TR8 (ACN)
The Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) TR8 variants are the rarest of the TR8 models, with approximately 150 ACN-designated cars produced during 1977–1978.
The letter reproduced below sets out what Austin Rover believed the overall production numbers to be. However, it does not break these figures down by chassis number and makes no distinction between the earlier ACN cars and the later TCN cars, which continued in production up to 1980. As a result, a degree of latitude must be allowed when determining the precise point at which ACN production ended and TCN production began.
Contemporary documentation from the period is inconsistent and, in some cases, contradictory. As a result, it is likely that total FHC TR8 production was in the region of 400 cars, although the precise split between ACN and TCN designations may never be established with certainty.
These were the early trial and test cars with most leaving the factory with no markings at all. Some had SPRINT markings and V8 badges as below on SHP658R.
After JRT Leonna had finished the trial period with the first batch of ACN FHC TR8 cars they were sold off to private buyers.
As they were the first official TR8’s they were also used for development and experimentation with this one number 12 retained in the UK having SPRINT badges on the side, V8 on the boot (trunk) and TR7 sprint on the nose. Badging initially designated this FHC TR8 as TR7V8 but other FHC TR8’s were badged TR8.
This is ACN number 1
SHP658R is probably the oldest intact ACN car still in the UK – ACN 12 – Note the unusual SPRINT and V8 badges applied to the car!
This car is most likely the one shown in Hardcastle’s Rover V8 book, note the SPRINT markings along with a V8 fitted which match exactly SHP658R.
RED designates FHC TR8 chassis identifier. Chassis number doesn’t lie, owners may beware!
TR8 FHC – prefix (ACN)
| Chassis | |
|---|---|
| 1: Assembly: | A = Speake |
| 2: Model range: | C = TR7/8 |
| 3: Specification: | N = TR8 FHC |
| 4: Number | 012345 etc = number in series |
| 5: Suffix: | U = North American |
| 6: Suffix: | F = 5 speed gearbox |
| 7: Suffix: | A = Automatic gearbox |
| 8: Suffix | L = the other left-hand drive cars |
| 9: Suffix: | C = exhaust control is fitted |
| 10:Suffix: | M = Canadian specification |
ACN 00001 to 00116 (Not all the numbers in this series were used)
ACN 01001 to 01200 (Not all numbers in this series were used and 01200 may not be the uppermost number used)
Note Approximately 150 FHC TR8 cars were built Feb – Oct 1977.