TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SPRINT
The first 16-valve saloon for everyone


YEAR: 1978
It entered our garage almost by chance – quietly, without fuss – with its understated middle-class appearance betrayed only by the bold red paintwork. The Triumph Dolomite Sprint represents a high point in 1970s British automotive engineering: a blend of elegance, innovation and surprising performance.
Don’t be fooled by its refined, compact saloon silhouette — under the bonnet beats the heart of a true driver’s car.
On track with the family
The Triumph Dolomite Sprint was first unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1971, though production didn’t begin until late 1972 at the Canley plant in Coventry. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti (known for the Triumph Stag, Spitfire, Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, BMW 3000 CS E9 and others), the Dolomite combined the rear-wheel-drive underpinnings of the Toledo with the body of the outgoing 1500. At launch, it was offered with a lively 1850cc engine producing 91 bhp, and during its life cycle, it was also fitted with more frugal 1.3L and 1.5L engines. In June 1973, in response to sporty saloon offerings from rivals like BMW and Alfa Romeo, Triumph launched the Sprint version.
Visually almost identical to its more sedate sibling, the Sprint stood out with features such as a contrasting vinyl roof and 13″ alloy wheels – the first British car to offer alloys as standard equipment. But its real party piece was under the bonnet: a 2-litre engine with a single overhead camshaft and a 16-valve cylinder head – a technical first for a mass-produced vehicle (with nearly 23,000 units made). The design earned it the 1974 Design Council Award and brought cutting-edge engineering to a wider audience. While conservative and well-proportioned in appearance, the Triumph made its mark with substance over flash – technology was its trump card. From its 1973 debut until the end of production, the Sprint held its own against the competition, taking on the more expensive BMW 2002 Tii (with which it shared better handling and a more refined interior) and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0 (1977–78), which – despite its near-perfect weight distribution – came at a significantly higher price: 8,490,000 Lire in January ’78 (or 7,350,000 for the 1.8), compared to 6,490,000 for the Sprint. This British sports saloon also enjoyed a respectable motorsport career, particularly in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) from 1974 to 1978, and in various endurance and club races. Today, it still graces track days, often updated with tasteful technical upgrades to enhance its performance.
Driving experience – 1000kg and a willing powerband
Step inside the Triumph Dolomite Sprint and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious cabin, with generous headroom, ample leg space and well-padded seats to accommodate drivers and passengers of all sizes. Upholstery is high-quality cloth, while wood veneer trim lends the interior that unmistakable British charm. Fire it up and take it on the road: it feels remarkably modern. Lightweight and easy-going, with a fast, crisp gearchange and balanced handling. The steering is precise, giving the front end a sharp, “pointy” feel – a quality that really shines on twisty B-roads or spirited drives, where its light weight plays a key role in managing weight transfer. Out on the open road, the overdrive (available on 3rd and 4th gear) offers nearly six usable ratios, making motorway cruising relaxed and comfortable. The engine is always eager — 0–100 km/h in under 9 seconds — and really comes alive above 3000 rpm, where the 129 bhp delivers a satisfying surge all the way to the redline. From behind the wheel, it’s immediately clear that you’re driving something special — a piece of refined engineering that uniquely balances comfort and performance. A proper family car… with a taste for apexes.
Time capsule – Passione Classica’s Triumph Dolomite Sprint
This example, part of the Passione Classica collection, was built on 25 May 1977, finished in elegant Carmine Red, with the signature black vinyl roof and beige cloth interior. It’s a beautifully preserved combination, made even more special by the original wood trim in excellent condition. According to its second owner (who cherished it for nearly twenty years), the car was first registered in Belluno, northern Italy, where it spent much of its early life garaged before being deregistered. Today, it presents in remarkably original condition: the bodywork still wears its factory paint – possibly touched up here and there – but with all the authenticity and freshness of a well-maintained survivor. Inside, the wood trim, carpet and seats show minimal signs of wear – proof of years of careful ownership. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is spotless, showing no signs of neglect. A full service has just been carried out, including engine oil, gearbox oil, differential oil, overdrive solenoid and a comprehensive mechanical check. A genuinely authentic sporting saloon, rarely found in such original condition. The Sprint is now sought after by a growing community of enthusiasts and collectors, even if few truly know its story. It’s a classic that stands apart, perfect for someone who wants to express character and driving passion without sacrificing practicality – whether on a Sunday drive or heading to a track day with friends. Values are steadily rising, especially when compared to its more expensive rivals, thanks to its innovative engineering, lively performance, and impressive motorsport credentials. British Motor Heritage and ASI certificates available.
Driving experience – 1000kg and a willing powerband
Step inside the Dolomite Sprint and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious cabin, with generous headroom, ample leg space and well-padded seats to accommodate drivers and passengers of all sizes. Upholstery is high-quality cloth, while wood veneer trim lends the interior that unmistakable British charm. Fire it up and take it on the road: it feels remarkably modern. Lightweight and easy-going, with a fast, crisp gearchange and balanced handling. The steering is precise, giving the front end a sharp, “pointy” feel – a quality that really shines on twisty B-roads or spirited drives, where its light weight plays a key role in managing weight transfer. Out on the open road, the overdrive (available on 3rd and 4th gear) offers nearly six usable ratios, making motorway cruising relaxed and comfortable. The engine is always eager — 0–100 km/h in under 9 seconds — and really comes alive above 3000 rpm, where the 129 bhp delivers a satisfying surge all the way to the redline. From behind the wheel, it’s immediately clear that you’re driving something special — a piece of refined engineering that uniquely balances comfort and performance. A proper family car… with a taste for apexes.
Time capsule – Passione Classica’s Triumph Dolomite Sprint
This example, part of the Passione Classica collection, was built on 25 May 1977, finished in elegant Carmine Red, with the signature black vinyl roof and beige cloth interior. It’s a beautifully preserved combination, made even more special by the original wood trim in excellent condition. According to its second owner (who cherished it for nearly twenty years), the car was first registered in Belluno, northern Italy, where it spent much of its early life garaged before being deregistered. Today, it presents in remarkably original condition: the bodywork still wears its factory paint – possibly touched up here and there – but with all the authenticity and freshness of a well-maintained survivor. Inside, the wood trim, carpet and seats show minimal signs of wear – proof of years of careful ownership. Under the bonnet, the engine bay is spotless, showing no signs of neglect. A full service has just been carried out, including engine oil, gearbox oil, differential oil, overdrive solenoid and a comprehensive mechanical check. A genuinely authentic sporting saloon, rarely found in such original condition. The Sprint is now sought after by a growing community of enthusiasts and collectors, even if few truly know its story. It’s a classic that stands apart, perfect for someone who wants to express character and driving passion without sacrificing practicality – whether on a Sunday drive or heading to a track day with friends. Values are steadily rising, especially when compared to its more expensive rivals, thanks to its innovative engineering, lively performance, and impressive motorsport credentials. British Motor Heritage and ASI certificates available.
The engine is always eager — 0–100 km/h in under 9 seconds — and really comes alive above 3000 rpm, where the 129 bhp delivers a satisfying surge all the way to the redline.
Our Triumph Dolomite Sprint was first registered in Italy in 1978, a year packed with historical milestones: the election (and sudden death) of Pope John Paul I, followed by the ascent of Karol Wojtyła; and the tragic kidnapping of Aldo Moro. In football, Lanerossi Vicenza stunned the league by finishing second, led by a young Paolo Rossi. At the cinema, box-office hits like Superman, Grease and Halloween (starring Jamie Lee Curtis) were stealing the spotlight. On the airwaves, the Bee Gees still reigned with Saturday Night Fever, while new hits like You’re The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted to You from Grease were climbing the charts – alongside Italian hits like Figli delle Stelle(Alan Sorrenti) and Pensiero Stupendo (Patty Pravo).
Meanwhile, abroad, The Rolling Stones released Miss You – a track often described as rock-disco, complete with a groove straight out of a late-’70s dancefloor. Yet the Stones remained unmistakably themselves – fusing their style with the times. Miss You conquered the charts and remains one of their most iconic songs: direct, powerful, innovative.