I do. Thanks for a fab upload, I love these cars; they were pretty damn quick at the time; my mate had one that did over 40mph in first gear, bonkers! This was a great review, love your work, thank you.
Shame you didn't get to use the overdrive. One of the most enjoyable things on my Dolly Sprint is flicking through the gears and using the overdrive in 3rd & 4th. Easily keeps up with modern traffic
What a lovely car great review Steph as always 🌹
Thanks Martin x
What were we seeing at 11:07? I thought for a minute that this car actually had two clocks on the dash. ;-) That said, what a splendid example of this fascinating car! I’ve long admired the design of the Triumph sedans, especially the Sprint. Thanks as always, and regards from the US.
PS: Yes, I do pay attention to the details. ;-)
PCH2N was mine exactly the same, absolutely loved it. Bought a nearly new tahiti blue? After that. Beautiful cars with grace and pace a poor man's Jag? Beautiful interior and great compact looks. O/D box gave you a six speed box back in the 70s. So easy to maintain and I really looked after mine. No probs whatsoever.
Love your videos and a nice colour top to co-ordinate with the car too
Thank you x
A bit of info for you. In Australia we only got Mimosa Yellow Sprints. Consequently, the other colours look a little “strange” to us. I do like the other coloured Sprints.
I made very similar comment Paul, then saw your post.
Oh really!
Loved this I had spitfire in same colour when I was 17, always wanted a dolomite
I love the wobble on the speedo needle until it gets past 30mph.
Imagine being pulled over by the old bill.
"Can you tell me what speed you were doing?"
"I have no idea officer, between 30 and 35 depending on the nano second you asking me for? "
I love this car!
As a teenager in the mid 1970's I always remember the advert for the Sprint in the Sunday supplement magazines. It went something like "Dolomite Sprint, 0-The Magistrates Court in 9 seconds"
Exactly what happened to me too, when I was pulled by a plain clothes cop in a Rover P6 3500 on the A3, whilst trying to get a stubborn Granada 3.0 to shift out of the fast lane so I could pass. Guess who got done! ;-)
I had one in the same colour, R reg with a full length Webasto sun roof and lots of fun to drive.
Great review as always Steph, got to admit I like the dolomite and was looking at one a few weeks ago in our retail park, great looking cars.
Nice had one year s ago bought back memories for me great video nice one .
My mate had the 1850HL version back in the day & I was deeply envious of it's punch & stylish good looks so I hatched a plan to buy a Sprint to out do him. Sadly the insurance quote I was given ended that plan pretty quickly. I think it stands the test of time though. Beautiful thing.
My brother had an 1850HL automatic it was surprisingly quick.
Always my favourite Triumph saloon car.
I've always thought the Dolly's were the best UK car from the time. Absolutely love them. Hope the new job is going well for you, Steph 😁
Very good to see you back again and a cracking car to return with nice one Steph.
By the way how's the Marina doing ?
Marina is still in bits! New job has really taken it out of me and she’s taken a back seat whilst I adjust. Also been fighting a bit of battle with depression. A strange summer I must admit x
Chin up chicken ,you will get back on track soon ,take care and stay safe x.
@@idriveaclassic take your time and take it easy. We're all still here for you👍
Thank you Steph for bringing back memories of my favourite ever car - an 1850HL with overdrive and a full Webasto sunroof. It was in the same colour and I loved it. Just one quibble (and I wait to be shot down!) - I'm pretty sure that is Inca Yellow and not Mimosa which was a tad lighter :-)
Had a white one with the webasto roof option in the late seventies,loved it
I always remember as a kid, looking in the car dealer window at the Dolomite and promised myself I'd get one! About 20 or so years later I did! 'Dolly' was a white 1977 (TVJ 649 S) 1500 HL and we loved her! It wasn't really practical with the mileage I was doing, so she became the 'family car' with Karen and the children going about their daily drives to school, shopping and trips to the countryside.
Sadly, we gave it to my sister in law just after she passed her test, on the understanding that we'd have it back. She decided to pocket the money from the scrappy and I have never forgiven her.
Now Karen has passed, I keep thinking about getting another, but these old cars are getting very expensive now.
Nice one Steph!! Great cars, one of me all time favourites.
I learned to drive in one of those, in July 1977. Great car at the time.
Wonderful Steph I love a Dolomite
Just like the car I owned.
The Sprint was a bit of a 'Q' car as a 4 door saloon that could really move but that beautiful 16 valve engine had some significant and fundamental weaknesses. The angled cylinder head bolts meant cylinder gasket problems were inevitable if the car was worked hard leading to head corrosion problems. With the very low production volumes of the 'Sprint only' parts made them seriously expensive. The unique Sprint water pump (it was a known weak point) was about 4 times the price of a Ford one. Nevertheless it was great fun to drive. I kept mine for 3 years and 42,000 miles. Just as well I was single and in a well paid job.
Lewis Collins drove one in The Professionals before he switched to the Capris. Out of all the BL's they drove in the first series of that show, I loved the Dolly Sprint the best.
Great video, very informative as always and like the dress choice to match with this wonderful car! 👍
Dolly sprint, now this is one of my all time favourites great car with a top motorsport pedigree
I had an 1850 Dolomite in the late seventies - much as I loved the car, have to say it was possibly the worst car I ever owned - a real dog that was always breaking down. This Sprint looks great in yellow - would love another one......
I had one too - it wasn't too bad but I could NEVER get the handbrake to work - and I live on a bloody hill!!
I think this was the first mass production car sold with alloy wheels as standard.
Somebody else has reminded me of this but I couldn’t find a 100% source on this
If i remember right Bodie and Doyle threw one of these around in a couple of the early episodes.
I had a red one with black vinyl roof. It looked amazing and went like stink. It was very scary to drive in icy conditions due to the power. To my embarrassment , one Sunday morning when accelerating in such conditions, it spun round in almost a complete circle. The overdrive was brilliant. Sadly one very late night on the way home from a Christmas party in the middle of nowhere, the distributor decided to shear off and had to leave it by the roadside and get someone to pick us up at 2.30am.