HISTORY OF THE TRIUMPH TR6
Regarded by many as the most appealing of the T-series Triumphs,
the TR6 debuted for the 1969 model year. Mechanically evolved from
the one-year-only TR5/TR250, the TR6 retained its predecessor's
chassis and drivetrain while benefiting from suspension refinements
and wider 15-inch wheels, giving the car a leaner stance and more
composed handling.
Power came from a 2.5-liter straight-six equipped with twin
Zenith-Stromberg carburetors in U.S.-specification, producing just
over 100 horsepower. A traditional wood dashboard, standard front
disc brakes, and options including Overdrive, chrome wire wheels,
and a removable hardtop made the TR6 highly customizable.
A delight to drive both then and now, the TR6 consistently ranks
high among iconic British sports cars. Its unmistakable styling and
lively character continue to appeal to discerning drivers and
collectors alike.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The 1976 Triumph TR6 with OverDrive offered here is finished in its
factory-correct color combination of striking Inca Yellow over a
Black interior featuring Leather Seats and an OE-style Black
Convertible Top with Reflective Strip. According to the
accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust E-Certificate,
Commission No. CF55037U was completed at the Coventry works on
April 26, 1976, and was specified for export to the United
States.
While much of the TR6's early history remains undocumented, its
late previous owner acquired the car in August 1983 with a recorded
odometer reading of 52,000 miles. He would retain ownership for the
next four decades, enjoying the Triumph on numerous trips and
creating more than a few memories along the way. During one such
road trip in 2019, the TR6 was driven from St. Louis to Green Bay,
Wisconsin, where its owner famously parked the Inca Yellow roadster
on the sidewalk directly in front of the entrance to Lambeau
Field-earning a prompt scolding from Green Bay security, but not
before a photograph was captured that still accompanies the car
today!
By the time of our acquisition in late 2024, the TR6 displayed just
over 80,000 miles and showed evidence of a thorough restoration
performed during its previous long-term ownership. The exterior and
engine compartment had been refinished in the factory-correct shade
of Inca Yellow, one of the distinctive colors associated with
late-production TR6s. Inside, a new wood dashboard panel had been
installed, reportedly sourced from The Roadster Factory. Also
accompanying the car were several new but not yet installed
components, including Black Leather Seat Covers, new Seat Foams and
an OE-style polished Stainless-Steel Exhaust System.
Upon arrival at IT'S ALIVE!, the TR6 was thoroughly inspected and
its accompanying parts cataloged. Our in-house specialists
subsequently completed the interior refurbishment by stripping the
seats to their bare frames and rebuilding them with the supplied
new Foams and Leather Seat Covers, along with newly sourced seat
diaphragms and straps.
The new polished Stainless-Steel Exhaust System was also installed,
terminating in twin exhaust outlets beneath the rear valance in the
style of the original exhaust. A set of new COKER 185R15 Redline
Tires was then mounted and balanced, providing a handsome modern
counterpart to the Michelin Redband tires specified on the car when
new.
Under the bonnet, the engine compartment displays evidence of the
same thorough restoration evident throughout the car. Engine No.
CF44232UE remains clearly legible on the stamping pad along the
upper mating surface of the Engine Block and is confirmed by the
accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust E-Certificate as
the original 2.5-liter Straight-Six fitted to Commission No.
CF55037U in April 1976. Interestingly, the character impressions
are noticeably shallower than typically encountered on an original
stamping. As this portion of the Engine Block would be resurfaced
during certain types of internal engine work, its appearance
suggests the block has been machined at some point during the car's
previous ownership. While records documenting the nature or extent
of this work are not available, the surviving original stamping
provides both confirmation of the matching-numbers engine and
evidence of previous mechanical attention.
Another particularly desirable feature is the J-type OverDrive.
Although the Heritage Certificate does not list OverDrive among the
car's original factory equipment-and the Commission Number does not
carry the corresponding "O" suffix-the TR6 is presently equipped
with the proper J-type OverDrive Gearbox, associated wiring and
rear OverDrive emblem. Taken together, these details indicate a
thoughtfully executed, factory-style conversion performed during
its previous long-term ownership. The result is one of the most
worthwhile upgrades available to a TR6, providing more relaxed
cruising while preserving the character of the original
drivetrain.
Today, this TR6 both presents and performs wonderfully. Only minor
imperfections are evident in the Inca Yellow finish upon close
inspection, while the refreshed Black interior, Leather Seats,
polished Stainless-Steel Exhaust and Redline Tires give the car a
crisp appearance without sacrificing its unmistakably period
character. On the road, the J-type OverDrive engages quickly and
smoothly, making the TR6 equally enjoyable on winding backroads or
longer highway journeys.
The five-digit odometer currently displays approximately 80,300
miles, which is believed to represent the car's total mileage from
new. With more than four decades of documented enthusiast
ownership, its matching-numbers 2.5-liter Straight-Six, desirable
J-type OverDrive, recent reconditioning and unmistakable Inca
Yellow color combination, Commission No. CF55037U represents an
especially appealing example of the final-year Triumph TR6-ready to
be driven and enjoyed exactly as its longtime owner did.
If you're ready to get behind the wheel, give us a call at
314-710-6600 ext. 140 or email us at
[email protected].
