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1979 Triumph Dolomite 1500HL

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,400

  • Mileage~15,035 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5-litre
  • LocationSwansea

SOLD

1979 Triumph Dolomite 1500HL

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

An iconic, award-winning British classic with strong motorsport heritage, the Triumph Dolomite remains a firm favourite among enthusiasts.

The Triumph Dolomite evolved from a succession of sharp-suited, Michelotti-penned cars from the 1960s. Designed as a replacement for the Herald, the car was originally fitted with a 1,296cc engine. This later model was introduced in 1970 with the Triumph 1500 engine, offering improved performance, more luxurious features, and twin carburettors. The ‘1500HL’ model combines these added luxuries with exterior styling from the 1850 and Sprint models, while maintaining lower running and maintenance costs.

Finished in Robert’s favourite colour, ‘Pageant Blue’, the car immediately caught his attention and was taken on as a restoration project. Throughout his almost 2 years ownership, it has been restored to a high standard and with great care - it’s a car that has clearly been enjoyed as part of the restoration process.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Robert the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The stunning 'Pageant Blue' drew me to this example; as a Triumph fan, the Dolomite has always caught my eye.

Robert purchased this example with the intention of restoring it, and as the owner of multiple successful auto body repair shops in Wales, he has a strong understanding of what to look for when restoring a car.

The Dolomite is a particular favourite of his, especially in 'Pageant Blue'. When the car first came to him, it showed heavy spider-webbing in the paintwork from being stored under a cover in a garage. Robert has since fully restored the car to the striking condition you see today.

Robert has fitted an electric fuel pump; aside from this, Robert reports that the car remains unmodified and as original as possible.

Robert is selling due to a house move without a garage space for his beloved Dolomite 1500HL and he will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Robert
Vehicle Owner

Robert saved £1,080* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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Exterior

Styled by Michelotti, its purposeful stance and clean lines reflect genuine sporting character, this is a particularly well-presented example.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13” Triumph silver wheels with black centres present in good condition, with just some minor wear to the black centres.

The tyres are Dunlop SP Sport on the front and Continental Contact on the rear, all of which show a good amount of remaining tread. No visible cracking or general age-related wear was observed on the outside sidewalls.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in great overall condition, with panel gaps aligning visually well around the car.

We’ve provided detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos.

Please take the time to review all media files to assess the condition for yourself.

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Paint

Finished in ‘Pageant Blue’, the paintwork presents in great restored condition, with even colour and coverage across all panels.

Robert has professionally restored the car himself, drawing on his years of experience in body repair.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is in very good condition for the car’s age. The window seals appear good and consistent with the overall condition of the car. Door handles and window surrounds also present well.

The one area of the car Robert hasn’t addressed is the chrome front and rear bumpers, which show some light wear; he notes this would be the next area to improve and take the car to the next level.

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Interior

Beautifully restored, the quintessential Triumph interior offers a charming and characterful space, making it a pleasure to spend time in.

Seats and Carpets

The grey cloth seats have retained their shape well over the years. The front seats are fitted with headrests, with the rear seats featuring a fold-out armrest.

The wood-capped door cards and carpets present similarly, showing consistent condition throughout.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

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Dashboard

The HL featured a significantly upgraded interior, including walnut wood door cappings, a rev counter, voltmeter, separate fuel and temperature gauges, a clock, higher-quality seats, and rear armrests.

The dashboard shows no major damage or scuffs, and no warning lights were displayed during our visit.

The odometer read ~15,035 miles at the time of visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Both the original Dolomite steering wheel and the manual wood gearstick present in good condition.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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Mechanics

Powered by a lively 1.5-litre four-cylinder overhead-valve engine with twin SU carburettors, it delivers smooth and capable performance.

Engine and Gearbox

The HL utilised the 1,493cc inline-four engine with twin carburettors, designed for better economy while still offering decent power for the period. Unlike the 1500, the 1500HL used a rear-wheel-drive layout shared with the Toledo and the rest of the Dolomite range.

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold and it performed well on the road, pulling strongly, idling smoothly, and running as expected.

Robert reports that the car starts from cold without issue and drives well, with the manual gearbox transferring the power smoothly to rear wheels.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension providing a smooth but bumpy ride on the Swansea roads.

We did just notice a rattle during the drive as you'll hear in the on the road video - please take a look at the video to see and hear the car being driven around the local area.

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The Drive

The Dolomite 1500HL delivers a raspy exhaust tone that adds a sporty feel.

The car handled the twisty roads, with the suspension providing comfort - again, please watch the On the Road video to see the car in action.

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Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Robert reports that everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

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History and Paperwork

This striking, restored example of a '70s icon comes to market following ~ 2 years of ownership, with just 3 former keepers.

This 1979 example remains largely original, featuring its 1.5-litre engine, grey cloth interior, and 13” alloy wheels. Having been recently restored, the car presents beautifully on the road and is sure to turn heads wherever the new owner goes.

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, and parts this Dolomite has received over its restoration, it is believed to have never been welded.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09.10.1990 MOT 14,837
Key Details
  • Year1979
  • ModelDolomite 1500 HL
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.01.1979
  • CC1493CC
  • Mileage~15,035 on clock
  • ColourPageant Blue
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WK17429DL
  • Engine #YC059805HE
  • MOTNo. Exempt
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers3
  • Tyre BrandDunlop / Continental
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~2 Years
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Vehicle RegistrationWTH 54T
  • Driver’s SideRight
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeSaloon
  • Auction ID3544







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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6 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
10 days ago

***RESERVE LOWERED*** The reserve has been lowered by the seller. Good luck, Adam – TC

CarmanGear
CarmanGear
16 days ago

Hi
Does the car run on E10 unleaded fuel?

gtr4444
gtr4444
16 days ago

Is it possible to have a new mot carried out prior to the auction close date?

Stakes952
Stakes952
17 days ago

Hi Rob, could you give some more details on the restoration please, was it just paintwork refresh or was there rust and corrosion to deal with aswell, and if so where on the car was this? What’s the background to the car being in storage for so long, is the low mileage genuine or is it a replacement clock or has passed 100k? Thanks.

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Vehicle Location

Swansea

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