Vehicle Description
1974 Triumph TR6 Roadster
The Triumph TR6, (1968-76), is a sports car built by British
Triumph Motor Company between 1968 and 1976. It was the best-seller
of the TR range when production ended, a record subsequently
surpassed by the TR7. Of the 91,850 TR6's produced, 83,480 were
exported; only 8,370 were sold in the UK. The bodywork was
generally similar to the TR4/TR5, but the front and back ends were
squared off, reportedly as a result of a consultancy contract
involving Karmann. With just a seven year production span, the TR6
grew to become a true British classic. The frame, engine, running
gear, body tub and doors were similar to the Michelotti-styled TR5,
(TR250 in the US). The front and rear of the car was restyled by
Karmann of Germany, though one source claims the new squared-off
Kamm tail design was from an unrelated Michelotti prototype. A new
removable hardtop was designed in-house.
Born in jolly old England and now gracing the North Mallway of our
Hallowed Halls, we offer for consignment, a Triumph TR6 right out
of the 1974 model year. A boxy design, tall tires, long bonnet,
short square boot, rectangular rear lighting, vinyl seats, a veneer
wood dash, Lucas electrics, Weber carburetors and a zippy
6-cylinder engine, all go into making the TR6 a true British
Sportscar. Previously restored and now showing a bit of age, this
back roads corner carver is meant to be driven and not merely
rolled on and off the showfield.
Exterior
Very straight mostly rust-free steel panels with askew gaps adorn
this car with only minor inclusions in the paint, a few scuffs and
chips down low and seam separation of the body panels, particularly
on the driver's rear quarter panel. Bathed in Emerald Green, (a
wonderful change from the overused British Racing Green), and
looking just spit spot with thin chrome bumpers and their black
bumper overriders adorning the front and rear of this car. We also
note a correct chin spoiler is seen in the front and hovering in
the grille is a TR6 badge. Badging is correct, and the rear of the
car is Emerald Green instead of the oft seen satin black with
chrome trimmed wrap around tail/turn/reverse lights seen at the
outboard corners. The convertible top in black presents with no
tearing and a clear but wrinkled plastic rear window. The center
hubcaps and trim rings adorn the deep dish drilled steel wheels on
all 4 corners and are shod in deep treaded red stripe rubber.
Interior
A wood dash with lightly worn and cracked veneer stretches across
the inside of the car and is surrounded by padded black vinyl with
a few notable cracks on the topper. Essential instrumentation is
seen in front of the original steering wheel, and are of course
Smiths brand, which was a staple of 1970's Triumphs. A wood rimmed
3 spoke steering wheel fronts the dash and keeps the English vibe
alive. Saddle vinyl buckets with smooth bolsters and tuck and roll
inserts appear like new and float in a sea of clean brown carpeting
with black carpeted mats for extra protection and an adequately
sized storage area is behind these seats. Like new saddle vinyl
door panels cover the doors and are looking just fine with their
chrome handles and obligatory map pockets. Between the front
buckets is the parking brake lever and just ahead of the decidedly
British wood knob topped shifter is an aftermarket AM/FM/CD
stereo.
Drivetrain
A pull of the new hood release allows us to open the bonnet where
we are met with an inline OHV 6-cylinder displacing 152ci, 2.5
Liters for those using the Metric system, and is fed by 2 Weber
downdraft carburetors. On the back of the mill is a 4-speed manual
transmission and putting the power to the ground is a rear axle
weighing in with a 3.80 ratio.
Undercarriage
The frame and underbody are solid and strong with a touch of
patina, surface rust and road dirt. A strong gloss black painted
frame proves the support for the rust-free flooring. A header feeds
down to the dual exhaust piped single muffler exhaust system. Power
front disc and power rear drum brakes provide the stopping power.
Front suspension is independent with coil springs, unequal-length
A-arms, telescopic shock absorbers, and the rear consists of
independent coil springs, semi-trailing arms, lever-arm shock
absorbers. All well done and looking spit spot!
Drive-Ability
A test drive in this Triumph was a blast from the past as this
writer owned this very same car. This TR6 runs smoothly, although
had to be choked just a bit for smooth idle until the engine warmed
up. The transmission shifted up and down smoothly and the braking
was adequate. Always a snappy handling car, it brought back good
memories, especially with all options fully functional. Some wind
in your hair, and the throaty exhaust sound goes a long way to calm
the soul.
A few issues on the exterior, a wonderful paint hue, a clean
interior with a slightly wrinkled but otherwise nice top, and a 6
popper with dual Webers you are tooling in British style from 1974,
courtesy of Michelotti design. All that's left to say is cracking
good show aye what?
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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