Triumph TR6

Triumph revitalised its classic TR range in 1968 and introduced the Karmann-styled TR6. Sharp, clean and fresh, the TR6 sported a more aggressive body with revised front and rear end styling although the centre section remained the same as the TR4 and TR5. For the UK market, the straight-six fuel-injected 150bhp 2,498cc engine also carried over from the previous TR5 model, although from 1973 it was changed for a milder 125bhp unit to meet stricter emissions regulations. In full-fat 150bhp form it could sprint to 60mph in 8.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 120mph.

Widely regarded as the last of the proper TRs, it had potent front disc brakes, independent front suspension and a very sporting ride. Inside was a very pleasant place to sit with pile carpets on floors and boot, plush-looking bucket seats, a lovely wooden dashboard and a full complement of instrumentation. A huge sales success, more than 94,000 TR6s were built (ninety percent of them to detuned US specifications), before it was replaced by the much softer TR7 in 1975.

First registered in April 1969, this very early 150bhp TR6 is in outstanding condition throughout after a total nut-and-bolt rebuild in the late 1990s. The current vendor bought the car on a visit to the Classic Car Show at the NEC in 1997 where it was on display just inside the main entrance, paying just under £20,000 for it. Since then the car has been very little used and has been kept in a centrally heated private museum as part of a collection of classic vehicles which is now being dispersed due to a house move.

The car has been started and run regularly and is due to be serviced and issued with a fresh MOT before the sale. It certainly fired up instantly and ran beautifully as we manoeuvred it to take these photos. The panels are wonderfully straight and glossy and the chrome wire wheels set it off to a tee. Altogether a lovely example that is sure to draw many admiring glances when seen out and about this coming summer.