Triumph TR6

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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 US market, the straight-six 2,498cc engine carried over from the previous TR250 model and used twin Stromberg carburettors instead of the rather tempramental Lucas fuel injection. Despite producing rather less power than the UK models, it was still good for the 0 - 60mph dash in 10.7 seconds and could stretch its legs to reach a top speed of 107mph with much greater reliability.

Widely regarded as the last of the proper TRs, the TR6 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 (90% of them for the US market), before it was replaced by the much softer TR7 in 1975.

The vendor of this car purchased it through an advert in ‘Autotrader’ in 2002. The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms that this overdrive-equipped model left the works on 3rd December 1973 as a personal export to S/Sgt. B Crawford of the USAF. He took it home with him where it remained until it was repatriated in 1990. Shortly after returning to the UK it was converted to RHD. A copy of the US title shows that it spent the latter part of its life in the dry state of New Mexico.

A large file of invoices includes 12 MOTs dating back to 1992. The vendor confirms that it has received an annual waxoil treatment since he purchased it and that in his ownership he has improved the car significantly to its current very tidy state.

Bills include a replacement differential unit and driveshaft, a reconditioned gearbox, windscreen, propshaft, front suspension trunnions, upper ball joints and front wheel bearings. The car has also been treated to a new pair of rear wings and a quality, professional respray, photos of which are on file.

The interior was given a full retrim (the seats with Moss leather covers) and new boot carpets were fitted, the mohair hood and hood cover and fresh vinyl tonneau cover setting the car off to a tee. While all of this work was being carried out, a new wiring loom, alternator, brake servo, master cylinder and battery were also added along with a pair of new front tyres in November 2012.

In addition, the vendor made a few desirable modifications along the way, such as Spax shock absorbers, a stainless steel exhaust, CD player, polybushed suspension, spin-on oil filter, alloy rocker cover, K&N air filters, braided hoses, Hi-Torque starter motor and a Moto-Lita steering wheel. The end result is a very nicely presented car with a number of sensible upgrades which improve the performance and feel of the car, without detracting from the original theme.

Taxed until the end of April and MOTd until May 2014, this 1973 example will shortly become Tax Exempt which will be an added bonus to its lucky new owner. This very nice example is sure to draw many admiring glances when seen out and about this coming summer.