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 Triumph Dolomite Sprint in Australia
June 2003 marked the 30th anniversary since the release of the Triumph Dolomite Sprint to the English motoring public. This vehicle was the true wolf in sheep’s clothing. With virtually no external difference to the standard Triumph Dolomite, that was already available on the market, the 16 valve Sprint offered over 40% more power than the standard car.
The gearbox and differential/rear axle assembly were upgraded to match the new found performance, but unfortunately the brakes were only marginally improved, being fitted with larger brake boost and larger rear drums.
The 16 valve motor was at that time the only 16 valve motor fitted to a mass produce vehicle and it also won its designer, and Triumph a European design award.
Over the five years that the Sprint was produced, there was 22,941 cars made. The original batch of Sprint’s that were produced the vast majority were Mimosa Yellow. During its years of production, Sprints were available in most colours.
When Leyland Australia decided to import the Sprints into Australia it was decided that they would only be available in Mimosa Yellow, to make them stand out, and it was also not a colour available on the standard Dolomite.
All Sprint’s imported to Australia where fitted with overdrive gearboxes, heated rear windows, front seat head rests and front and rear seat belts (as required by Australian Design Rules).
When they were released to the Australian motoring public in August 1975, the retail price was $7700. The Sprint was marketed against vehicles like the BMW 2002 Ti, Fiat 132, Alfa Romeo Alfetta. The Australian Motoring press at the time generally liked the Sprint. They thought that the straight line performance was exceptional, although on road test at the time noted that it lacked the performance of the Torana SLR 5000!! (we wonder why). Handling has considered to be very good, provided it was on smooth surfaces, which in 1975 was few and far between on Australian roads.
We know that Leyland Australia imported approximately 620 vehicles, and that they were only imported from August 1975 to June 1976. Of the 620 that was imported, there was 49 vehicle fitted with Limited Slip Differential, ex factory. The vehicles were identified with an “S” on the end of the Commission Number.
On our records the earliest Australian Compliance listed commission number is VA15110HE (dated 8/75) and the highest VA20303HE, (dated 5/76), but there is some vehicle with 6/76 compliance date and lower Commission Number. Importation of the Dolomite Sprint ceased after June 1976, due to the new ADR27a (Exhaust Pollution Standard), which Sprint’s could not meet. There has certainly been a few privately imported cars to add to this number, but how many survive today in Australia is anyone’s guess. Our thoughts are probably 150 to 200 cars.
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