Triumph TR 6 (1971)

• 2.5 litre with optional 4 speed Overdive gearbox.
• Factory Jasmine Yellow with black interior.
• Stunning professional restoration - negligible mileage since.
• Stainless exhaust system, Spax suspension and Electronic ignition upgrades.

 DESCRIPTION

Built between 1968 and 1976 the TR6 is without doubt one of the most instantly recognisable cars to have come from the classic British manufacturer, Triumph. Designed on the same rigid back-bone chassis of the Michelotti styled TR4 & TR5 the TR6 was the final incarnation of the line and is identified with its more contemporary styling coming from the German coach-builder, Karmann. Of the 91,850 units built, over 80% of all examples where sold to export markets. All examples where powered by a 2.5 litre, in-line six cylinder engine; US markets featuring twin-Stromberg Carberettors, with home-market and a small number of export market examples featuring the Bosch fuel-injected variant, which offered a small performance advantage, but poorer fuel economy. Cars came fitted with 4 speed gearbox as standard, with an optional electrically switched Overdrive unit which offered improved gear ratios on second, third and fourth gear on early examples and just third and fourth gears in later models. Other features included disc / drum brakes, independent rear suspension, rack & pinion steering, 15" steel wheels, full instrumentation, luxury pile carpet and satin Teak veneer dash.

Imported from California in 1993 by marque specialist, Northern TR, this US spec example was originally built at the Canley, Coventry plant in April 1971 (as confirmed by her accompanying letter from the BMI Heritage Trust) and features the optional Overdrive gearbox, operating on third and fourth gears. Presented in her original Jasmine Yellow (paint code 34) with contrasting black interior / mohair hood the car has been lavished with love over the last 26yrs, retained in a collection for the last 4yrs with the keeper prior to that owning her for 19yrs, with the accompanying history file containing invoices well in excess of the asking price.

An inspection of the history file (maintained/restored by East Anglian Sports Cars between 97-05) confirms that for the first few years of ownership, the lucky lady owner, enjoyed using and getting to know her TR, but that in 2000 she was probably advised that the car, now already 29yrs old, was in need of some restoration and at this point she instructed the specialist to carry out a full body-off restoration, with works including:

• Complete body / chassis strip down with media blasting. Check all panels for damage and carry out remedial repairs / replacement panels as required. Professional conversion to RHD. Fully preparation of body tub, inner / outer all panels etc and paint in factory original Jasmine Yellow and once fitted check full alignment to chassis. Rustproof all cavities.
• All mechanical components stripped, checked for wear and either restored or replaced. The drive-train alone looks stunning, detailed correctly in every respect.
• Electronic Ignition.
• Radiator re-core and fan shroud stripped and powder-coated.
• Suspension fully stripped. Shock Absorbers uprated to SPAX adjustable dampers, all bushes front / rear replaced and upgrade to Polyurethane, all new joints / bearings etc. All larger components painted / powder-coated.
• Rebuilt braking system including new disc / pads, calipers, brake master cylinder, servo etc.
• New clutch.
• New Stainless Steel exhaust system.
• Aluminium Rocker cover.
• All fuel lines, brake lines, hoses replaced.
• All new window rubbers, door seals etc
• All new / replacement chrome
• New RHD wiring loom.
• Replacement of all exterior lights, housing, gaskets etc.
• 15" wheels stripped and refurbished and fitted with new tyres.
• Interior completely stripped, new carpets, seat covers.
• Replacement roof frame and all new mohair hood.
• Moto-lita wood rimmed steering wheel.
• All new badges and decals.

Invoicing for this period alone totals some £25k and walking around the car now, the quality of the restoration still amazes, panel gaps, paint finish, chrome work, interior, engine bay detail etc are all impeccable. Opening the door and stepping into the TR6; the driver is instantly taken back to classic motoring from the late 60's / 70's, the beautiful teak dash, switch-gear clearly labeled and full instrumentation give the driver an indication of the cars sporting intent. Starting the engine and the senses are heightened further, the 2.5 litre engine bursts into life with its distinctive straight six rumble and on selecting gear and going up through the gearbox, finally enjoying the smooth overdrive the car pulls with a wave of torque that offers a wonderful driving and aural experience.

With its modern suspension upgrades too, the TR6 feels well connected to the road too, there's no nasty scuttle shake or crashing on uneven surfaces, just a firm, well balanced ride and with her rebuilt braking system, the pedal feels reassuring too and in driving this TR for some time, we can certainly say this is one classic that feels that it could comfortably keep pace with modern motoring. 

Finished in her subtle shade of Jasmine, this TR6 just oozes charm and quality. Impeccably restored and maintained since (offering a box file of associated history), we can comfortably say this is the best TR6 we've seen and will no doubt delight its new keeper for many years to come.