TR7 & TR8 Identification & Production Data Explained

This identification guide was originally based on an article written for the TR Drivers Club magazine in 1987 by Paul Towle, past TR8 Registrar and subsequently updated by Rex Holford and Mark Elbers, at various stages. Mark also contributed to the layout. Stewart Rendall provided clarification on a number of points including home market TR8 production history. Most of the information has been cross-referenced with at least two separate sources, in an effort to establish some level of authenticity. Most notably various articles by Anders Clausager, until recently B.M.I.H.T. Archivist. If you are unsure as to where to find your Commission Number, or for later cars the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), look for the Vehicle Data Plate located on the front suspension turret on UK cars or on the inside edge of the Drivers door for USA and Rest of the World cars. On the 1981 cars it can also be found stamped in the boot (trunk) gutter.
1975 – 1978 Speke – built cars
Production of US specification cars began in January 1975.
Production of cars for the home market, Europe and Australia began in May 1976.
Production ended in May 1978.
Speke built cars are identified by a three-letter prefix in front of the chassis number, as follows:

1.Assembly Plant:A=Speke built
2.Model range:C = TR7/8
3.SpecificationsL = 1975-76 model year North American Coupe.
G = 1976-78 Coupe for Home Market, Europe and Australia.
W= 1977-78 model year North American Coupe.
H = 1977 TR7 Sprint Coupe with four valve/cylinder engine.
N = 1977-78 model year TR7-V8 Coupe (for North America?).
T = 1978 TR7 Convertible - for North America.
4.Chassis NumberVaries in the number of digits.
5.Option suffixesU = North American specification cars.
L = Rest of the world left-hand drive cars.
F = Five speed gearbox fitted.
A = Automatic transmission fitted.
C = Exhaust emission control fitted.
M = Canadian specification.