Model Page
Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo
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Production Run: |
200 Approx |
|---|---|
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Production Date: |
1981 - 1984 |
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Engine: |
Honda 1,335cc In Line 4 |
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Built: |
Cowley (UK) |
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0-60: |
8.8 Secs |
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Max Speed: |
120 Mph |
The Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo was a high specification Triumph Acclaim derivative featuring a 1,335cc Turbo four cylinder engine the Avon transformed the Triumph Acclaim into an up-market, high performance car that was available between 1982 and 1984. Ordered through Austin Rovers chain of dealerships the Avon Turbo conversion weighed in at a hefty £2,990 on top of the price of the Acclaim.
Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo Front End
Avon owner Graham Hudson wanted to expand his company after their successful Jaguar XJ6 estate car. Hudson turned his attention to the newly released Triumph Acclaim believing the car had potential for a whole raft of revisions and forecast sales of around 4 vehicles per week, this subsequently proved ambitious.
The Avon Turbo retained the same 1,335cc in line four cylinder twin carburetor Honda engine with a Turbo Technics conversion. The unit received a Garrett AiResearch T3 Turbocharger unit running at 6 psi, the inlet and exhaust manifolds were modified to suit the installation. The engine layout was modified slightly to accommodate the Turbo installation under the bonnet and an oil cooler fitted to maintain temperatures, the installation was completed visually with a chrome plated camshaft cover. The Turbo started to come on boost at a little over 1,800 rpm and achieved full boost at around 3,000 rpm. The new installation produced 105 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and more importantly 123 lb/ft @ 3,500 rpm, a substantial improvement over the standard 70 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and 74 lb/ft @ 3,500 rpm.
The engine conversion was most proficient and was highly regarded with road testers commenting favourably on the lack of turbo lag and huge torque present in the mid range. The car powered to sixty miles per hour from rest in 8.8 seconds and on to a top speed of around 120 mph.
Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo Rear Shot
Mechanically the car retained the standard 8.5” discs at the front and 7.1” rear drums. The car retained the front independent MacPherson struts wih coil springs and anti rollbar and rear independent MacPherson struts with coild springs and anti rollbar. The suspension was revised to cope with the increased performance potential of the vehicle, the ride height was lowered somewhat and the car was fitted with upgraded springs and dampers. The car was not widely praised for its handling and was described by Autocar as “floppy” and criticized for having huge amounts of torque steer.
Mechanically the car retained the standard 8.5” discs at the front and 7.1” rear drums. The car retained the front independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and anti roll bar and rear independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and anti roll bar. The suspension was revised to cope with the increased performance potential of the vehicle, the ride height was lowered somewhat and the car was fitted with upgraded springs and dampers. The car was not widely praised for its handling and was described by Autocar as “floppy” and criticized for having huge amounts of torque steer
Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo Engine
The Acclaim Turbo used the same body shell without need for strengthening although the styling was revised to distinguish the car from other models. The model featured a front airdam and black rear boot mounted spoiler, a two tone paint finish, large Turbo side graphics, vinyl roof (same colour as the lower body half colour), body colour headlamp surrounds and metallic grille, and additional rubbing strips that were in front to the front wheel arches and behind the rear wheel arches. A discreet Avon badge and ‘TT’ logo was fitted to the boot lid and Avon plates added to the tread plates. Wider 205/60 x 13 “ tyres with 5.5” wide Lunar Alloy wheels completed the look of the Avon Turbo and had the additional benefit of providing more mechanical grip.
The interior was upgraded to include leather seats all round and leather door cards cut from Connolly hide, lumber support adjustment for the front seats and as with previous Triumphs burr walnut veneer wooden dashboard fascia and door cappings finished the interior, a Turbo gauge was installed and located above the headlamp adjuster. Befitting of a car of this cost additional soundproofing was installed to reduce interior cabin noise.
During the short production run the Triumph Avon Acclaim Turbo never proved universally popular and around only 200 units were manufactured before the car was discontinued in line with the rest of the Acclaim range in 1984. Surviving vehicles are both rare and sought after and are a infrequent sight on British roads.
The Facts
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Engine: |
Turbocharged Honda In Line Four Cylinder |
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Capacity: |
1,335cc |
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Valves: |
8 |
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Compression Ratio: |
8.4:1 |
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Fuel System: |
Twin Keihin Carburetors |
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Maximum Power: |
105 bhp @ 5,500 rpm. |
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Maximum Torque: |
123 lb/ft @ 3,500 rpm. |
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Transmission: |
Manual 5 speed. Honda Trio-Matic Automatic |
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Top Gear: |
- |
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Brakes: |
Servo Assisted Front Discs / Rear Drums |
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Kerb Weight: |
- |
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Max Speed: |
120 Mph |
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0-60: |
8.8 Secs |
