It’s no wonder why high-performance sedans have become so popular recently, not only do they drive brilliantly, but they also provide a spacious family car with incredibly sporty looks and the capability of drag racing success. It was back in the 1960s that the sporty sedans were first introduced, similar to the Aston Martin Lagonda, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint was an impressive sedan that has been forgotten about.
It was back in 1971 at the London Motor Show that the first Triumph Dolomite was showcased. It was received with much gratitude and admiration. The original Triumph Dolomite housed a 1,854cc capacity slat-four engine, but it was during this period that competitors such as BMW were rolling out their higher quality, higher power, and high-performance sedans. It was for this reason that the following year in 1972, Triumph rolled out their own high-performance sedan in the form of the Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint was able to compete with its rivals within the market, thanks to its four doors and more luxurious interior. Triumph rolled 17,715 Dolomite Sprint's out of its production line throughout its 8-year lifetime, and this is a true testament to how well-loved, and impressive the Triumph Dolomite Sprint truly was among the famed bunch of classic cars of the 70s.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint Design Is Truly Iconic
Riding on 13-inch alloy wheels, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint made car enthusiasts' heads turn like no other. Carried through from the base model, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint had the same unibody construction, which improved its great road performance drastically. The Sprint flaunted a sleek vinyl padded roof, which stretched from the windshield to the trunk. Four piercing headlamps decorated the front, and the overhanging hood created a sporty feel.
When this vehicle first rolled out of production, only a yellow finish was the buyer’s option. Over time, the Sprint was offered in a brown hue, alongside a variety of other sporty colors. The exterior of the Triumph Dolomite Sprint boasted prominent Triumph badges, complemented by contrasting coach lines along its elongated body. At the rear, the Sprint displayed its sharp, abrupt body, decorated with minuscule rear lamps and legendary Triumph lettering.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint Boasted Of A Stylish Interior
Head inside the cabin and owners would be greeted with a stylish wood-padded dashboard, highlighted with metallic trimmings. The Dolomite Sprint oozed luxury, for a 70s car, with comfortable leather seats, armrests, and headrests. Formed from a dark material, the pressure gauge and tachometer sat just behind the thin, yet weighty steering wheel which displayed the iconic Triumph name.
All dials were cleverly positioned towards the driver, to aid an easy, enjoyable drive. Sure, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint was a compact vehicle, but that feeling didn't translate within the cabin, thanks to an impressive amount of head and legroom.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint Flaunted Great Performance For Its Time
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint was built to boast some incredible features, including a durable front independent suspension system, and strong brake discs. Fitted with an inline-four engine, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint could produce 128.7 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. This impressive engine housed 16 valves which boosted capacity up to 1998cc, all of which were operated by the same overhead camshaft. Able to sprint from 0-60mph in under 8.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 119 mph, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint was able to compete with the likes of BMW and Volkswagen. The Sprint sure was a performance-led vehicle, boasting an extra 40% of power over the standard version.
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint had no issues with offering its driver a thrilling, enjoyable ride. Thanks to its impressive BorgWarner 65 automatic gearbox, the Sprint’s ride was smooth and effortless. The Sprint oozed a well-engineered film, and its interior controls mirrored this.
The Sprint laughed in the face of sharp turns and windy roads, fitted with a weighted steering wheel and rapid reactive brakes, it seemed that there wasn’t a road the Sprint couldn’t breeze down. Whether it be cruising around town, or roaring down the freeway, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint was guaranteed to supply its drivers with a pleasurable, exciting ride.
Due to its bold aesthetic and all-round impressive build, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint proved to be a highly desired vehicle throughout its lifetime, and still today. When first rolled out of production, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint was a reasonable buy at just $1,979. Although a pristine, showroom condition Sprint can now creep over the $20,000 mark, it seems like a steal when compared to a Ford Escort RS2000 that will cost buyers at least $60,000. Parading its iconic look and impressive performance, the Triumph Dolomite Sprint is the perfect vehicle to add to any gear heads collection.
Sources: Triumph Motor Company, Classic Cars