Triumph Dolomite 1850

[velocerosso]

Some opinions please.

The 1850 was my first venture into Dollyism. Mine was a very early version (1973 'L' plate) in ice blue. Absolutely loved it and now, some 30-odd years after selling, I want to re-live the experience. However, trying to find a 72/73 plate now is tricky. Not interested in the later 'HL' version: Black plastic wheel trims were nasty and I prefer the earlier dashboard dials.

Don't mind a light resto job, but it'll need to have potential.

That all said, I need to sit inside one and see if it still gives me the same feeling as it once did in circa 1983. They always say never meet your hero. In my case, do I want to re-address a hero?

Cheers, VR.

[fttm]

Go for the Sprint , same car and headaches but more smiles per miles which is important .

[velocerosso]

fttm said:

Go for the Sprint , same car and headaches but more smiles per miles which is important .

Noooo... I've owned two sprints, and they are fabulous but a genuine early 1850 appeals more to me.

Having owned two Sprints, 1850 and a Stag never experienced any headaches. I know about the reputation of blowing head gaskets... never had a problem in that area. The secret is owner awareness: regular servicing/flushing, checking for leaks.... and a little TLC. Simples.

[Nors]

Is a 74 different from a 73?

Not cheap:-

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C907340

[velocerosso]

Nors said:

Is a 74 different from a 73?

Not cheap:-

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C907340

The dials are different. You'll notice the temperature, fuel gauges are set at the bottom of the dial, whereas the earlier models are set at the top (if that makes sense).

http://barnfinds.com/ready-for-fun-1973-triumph-do...

Whereas the latter models:

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID008524

These are only subtle differences but it has its own charm.

Edited by velocerosso on Friday 1st September 08:41

[a8hex]

I loved my 1850 back in the day, I had a sprint later on, strangely I'm not sure that my sprint was any quicker than my 1850 had been. But that probably says more about my 1850 and sprint than what is supposed to happen.
The gear box in the 1850 felt much nicer, then again that also have just been my ones.

[velocerosso]

See your point about little difference in speed between the Sprint and 1850. I actually rebuilt the 1850's power plant, and as it was bored out bigger with polished ports it was very close to the Sprint.

The main advantage with the Sprint was it had the overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear (overdrive on the 1850 was optional) -- and because the engine is bigger it had more torque in the higher rev ranges.



Here's a photo of my 1850 and (ahem) me in circa 1983.

Here's a picture of the dashboard I prefer. It looks more racy than the later models.

Edited by velocerosso on Friday 1st September 11:52

[alolympic]

Wheel trims and dash panels are easy to change. Even changing to an overdrive box is doable. Getting the best shell possible is the most important start point. The 1850 is one I haven't had, having started in a 1500 and now own a Sprinted 2 door Toledo.
Get on the Dolomite Owners Club forum and see if the club can help you in your search.

[velocerosso]

alolympic said:

Wheel trims and dash panels are easy to change. Even changing to an overdrive box is doable. Getting the best shell possible is the most important start point. The 1850 is one I haven't had, having started in a 1500 and now own a Sprinted 2 door Toledo.
Get on the Dolomite Owners Club forum and see if the club can help you in your search.

It has always been a 'suck it and see' situation. If the right one comes along, I'll give it a bash. Just as long as it isn't a basket case, it'll be worth considering.

[Mercky]

velocerosso said:

The dials are different. You'll notice the temperature, fuel gauges are set at the bottom of the dial, whereas the earlier models are set at the top (if that makes sense).

http://barnfinds.com/ready-for-fun-1973-triumph-do...

Whereas the latter models:

https://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID008524

These are only subtle differences but it has its own charm.

Edited by velocerosso on Friday 1st September 08:41

All Triumphs Post 73 were pretty crap if you ask me, they lack the quality feel of the earlier models, look cheaper and rust more.

[velocerosso]

Mercky said:

All Triumphs Post 73 were pretty crap if you ask me, they lack the quality feel of the earlier models, look cheaper and rust more.

Concur. By 1976 BL had totally lost the plot with all the brands under their umbrella. The only improvement they made to Triumph from 76 onwards was adding headrests. All other modifications were gimmicky, such as adding a "seat belt' light to the dash, using cheap, black plastic wheel trims.

Sadly, BL's issues were all self-inflicted. And from yours truly who loved the brand, that hurt.

My last Sprint was a 1980 ('W' plate), one of the last 50 ever made, according to the VIN number. BL decided to experiment with electronic ignition. Clearly quality control didn't exist as it kept blowing the whole fuse box. Eventually I reverted back to a standard ignition. For the next 3 years had no issues with the fuse box.

[Mr Tidy]

Great cars OP.

My Dad nearly bought one, but went for a Fiat 125 instead! Only 1600cc, but DOHC with a twin-choke carb.

I got to buy it from the parents in 1977 and used to have loads of fun with Dolomites and Cortina GTs!

[838HNK]

You could rebuild this one .... the dash looks to be ok .....[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/E4z2bJtO[/url]

[silverfoxcc]

alolympic said:

Wheel trims and dash panels are easy to change. Even changing to an overdrive box is doable. Getting the best shell possible is the most important start point. The 1850 is one I haven't had, having started in a 1500 and now own a Sprinted 2 door Toledo.
Get on the Dolomite Owners Club forum and see if the club can help you in your search.

Having put an O/d box into my 1850 Dolly you need the following ( in no particular order but everyone bloody essential)

I dolly o/d box ( wiring is a walk in the park)

I Dolly AUTO rear cross member

1 Dolly AUTO prop shaft

Then it just drops in

HTH

[silverfoxcc]

alolympic said:

Wheel trims and dash panels are easy to change. Even changing to an overdrive box is doable. Getting the best shell possible is the most important start point. The 1850 is one I haven't had, having started in a 1500 and now own a Sprinted 2 door Toledo.
Get on the Dolomite Owners Club forum and see if the club can help you in your search.

Having put an O/D box into my 1850 Dolly you need the following ( in no particular order but everyone bloody essential)

I dolly o/d box ( wiring is a walk in the park)

I Dolly AUTO rear cross member

1 Dolly AUTO prop shaft

Then it just drops in

HTH

[iSore]

Surely a complete TR7 2 litre engine and 5 speed box would be a better plan.....?

Whilst it wasn't the best thing in the world, the 2 litre 8 valve motor did have some walloping torque when you needed it.

I know someone breaking a 1980 Convertible as well.

[GT6 Jonsey]

This one has potential

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triumph-dolomite-1850-hl-...

[coppice]

I'd buy something else - I still get the shakes when I see one of these horrors . Reason ? My GP dad had one ; in 20 k miles it consumed five gearboxes , ran on for up to 30 seconds after parking it and turning engine off , had overdrive which worked when it felt like it and tried to kill me when n/s front suspension collapsed at 70 mph whilst on a long r/h bend leading on to a viaduct on A1 .

Oddly enough Dad never bought another British car.Also never had an unscheduled trip to the garage or warranty claim either .