1972 Triumph TR6 – Project Profile

The TR tradition of sports cars from Triumph dates all the way back to the TR2 in 1953 and although a whole sixteen years had passed since those first two-seaters were adorned with the TR moniker, the focus of this week’s Project Profile – the TR6 – can directly trace its roots to those earlier efforts from the British auto manufacturer. As an aside, for those of you who are wondering, the TR1 didn’t really exist, rather it was a case of Standard-Triumph’s prototype 20TS coming to be known later and unofficially as the TR1, but it never saw production.

With the naming nonsense cleared up we can carry on discussing the Triumph TR6, a car that very much looked like a new model with its fresh, muscular face, but was really just a sneaky restyling of the TR5 that came before it by German firm Karmann. Without wanting to spend too much money on development of the TR6, Triumph decided instead to re-use a lot of the TR5, and not just elements of the bodywork either. With the same chassis, drivetrain and 2.5-litre straight-six engine it’s incredible really that the two managed to end up being so different. The lineage is clear if you care to look but park them side-by-side and you’ll see that the strapping TR6 casts a larger shadow thanks to being both more powerful and more refined than its older brother.

That’s not to say that the TR6 was infused with a Rolls-Royce ride quality though. The car can feel a little harsh on anything but silky smooth black top but it all adds to the rather visceral characteristics of this burly British sports car. The raspy six-pot with its 150bhp and bags of low down torque is a pure smile generator and the independent rear suspension provides much improved handling over the live rear axle setup of earlier generation TRs. Although descended from those cars Triumph did the best they could with the budget they had, pinching all the good bits and consolidating them into the TR6, the result of which is a car that is incredibly exciting to drive and one that resonated with the car buying public, selling as it did in greater numbers than any of those previous TR models managed to.

What is it? 

This particular 1972 Triumph TR6 is an American import, which doesn’t come as a surprise as most of the TR6s produced were shipped off to the States in the first place. Repatriated in the ’80s and converted to right-hand drive at the same time the car has been previously restored at some point. Having been in the current owner’s possession since 2014 and used for sunny jaunts it hasn’t been on the road for a number of years. It’s a solid example though with a few upgraded parts but it does require some work to see it back to its hairy-chested best.

Why is it a project? 

As mentioned, the car hasn’t been used for a few years and although the seller states that it was running at the end of last year the fuel tank was leaking. It has since been removed and repaired but not re-fitted to the car. The gearbox has been refreshed and a new clutch has been installed but there is an issue with reverse jumping out of gear. The interior could use some love and the doors and windows may need some alignment but the seller states that the body is solid, which is a huge plus.

Five things to look for:

1) Bodywork and Chassis
People can tell you there’s no rust on their car until the cows come home but the only way you’re really going to know is by hooking your own peepers on the thing. TR6s rust, fact, and although this particular car has had some restoration work in the past and the separate body panels are relatively easy to replace it’s still imperative to scrutinise the whole car, specifically the problem areas which include the footwells and the rear frame around the trailing arms and differential. Check for any accident damage or shoddy repairs while you’re under there too.

2) Engine
It might not be possible to see the car running if the fuel tank is disconnected but you can still visually inspect the motor for any signs of leaking or neglect. It’s always worth looking through any history too for evidence of regular maintenance and servicing. It bodes well that the car has had a “considerable amount of money and time” spent on a previous restoration and that work has been done to various areas of the car including the gearbox and suspension. The six-cylinder fitted to the TR6 is a hardy unit at the end of the day, though and even if it needs a rebuild there are plenty of specialists like Huntingdon-based TRGB that can help.

3) Gearbox
As mentioned earlier, the car seems to have a problem staying in reverse, which isn’t the end of the world, but with a gearbox overhaul and replacement clutch mentioned in the write up there could be problems with shoddy workmanship here so check all of the other gears for any similar issues. A five-speed conversion would be a nice upgrade, depending on the cost to repair reverse.

4) Interior
The interior looks to be in pretty decent shape judging by the photos supplied with the ad but the seller does mention that the carpets are worn and the seat foam looks “wrong”. Again, parts are readily available so any replacements will be a doddle to acquire. Get those carpets up and have a look underneath for any signs of water ingress or rust.

5) Paperwork
A paper trail documenting the car’s previous restoration would be a huge boon so make sure to scrutinise any history file that comes with the car. Details of the gearbox work and suspension upgrades would also put the mind at ease but the main thing to look for would be evidence of any engine servicing in case you can’t see the car running.

What should you do with it?

If this is, in fact, a sold example (and the bodywork does look good) then the main thing to concentrate on would be the mechanicals. If it were us we would try to persuade the seller to reattach the fuel tank so we could see the car running and assess any shortcomings, should there be any. Whatever the case these TR6s are simple, robust and easy to work on making them an incredibly popular and usable classic. At £8K there’s plenty of wiggle room in the budget for future fettling too and the thought of cutting about this summer in a bright red TR6 with the roof down and that flat six at full chat is an incredibly attractive one.