Triumph Dolomite Sprint

Arguably the best model to come from British Leyland is the Triumph Dolomite Sprint. The Sprint was a true sports saloon and offered incredible performance that is impressive even by today's standards.

At the heart of the Sprint was a 16-valve version of the Dolomite 1850 engine shared with Saab. In this format the engine developed a staggering 127bhp which gave the car a top speed of 115mph - however reliable sources claimed that well built and tuned engines, with stock components, had been known to give a sustained 150 bhp on the factory test bed, without any hint of valve gear failure.

The Sprint used the four headlamp Dolomite shell reserved for the upper models in the range. Interior trim was also the same which made an odd contrast with the sporty alloy wheels which hinted at the power available.

The standard "Dolomite" name had established itself by June of 1973 when the Dolomite Sprint was announced. Triumph never expected to be able to out-sell the competition at Ford or GM, but it was hoped the Dolomite would provide a healthy market share and thus avoid the marque sliding into oblivion.

Obviously the Dolomite was quite successful at this, remaining in production for 7 years until it finally ceased in August 1980 - with Triumph as a marque following shortly afterwards.

The Dolomite Sprint's competition of the day was the BMW 2002 and Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV. Comparable in performance, the Sprint was less expensive and many believed more comfortable.

However it was not on price and performance alone that the Sprint challenged the other sporting types of the day. Having 4 doors made the car far more practical for many - a family sedan for the sporting car enthusiast.

The 0 to 100 km/h time was as good as those turned in by the BMW and Alfa (at around 8 to 9 seconds) and with the overdrive engaged the Sprint was also quite economical at highway speeds. Sales for the Dolomite Sprint remained strong and the model remained in production until 1980.