A well preserved TR6 thanks to an early life in the USA and re-imported in 1991
Presenting in a vibrant and bright looking Mimosa yellow livery
Complete with a long current MOT and ready to use and enjoy
The Appeal
The TR6 first appeared in 1969 with Autocar immediately declaring it “the last of the real sports cars” offering an evolution of the traditional TR “seat-of-the-pants” experience. The styling was an evolution, too, being based on Michelotti’s TR4 with new nose and tail treatments courtesy of Germany’s Karmann. The centre section of the car remained the same, an indication of the financial constraints of the time. Both mechanically fuel injected and twin carburettor versions of the 2.5L straight six engine were produced for different markets.
This example spent its first 18 years or so in the USA. The car was re-imported to the UK subsequently and has been in the same enthusiastic ownership for the last 25 years. The car has been very lightly used in that time and online MOT records show that the TR has covered around 250 miles in the last 16 years. This great looking TR is now ready to use and enjoy by its next owner.
The History and Paperwork
This TR6 was manufactured in October 1973
It was dispatched from the Coventry factory in left hand drive for the US market
The car was shipped from Harwich on the “Madame Butterfly”
Its destination was BL Inc in Galveston, Texas
The TR6 remained in the USA for the next 18 years or so
In 1991 the car was re-imported to the UK
It was first registered here in May of that year with its first UK owner keeping it for 4 years
Around this time, it is assumed that a right hand drive conversion was undertaken
The current owner acquired the car in 1998
Since that time the car has been very lightly used
It has been dry stored between use and never used in the rain
Due to a burglary, the paperwork archive is minimal
The current owner believes the mileage to be original
Given the loss of paperwork this can’t be reliably verified
The paperwork available includes the current V5
The current MOT is present in hard copy
An interesting Heritage Certificate is also included
The Interior
The TR6’s cabin is an architype for British sports cars of the late 1960’s
It is minimally finished but exudes character and a sporting focus
The seats have enjoyed new covers at some point in its history
These are finished in black vinyl and arranged into horizontal box pleats
These are trimmed with contrasting yellow piping
The condition is excellent with no wear noted
The cabin is carpeted in edge bound black carpets which are in good order
A small luggage shelf is present behind the seats for added utility
Door panels are finished in original looking black vinyl
The big dashboard is finished in a burr walnut veneer
Top and bottom rolls are finished in black vinyl covered deformable foam
A recognisable set of Smiths white on black gauges are fitted
A large speedometer and tachometer sit ahead of the driver
Four, smaller supplemental gauges are situated in the centre of the dash
A three spoke, alloy Mota Lita steering wheel with wooden rim is fitted
A more modern Sony head unit is fitted with the original Motorola radio also included
The gear lever is topped with the signature overdrive switch
The well-shaped boot is finished with a black carpet mat
Below this is housed the steel spare wheel, jack and tools
The Exterior
The Mimosa paintwork appears fresh and bright and suits the car so well
A good level of shine is evident, and the paint finish appears smooth and deep
Likewise, the bodywork appears to be equally well presented
Panel gaps are sound for the period and doors shut positively
No areas of corrosion were immediately evident
There is the odd scrape and mark present but nothing major noted
The owner reports that the hood is complete and working
We weren’t able to verify this via inspection during our visit
The hood is currently neatly stowed under a black vinyl tonneau cover
Cabin glass and light lenses all appear well presented and, seemingly, original
The TR sits on a set of period looking Alley Cat, five slot magnesium alloy wheels
These are 15-inch items and present very well with original centre caps
A matching set of Pirelli P4000 tyres are fitted
These are in a 196/65 configuration and appear to retain good levels of tread
All the expected marque and model designations appear present and correct
The Mechanics
This Triumph TR6 is fitted with the twin carburettor iteration of the straight six engine
This is a 2,498cc, 12 valve unit fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors
This was the factory specification for the US supplied cars
In original form power was rated at about 105bhp and 148Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four speed, all synchromesh manual gearbox
This is fitted with an electrically activated overdrive unit acting on 3rd and 4th gear
The car is in a fully operational mechanical condition
A long MOT helps verify the condition of the car despite it being exempt
During our visit the car started easily and idled and drove without issue
The straight six engine also sounds great through the twin exhausts
The under-bonnet presentation is very good and highly original
The underside of the car looks well preserved, too
The black finished lower sills would benefit from refinishing at some point
Summary
In essence the TR6 gave its owners a similar sensory experience as the TR2 of the 1950’s. It was this raw and engaging demeanour that so endeared the TR6 to generations of enthusiasts. It represented the apogee of this type of hairy chested British sports car and, hence, sold in impressive numbers especially in the USA. Of nearly 95,000 TR6s built, only a shade over 8,000 remained in the Triumph’s home market.
This example is a fine exemplar of the breed. Its condition seems very solid and robust, likely thanks to its early stateside life. Since coming back to the land of its birth it has been lightly used and mostly dry stored. This pampered existence is evident in the apparent condition of the car. Without the complications of the mechanical fuel injection and, possibly, with a very low mileage this is a TR6 that is likely to bring much pleasure and enjoyment to its next lucky owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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