Editors' Picks -- 7 days ago
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Tired/Restoration needed £4,000 – £6,000, Good/Previously Restored £12,000 – £20,000, Showroom Condition £30,000
Triumph heralded the age of the affordable sports car. The Triumph TR6 was a bloke’s car really, whilst women tended to go for the much sleeker Triumph Spitfire.
When the TR6 was launched it became known as the poor man’s e-type jaguar. However at £1,500 it quickly built up a cult following and became the car that every teenage boy sought after.
The TR6 is a great choice for those looking to buy their first classic car. This is due to the simple Mechanics, which means it is relatively easy to look after and mend. As with all British made cars of this age, rust is always a problem, however due to over 90,000 being produced, there are plenty of good examples around that were rust-proofed.
Compared with the rivals of the day, such as the MGB, the TR6 was more raw in its engineering. With 150 horse-power under the bonnet the macho two seater could get from 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which even by today’s standards is nothing to be sniffed at.
In 1973 the engine had to be reworked to meet European legislation, but in the process losing 25bhp. Therefore it pays to look for models pre dating 1973. Other than this the things to look out for are the profile of the car looking slightly bent or if there is a gap between the doors and wings, these are sure signs that the chassis has been eaten away by rust. Check it has a commission number, which is located on an aluminum plate fixed to the bodywork. This should match the V5 paperwork.
The ones to buy are those which have had money spent on them over the years and look out for the 1968-1972 versions that have undergone restoration. These may cost more, however from an investment point of view it makes sense. We recommend doing your homework before you go looking to buy. Join a club or speak with the TR register (www.tr-register.co.uk) and for those who want to get their hands dirty, there is a book called ‘How to Restore a Triumph TR5/250 & TR6 (published by Velcro).
In Summary we couldn’t think of a more fun investment for the summer, zooming down the green country roads, opening her up on the long straights, popping in the pub for a pint, listening to the spit and sawdust engine roar. If this sounds like your idea of heaven then go on, you only live once.
Browse www.carandclassic.co.uk where there are lots of Triumph TR6’S for Sale.
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