Triumph Dolomite

Lore & Background

The Dolomite was aimed at the new compact performance-luxury sector, competing against cars such as the BMW 2002 and Ford Cortina GXL. It offered a high level of standard equipment including twin headlamps, a clock, full instrumentation, luxury seats and carpets, a heated rear window, and a cigar lighter. Styling was similar to the Triumph 1500 with updates such as a black painted rear panel, vinyl D-posts, and new wheel trims. The initial 1,854 cc engine provided 91 bhp, giving a top speed of 100 mph and 0–60 mph in just over 11 seconds. An overdrive gearbox and automatic transmission were optional.

The Dolomite Sprint was unveiled in June 1973, delayed by a year from its planned 1972 launch. Its engine was a higher-powered development of the slant-four, designed by Spen King's team with cooperation from Harry Mundy and engineers at Coventry Climax. The 16-valve cylinder head used a single camshaft actuating all valves, rather than a more conventional DOHC arrangement. Capacity was increased to 1,998 cc, with output of 127 bhp at 5,700 rpm and 122 lb·ft at 4,500 rpm. The engine was expected to make 135 bhp, and factory test engines produced 150 bhp; it was initially intended to be named 'Dolomite 135' but was changed to 'Dolomite Sprint'. One rumour suggests production lines could not guarantee 135 bhp, while another explanation is that Triumph switched from measuring power in imperial (SAE) to metric (DIN), which calculated outputs approximately 5 per cent lower. The cylinder head design won a British Design Council award in 1974.

The Sprint featured standard alloy wheels (a first for a British production car), a vinyl roof, front spoiler, twin exhausts, and lowered suspension. The driveline was upgraded with a gearbox and differential from the TR and 2000 series cars, close-ratio gears, upgraded front brake pads, larger rear drums with a load-sensing valve, and an optional limited-slip differential. Initial models were only offered in mimosa yellow, with further colours available from 1974. From May 1975, overdrive on third and fourth gears and tinted glass were standard; headrests, a radio, and laminated windscreen became standard from March 1976. A rear fog lamp was standard from 1979. A number of 'special tuning' options were available as dealer-fitted upgrades, designed by the factory race team for homologation purposes.

Reader's Guide

The Triumph Dolomite, particularly the Sprint variant, holds a significant place in automotive history as a pioneer of mass-produced multi-valve engines. Its 16-valve cylinder head, developed with input from Coventry Climax, demonstrated that a single overhead camshaft could effectively operate four valves per cylinder, a design that won a British Design Council award in 1974. The Sprint's performance—0–60 mph in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 119 mph—allowed it to compete effectively with established rivals like the BMW 2002, while its standard equipment including alloy wheels and a vinyl roof set new benchmarks for British production cars.

The Dolomite's legacy is also tied to its role in motorsport. The 'special tuning' options offered by dealers were designed by the factory race team to homologate parts for competition, and the car was raced in various markets, including Australia, where dealer Ron Hodgson invested heavily in developing the Sprint into a unique competition car. The Australian market received 620 Sprints exported from August 1975 to June 1976, all in Mimosa Yellow, and the model was praised by influential journalist Harold Dvoretsky as British Leyland's best and most advanced model since the Jaguar XJ12. Although production ended in 1980, the Dolomite Sprint remains a celebrated example of British engineering innovation during a challenging period for the industry.

Did You Know?

• The Dolomite Sprint has been claimed as the world's first mass-produced multi-valve car.
• The Sprint's 16-valve cylinder head used a single camshaft to actuate all valves, rather than a DOHC arrangement.
• Initial Sprint models were only offered in mimosa yellow; further colours became available from 1974.
• The Dolomite name had been used by Triumph for a range of models prior to the Second World War.