History: Bob Tullius' Group 44 team was the British Leyland (Jaguar Triumph) factory USA racing effort. They won 13 SCCA National Championships, two Trans Am Championships, and a Trans Am Manufacturer’s Championship before 1979, when Group 44 started its development and racing program of the Triumph TR8. Bob Tullius realized the potential of the lightweight, aerodynamic V8 powered TR8 and proved that it was a race winner. In its debut race at the Watkins Glen 6 Hour, the TR8 dominated the class against the Corvettes and Camaros and finished 1st in class and 7th overall. It was so successful in SCCA competition that the SCCA continued to give the TR8 added weight penalties. Consequently, Tullius took the TR8 to the IMSA series where it finished 1st in class and 6th overall at the Sebring 12 Hours. The TR8 continued to dominate the GTO class over the Chevrolet Corvettes and Porsche RSRs placing second in the IMSA GTO championship. The Triumph TR8 was one of the most successful SCCA and IMSA production-based racing cars built. With eight class wins in the 1979-1980 seasons and second place in the 1980 IMSA GTO points championship. Surviving in stunning original race condition as it left the racetrack at its final race – Sebring 12 Hours. Still with paint, body and mechanics from March 1981. This TR8 stayed with Bob Tullius and the Group 44 team until 2008 when selling to its second owner. Sold in 2011 to its third owner who undertook a comprehensive restoration. Then selling to its fourth owner in 2019, where it underwent a complete mechanical rebuilding, completed in 2021. This is an opportunity to acquire one of the most recognizable, successful and original SCCA/IMSA racing cars of the era. It is eligible to race today in most historic venues and would be a showstopper and race winner once again.

Condition:

A comprehensive bare shell cosmetic and mechanical restoration completed in July of 2021, to include bare shell body paint of an original car. Full mechanical rebuild of all components from A to Z. Full engine rebuild by Top of the Hill, with build sheet and dyno sheet included, fuel injection, fuel lines, everything. Complete rebuild of gearbox, differential, all suspension, brakes, new fuel cell, fire system, seatbelts, alignment. Track tested at Sonoma Raceway. Raced at RMMR Laguna Seca in August of 2021 and Velocity Invitational at Laguna Seca in November of 2021, then at Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion of 2022. Dialed in, fresh competitive. Restoration receipts totalling well over $250,000.

Documents:

Four large binders. One containing Group 44 Team records, set up sheets, dyno sheets, and race results. One with original Group 44 promotional materials, flyers, British Leyland correspondence. One with the complete restoration receipts and photographs. One with miscellaneous items.

Of Note:

The most successful IMSA GTO car of the 1979-1980 seasons. One of only 2 British Leyland factory backed Triumph TR8s, raced by Bob Tullius Group 44 team. This chassis has the most wins. A documented outstanding restoration to the highest level. A great entry for the Daytona “Classic” 24 Hour and the Sebring “Classic” 12 Hour, RMMR, Velocity Invitational.

Group 44 won 13 SCCA National Championships, two Trans Am Championships, and one Trans Am Manufacturer’s Championship. Then went on to develop the Jaguar XJR5 GTP cars, which raced in the IMSA Series.

Spares: Engine, gearbox, wheels, and much more.

Price: If this were a Porsche RSR with this history and restoration, it would be worth over $2 million. Call for price.