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FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY
1973 TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SPRINT
Registration: Not Specified
Chassis Number: VA/2110-LDL0
Engine Number: Not Specified
Number of cylinders: 4
CC: 1998
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Estimate (£): 20,000 - 25,000
Although the Triumph Dolomite range, introduced in 1972, had proved to
be refined and sporty, competitors such as BMW's 2002 had a performance
advantage which was costing Triumph dearly, both in terms of sales and
prestige. To remedy this, they unveiled the Dolomite Sprint in June
1973, although the launch had been delayed by a year, having been due to
go on sale in 1972 alongside the main range.
A team of engineers, led by Spen King, developed a 16-valve single
overhead camshaft head. The capacity was increased to 1,998cc and
combined with bigger carbs the output was upped to 127 bhp. This
represented a significant increase over the smaller 1850cc variant,
however, it fell frustratingly short of the original target of 135
bhp.As a result of this new engine, the Dolomite Sprint has a claim to
be the world's first truly mass-produced multi-valve car and the design
of the cylinder head won a British Design Council Award in 1974.
Performance was excellent, with 0-60 mph taking around 8.4 seconds and a
maximum speed of 119 mph.
We are informed that this particular Dolomite Sprint entered the 1974
Spa 24 Hours as part of a four-car team sponsored by Butch Tailors –
the ‘Butch Racing Team’. Car no. 46 was driven by Claude De Wael &
Etienne Staelpart and the team also ran the car that finished 5th
overall driven by the famous pairing of Tony Dron and Andy Rouse.
Whilst running very well in the top ten, this particular car (chassis
2110) unfortunately failed in the 23rd hour (listed as suspension
maladies but believed to be a rear axle failure). The following year,
it's believed the car was entered the 1975 Spa 24 hours, again as part
of the Butch Racing Team entry. The car was eventually to end up in the
ownership of Nelio Brunetti, along with its sister car Chassis no 3353.
Brunetti continued to use this car in European Touring Car events held
mainly in Belgium and Italy.
Our vendor informs us that he believes it was last raced in 1981, and
chassis ‘2110’ now remains exactly as it was when it returned from its
last outing, in this distinctive Black, Orange and White colour scheme
with sponsorship by ‘Mach 3’ (Belgian shoe-makers) and Brunetti’s name
on the roof. Since then ’2110’ and sister chassis ‘3353’ have remained
together for most of their lives passing through European dealers until
they both ended up in the hands of Dirk Van Gorp, from whom our vendor
purchased it and the car has been stored in the UK ever since.
A 'British Motor Industry Heritage Trust' certificate accompanies the
'Dolly' and confirms ‘2110’ was built on the 12th July 1973. The
original wheels, along with various other components, are included in
the sale. What an interesting project to bring this special ‘Dolly’ back
to its former racing glory.
SELECTED BY: CLASSIC CHATTER
KEEPING IT CLASSIC
2010-2017
Registration: Not Specified
Chassis Number: VA/2110-LDL0
Engine Number: Not Specified
Number of cylinders: 4
CC: 1998
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Estimate (£): 20,000 - 25,000
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