1972 Triumph Dolomite

The 16-valve Sprint and 8-valve 1850 slant-four engines utilise an aluminium cylinder head mounted atop an inclined cast-iron block. The diagonal angled head studs and high thermal stresses make the engine exceptionally vulnerable to overheating. A lack of high-specification corrosion-inhibited antifreeze allows electrolytic corrosion of the aluminium castings, silting up the radiator and blowing the head gasket.

Symptoms: Coolant temperature gauge needle creeping toward the red zone under load or at idle, Combustion pressure causing coolant expulsion from the radiator filler cap or expansion bottle...

Est. repair cost: £800–£2,500

The monocoque shell of the Dolomite suffers from severe structural corrosion in the hidden junction where the windscreen A-pillar meets the bulkhead and inner wing. Water draining through deteriorated windscreen rubbers and blocked scuttle vents collects in this structural joint, rusting through multiple panels into the driver footwells and weakening the passenger safety cell.

Symptoms: Water pooling in front footwells and damp, mouldy front cabin carpets, Bubbling paint, rust blistering, and flaking metal visible around the lower windscreen corners...

Est. repair cost: £1,000–£3,500

The Dolomite relies on a live rear axle located by four trailing links and an anti-roll bar with multiple rubber bushes. Decades of oil contamination, weathering and mileage soften and perish these rubber bushes. Worn bushes permit excessive lateral axle float and axle steer under power, causing the rear end to twitch, squirm under acceleration, and knock loudly over uneven road surfaces.

Symptoms: Rear-end steering sensation and wandering instability when changing lanes or applying throttle, Dull metallic clunking from underneath the rear seats when pulling away or braking...

Est. repair cost: £250–£650