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For all intents and purposes, Henning's TR7 is now a TR8, thanks to the engine swap he performed. He shows the car regularly and has done well in British car club events.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Joe Henning has always loved Triumph TR7's, but felt the factory 4-cylinder engine was just too puny. So he beefed up his British racing green version of the TR7 to TR8 specs by installing a Buick-based Rover 215 cubic inch aluminum V-8.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Joe Henning has restored three Triump TR7's to date and has another one in the planning stage, which will also get a V-8 power transplant.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

In fair weather, the top comes down on Henning's upgraded TR7, seen here at Riggs Park in Haysville.

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Joe Henning / Courtesy

Power for Henning's TR7 is supplied by a bored-out Buick block fitted with Rover heads and crankshaft, along with a slightly racy camshaft that gives the car a distinctively V-8 lope.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The 13-inch factory wheels were replaced by a set of 14-inch Panasport Minilites, which improved both the ride and the handling of the car.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Roger Bybee sprayed the British racing green metallic paint on the roadster after Henning added a full-length set of lower body ground effects.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The interior was freshened up with period-correct tan vinyl seat and door panel covers with plaid cloth inserts. An aftermarket sound system and chrome shift knob for the 5-speed transmission, which was originally designed to handle a V-8.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

One of Henning's favorite modifications is the set of chrome exhaust tips that jut through the lower rear valance. The car also got a deck lid spoiler in its makeover.

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Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle