Triumph Dolomite (1972-80)
The Triumph Dolomite had a few common issues:
1. Discoloured Headlining: Exposure to sunlight could cause the headlining to discolour. Replacements might take some time to track down.
2. Lacquer Flaking on Wooden Door Cappings: The lacquer on the wooden door cappings was prone to flaking off.
3. Build Quality and Fragility: Some models suffered from build quality issues, reflecting the troubled times British Leyland was going through in the '70s.
4. Part Supply: While parts can still be sourced through specialists like Rimmer Bros, joining a Triumph club can provide additional avenues for finding parts.
Generations
The Triumph Dolomite had two main generations:
1. Initial Models (1300, 1500, and 1850): Released in 1972, these included the 1300, 1500, and 1850 variants.
2. Dolomite Sprint: Launched in 1973, it featured a high-performance 2-litre 16-valve engine.
Body Style
The Triumph Dolomite was only offered as a four door saloon.
Versions
The Triumph Dolomite was offered in several versions during its production:
1. Dolomite 1500: Replacing the 1500 TC.
2. Dolomite 1850: A more luxurious variant.
3. Dolomite 1500 HL: Also available in higher trim options.
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Parts Bin Engineering
The **Triumph Dolomite** made use of **parts-bin engineering**, borrowing components from other Triumph models to streamline production while maintaining performance and refinement.
**Parts Bin Engineering in the Triumph Dolomite**
- **Engine & Fuel System**: The **Dolomite Sprint’s 16-valve engine** was a unique development, but it shared some components with earlier Triumph engines.
- **Suspension & Brakes**: Many suspension and braking components were adapted from the **Triumph 2000 and Toledo**, ensuring compatibility and ease of maintenance.
- **Interior Features**: The **wood-trimmed dashboard**, **switchgear**, and **seating materials** were similar to those found in other Triumph executive saloons.
- **Transmission**: The **manual and automatic gearboxes** were sourced from Triumph’s existing lineup, ensuring reliability and familiarity for mechanics.
This approach allowed Triumph to **maximize efficiency** while delivering a car that felt distinctively premium and performance-oriented. However, the **Dolomite Sprint’s engine** was known for requiring careful maintenance, making well-preserved examples highly sought after.
For more details on Triumph Dolomite parts and engineering, you can explore [Retro Engineering](https://www.retro-engineering.co.uk/shop/category/triumph/dolomite-sprint-engine/) and [Chris Witor Triumph Specialist](https://www.chriswitor.com/).
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Spares
If you're looking for **Triumph Dolomite** spares in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:
1. **Abingdon MG - Parts for Triumph Dolomite Cars**:
- They offer a range of parts for Triumph Dolomite cars.
- You can search by description or part number on their website.
- If you can't find the specific part you need, their dedicated sales team can assist you.
2. **Rimmer Bros**:
- A comprehensive Triumph Dolomite and Sprint car parts catalogue is available here.
- They specialize in Triumph cars and provide detailed listings of Dolomite and Sprint parts and accessories.
3. **EU-SPARES**:
- They have a parts catalogue specifically for **TRIUMPH Dolomite Saloon**.
- You can select the motorization of your model to find the right parts.
4. **T.D. Fitchett Limited**:
- They stock hard-to-find parts and spares for various Triumph models, including Dolomite.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND TRIUMPH SPECIALISTS**
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. **McMillan Specialist Cars**: Located in Antrim, they offer a range of services including repairs, servicing, and parts for various car brands, including Triumph.
- **Address**: Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim, BT41 4NN
- **Phone**: 028 9335 4911
2. **Phillip McCallen Motorcycles**: Based in Lisburn, they provide servicing, repairs, and parts for Triumph motorcycles.
- **Address**: 7 Altona Road, Lisburn, BT27 5QB
- **Phone**: 028 9262 2886
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **Phillip McCallen Motorcycles**: Originally started in Lurgan, County Armagh, they now have a modern showroom and workshop in Lisburn, County Antrim. They offer servicing, repairs, and parts for Triumph motorcycles.
- **Address**: Unit 10/11 Portman Business Park, Lissue Industrial Estate, Moira Road, Lisburn, BT28 2RF
- **Phone**: 0330 311 7155
2. **McMullan Auto Services**: While not exclusively Triumph, they offer comprehensive car servicing and maintenance in Armagh.
- **Address**: 1 Moy Road, Armagh, BT61 8DL
- **Phone**: 028 3753 1766
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. **Ards Brake & Clutch Service Centre**: Located in Newtownards, they offer a range of repair services and have a good reputation for quality work.
- **Address**: Unit 4 Lansdowne Road, Newtownards, BT23 4NT
- **Phone**: 028 9181 2222
- **Website**: [ardsbrakeandclutch.co.uk](https://ardsbrakeandclutch.co.uk/)
2. **Patterson Auto Electrics**: Based in Crossgar, they specialize in car electrics but also offer various other garage services.
- **Address**: 1 Downpatrick Road, Crossgar, BT30 9EQ
- **Phone**: 028 4483 1234
- **Website**: [wilfiepatterson.co.uk](https://www.wilfiepatterson.co.uk/)
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. **M & S Fastfit**: Located in Enniskillen, they offer a range of auto repair services and have experience with classic cars.
- **Address**: Kilmacormick Road, Enniskillen, BT74 6HZ
- **Phone**: 028 6632 5555
2. **Cranston Van & Motorhome Centre**: While they primarily focus on motorhomes, they also provide servicing and repairs for various vehicles, including classic cars.
- **Address**: 9 Riverside Park, Ballinamallard, Enniskillen, BT94 2AB
- **Phone**: 028 6638 8700
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. **Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd**: They offer expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs.
- **Address**: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LZ
- **Phone**: 028 7130 2100
- **Website**: [lloydcookemotors.com](https://www.lloydcookemotors.com/)
2. **T & D Heaney Motor Co**: Located in Maghera, they specialize in classic car restoration, including Triumphs.
- **Address**: 20 Main Street, Swatragh, Maghera, BT46 5QB
- **Phone**: 028 7940 1660
- **Website**: [mercedesrestoration.co](https://www.mercedesrestoration.co/)
Specialist Triumph mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. **Tyrone Diesel Systems**: Located in Omagh, they specialize in diesel systems but also offer a range of vehicle repair services.
- **Address**: 1 Gortrush Industrial Estate, Omagh, BT78 5EJ
- **Phone**: 028 8224 2222
- **Website**: [tyronedieselsystems.com](https://www.tyronedieselsystems.com/)
2. **Hydraulic Pumps NI**: Based in Dungannon, they specialize in hydraulic systems but also provide general vehicle maintenance and repairs.
- **Address**: 12 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, BT70 1EL
- **Phone**: 028 8772 2222
- **Website**: [hydraulicpumpsni.com](https://www.hydraulicpumpsni.com/)
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Racing
The Triumph Dolomite, particularly the Dolomite Sprint, had a notable racing history:
1. **British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC)**: The Dolomite Sprint was entered into the BSCC (now known as the British Touring Car Championship) from 1974 to 1978. It achieved significant success, with Andy Rouse winning the Drivers' Championship in 1975 and the team securing the Manufacturers' title in 1974.
2. **Rallying**: The Dolomite also participated in various rally events, leveraging its performance capabilities and robust design.
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint had a notable impact in the British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC), particularly in the mid-1970s. Here are some highlights:
1. **1974 Season**: The Dolomite Sprint made its mark by winning the Manufacturers' title. This was a significant achievement, showcasing the car's competitiveness against other manufacturers.
2. **1975 Season**: Andy Rouse drove the Dolomite Sprint to victory in the Drivers' Championship. This was a standout year for the Dolomite, as Rouse's consistent performance helped secure the title.
3. **1976 Season**: The Dolomite continued to perform well, with drivers like Tony Dron and Andy Rouse achieving strong finishes in various races.
These successes in the BSCC helped establish the Dolomite Sprint as a formidable competitor in touring car racing.
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Valuation
As of **2025**, the **Triumph Dolomite** holds steady in the classic car market, with values depending on **condition, rarity, and demand**. Here’s a general breakdown:
**Current Market Value (2025)**
- **Lowest recorded price**: **£4,650** since 2020.
- **Median price**: **£4,716** since 2020.
- **Highest recorded price**: **£4,781** since 2020.
- **Sell-through rate**: **100%**, indicating strong demand.
For a more detailed valuation, you can check [Hagerty UK](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/valuation/tool/?mk=Triumph&md=Dolomite) or [The Classic Valuer](https://www.theclassicvaluer.com/cars/triumph/dolomite-1300).
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Clubs
Northern Ireland has an active **Triumph Club**, dedicated to enthusiasts of classic Triumph cars. The **Triumph Club Northern Ireland** organizes **events, scenic drives, and charity fundraisers**, bringing together owners of **TRs, Spitfires, Dolomites, Stags, and more**.
**Triumph Club Northern Ireland**
- **Location**: **Lisburn, Northern Ireland**
- **Monthly Meetings**: Held at **Ballymac Hotel, Stoneyford**, on the **last Wednesday of each month**.
- **Events**: Club runs, weekend trips, and classic car displays.
- **Contact**: [Visit their website](https://triumphclubni.co.uk/) or [reach out here](https://triumphclubni.co.uk/contact-us/).
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HISTORY
The **Triumph Dolomite** was a **compact sports saloon** produced by Triumph (under British Leyland) from **1972 to 1980**. It was the **final evolution** of Triumph’s small-car range, originally developed under **Project Ajax**, which began with the **Triumph 1300** in the mid-1960s.
**Origins & Development**
- The Dolomite was introduced as a **rear-wheel-drive successor** to the **Triumph 1300 and Toledo**, offering a more refined and performance-oriented alternative.
- Designed by **Giovanni Michelotti**, it featured **sleek styling**, a **luxurious interior**, and a **sporty driving experience**.
- The **Dolomite Sprint**, launched in **1973**, was one of the first mass-produced cars to feature a **16-valve engine**, making it a pioneer in performance engineering.
**Market Position & Competition**
- Triumph positioned the Dolomite as a **premium compact saloon**, competing with the **BMW 2002**, **Ford Cortina GXL**, and **Saab 99**.
- It was praised for its **handling, comfort, and performance**, making it a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts.
### **Legacy & End of Production**
- The Dolomite remained in production until **1980**, when Triumph was phased out under British Leyland’s restructuring.
- It was succeeded by the **Triumph Acclaim**, marking the end of Triumph’s independent saloon car production.
For a deeper dive into its history, you can explore [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Dolomite) or [AROnline’s development story](https://www.aronline.co.uk/cars/triumph/dolomite/ajax-development-story/).
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