Does the allure of the barn ever become more of a turn-off when the seller doesn’t tell us much about the car’s history or condition? I go back and forth on this, as I certainly find cars in their as-discovered state absolutely mesmerizing, but said vehicles can also have a host of issues that all but guarantee they will remain in as-found condition indefinitely. This 1973 Triumph TR6 has undoubtedly been off the road for some time and the seller addresses this by simply stating that it needs TLC. Is that all it needs? Find the Triumph here on Facebook Marketplace in Connecticut for $6,000.
There’s a missed opportunity to tell the story of at least how this TR6 was discovered: did the longtime owner pass away? Did part of the garage door give way, allowing the outside world to see the long-forgotten sports car? Or was it slightly less romantic, with the seller simply buying a property out of foreclosure and discovering the car inside? Whatever the case, the TR6 has long been a favorite of sports car fanatics and British automobile afficionados, so someone loved it at one time; you don’t become a TR6 owner by accident.
From the top-layer surfaces, it looks promising, but we all know the real bad news can reside underneath – especially on a vintage car from New England. The paint looks like it would present decently enough once cleaned up, and seeing the period-correct “red line” tires would seemingly indicate this Triumph hasn’t been messed with much (and at least had an owner who wanted it to remain as authentic to original form as possible.) The tires, shockingly, even appear to still hold air.
Those ignition wires look somewhat recent and certainly aren’t factory, so someone was tinkering under the hood in the last 10 or so years. The engine bay itself is clean and organized and thankfully we don’t see any signs of the head being removed and left outside the car, or other signs of half-finished projects. The seller is asking the sort of money for this TR6 that could make sense if the 52,000 indicated miles are authentic, but again, more effort will need to be put into the presentation and documentation to get that kind of money.
The seller and dashboard wood are both pretty flaky..definitely needs a up close and personal look-see before throwing down the coin IMO.
Car would need a close-up personal look. Absolutely no written explanation. But after viewing the seller’s profile, I wouldn’t want to be in the same county. Kind of a shame since the car does appear to have potential. I try not to judge on appearance, but this dude seems to embrace the stereo-type used car salesman image. (editors may remove my comments if needed)
Not even worth the 6 grand asking price even if they throw in the shop vac sitting on the trunk.
Needs TLC? Nah, only a miracle would do in this case.
2500.00 max
I’m pretty close to the car and could view it. I’m sure its rougher than the pics. Like the dash and who knows what the underneath is like and how long the car hasn’t been running. I’m no pro but I’m thinking 2-3k car.
Anyone whose Facebook page shows nothing but selfies is going to be a problem.
It always amazes me when owners take photos of a car for sale with garbage on them. Is it that difficult to remove the trash?
This car is a classic pile.
The car is presented as Garbage Chic. This kind of presentation may be popular in European circles, but it hasn’t caught on here yet.
Interesting and fun cars, but rust is not their friend. Issues with the frames rotting from within causing body sag, most evident at the door to quarter panel fit lines. Great engines if well maintained and some crazy emission components causing driveability issues which can be corrected via modification components from Moss Motors to correct. Parts relatively inexpensive and available with a great owner following. $6k a little steep from what I see, but possibly a good project for someone with institutional knowledge of this model.
Jim, you have nailed it.
Could not agree more with the comments! Car has a desirable exterior color (my ’73 TR6 is also Carmine Red but has a New Tan interior), but beyond that, I would even be reluctant to pay over $1,500 for it.
Several years ago I bought a similar TR6 from a fella here in Texas who bought nearly the same car from Beverly H*44s CC. He did not personally inspect it nor did he pay someone local to do so. Frame was almost completely rusted out! Only salvageable items were the vehicle title and the parts which were preserved by British Natural Corrosion Inhibitor–leaky engine, transmission, & differential. I bought the car for next-to-nothing, got it running, and sold it as a “parts” car with a running engine. Made only a few hundred bucks profit, but I presented the car, warts and all, to the happy buyer. For me it was the challenge (yes, I need help) of getting the Six running to prove I could.
Photos can and WILL hide a multitude of issues. Now, if this was an old Porsche 356, it would be a completely different story….
Wouldn’t mind seeing some pix, but who in their right mind uses “FART-FACEBOOK”?
Seller does love a big cigar.