1974 Triumph TR6 Roadster
The Triumph TR6, (1968"76), is a sports car built by British Triumph Motor Company between 1968 and 1976. It was the best-seller of the TR range when production ended, a record subsequently surpassed by the TR7. Of the 91,850 TR6's produced, 83,480 were exported; only 8,370 were sold in the UK. The bodywork was generally similar to the TR4/TR5, but the front and back ends were squared off, reportedly as a result of a consultancy contract involving Karmann. With just a seven year production span, the TR6 grew to become a true British classic. The frame, engine, running gear, body tub and doors were similar to the Michelotti-styled TR5, (TR250 in the US). The front and rear of the car was restyled by Karmann of Germany, though one source claims the new squared-off Kamm tail design was from an unrelated Michelotti prototype. A new removable hardtop was designed in-house.
Born in jolly old England and now gracing the North Mallway of our Hallowed Halls, we offer for consignment, a Triumph TR6 right out of the 1974 model year. A boxy design, tall tires, long bonnet, short square boot, rectangular rear lighting, vinyl seats, a veneer wood dash, Lucas electrics, Weber carburetors and a zippy 6-cylinder engine, all go into making the TR6 a true British Sportscar. Previously restored and now showing a bit of age, this back roads corner carver is meant to be driven and not merely rolled on and off the showfield.
Exterior
Very straight mostly rust-free steel panels with askew gaps adorn this car with only minor inclusions in the paint, a few scuffs and chips down low and seam separation of the body panels, particularly on the driver's rear quarter panel. Bathed in Emerald Green, (a wonderful change from the overused British Racing Green), and looking just spit spot with thin chrome bumpers and their black bumper overriders adorning the front and rear of this car. We also note a correct chin spoiler is seen in the front and hovering in the grille is a TR6 badge. Badging is correct, and the rear of the car is Emerald Green instead of the oft seen satin black with chrome trimmed wrap around tail/turn/reverse lights seen at the outboard corners. The convertible top in black presents with no tearing and a clear but wrinkled plastic rear window. The center hubcaps and trim rings adorn the deep dish drilled steel wheels on all 4 corners and are shod in deep treaded red stripe rubber.
Interior
A wood dash with lightly worn and cracked veneer stretches across the inside of the car and is surrounded by padded black vinyl with a few notable cracks on the topper. Essential instrumentation is seen in front of the original steering wheel, and are of course Smiths brand, which was a staple of 1970's Triumphs. A wood rimmed 3 spoke steering wheel fronts the dash and keeps the English vibe alive. Saddle vinyl buckets with smooth bolsters and tuck and roll inserts appear like new and float in a sea of clean brown carpeting with black carpeted mats for extra protection and an adequately sized storage area is behind these seats. Like new saddle vinyl door panels cover the doors and are looking just fine with their chrome handles and obligatory map pockets. Between the front buckets is the parking brake lever and just ahead of the decidedly British wood knob topped shifter is an aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo.
Drivetrain
A pull of the new hood release allows us to open the bonnet where we are met with an inline OHV 6-cylinder displacing 152ci, 2.5 Liters for those using the Metric system, and is fed by 2 Weber downdraft carburetors. On the back of the mill is a 4-speed manual transmission and putting the power to the ground is a rear axle weighing in with a 3.80 ratio.
Undercarriage
The frame and underbody are solid and strong with a touch of patina, surface rust and road dirt. A strong gloss black painted frame proves the support for the rust-free flooring. A header feeds down to the dual exhaust piped single muffler exhaust system. Power front disc and power rear drum brakes provide the stopping power. Front suspension is independent with coil springs, unequal-length A-arms, telescopic shock absorbers, and the rear consists of independent coil springs, semi-trailing arms, lever-arm shock absorbers. All well done and looking spit spot!
Drive-Ability
A test drive in this Triumph was a blast from the past as this writer owned this very same car. This TR6 runs smoothly, although had to be choked just a bit for smooth idle until the engine warmed up. The transmission shifted up and down smoothly and the braking was adequate. Always a snappy handling car, it brought back good memories, especially with all options fully functional. Some wind in your hair, and the throaty exhaust sound goes a long way to calm the soul.
A few issues on the exterior, a wonderful paint hue, a clean interior with a slightly wrinkled but otherwise nice top, and a 6 popper with dual Webers you are tooling in British style from 1974, courtesy of Michelotti design. All that's left to say is cracking good show aye what?
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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