This car had almost the same performance as the BMW 2002tii but, unlike the BMW, the Dolomite Sprint did not change or save British Leyland.
Had the car been developed properly, it could have been seen as a stroke of genius. As it was, luck played more of a part, but it did show what BL could do with a bit of effort.
Power came from a SOHC four pot, four valve 122 cu.in engine which gave it 117mph and 0-60mph in around 8 seconds. In 1980, that was quick for a small family saloon, especially from the house of British Leyland.
Inside, it was carpet and wood trim, typical Triumph, a little bland perhaps but comfortable and with a nice array gauges to keep the driver happy..
Transmission was coupled to a short gear shift, four on the floor with ‘overdrive’ operated by a switch in the gearshift knob.
Sadly, the Triumph marque was sliding into obscurity, and by 1981, the only car to wear the proud badge was a reworked Honda Ballade, a heartless, soulless car if ever the was one.
Apart from the colours offered, this was a car which didn’t frighten family car buyers. It wasn’t garish, it wasn’t boy racer material, just a nice solid car which didn’t attract negative attention. It was a good Triumph, probably the best Triumph saloon in many a year.
A major flaw..
Triumph engines of the era were prone to fragility and, unless looked after properly, were prone to breaking.. The all alloy head of the Dolly Sprint required that the cooling system was kept well, with inhibitors in the fluid mix to stop internal corrosion. The Triumph Stag’s engine was a total disaster, and the Triumph Spitfire’s 1498 cc unit was two main bearings short of a good engine.
This kind of trouble didn’t just affect Triumph. It was prevalent throughout BL so don’t feel too sad for the Dolly Sprint. It was a shining star amongst a starting grid of mediocrity, and at least it has seven years to shine..
