Maple. Hardly an inspiring name for a brown color that seems to fit Triumph TR6s very well. I’ve owned a Maple 1972 TR6 myself and the contrast between the brown and the tan interior really makes the car seem more upper-class than it actually is; part of the magic of Triumphs! This particular Maple Brown TR6 is for sale here on craigslist in Spokane, Washington at an asking price of $15,900.
The seller has owned this car since 1975 and states that it’s a great runner and has always been garaged. If this is the original paint I’d have to agree, and even if not it’s a nice shiny coat of Maple! My first TR6 was a 1972 and I have come to appreciate the black wheel centers, outline TR6 decals (rather than the later union jack-based ones), and simpler dash of the earlier cars. The ’72 models did have the later cylinder heads and dual exhaust pipes that were present in later cars; it’s kind of a transition year. I think I’m seeing a bend in the rear bumper; luckily those are easily re-chromed or new ones are available in polished stainless steel. Thanks to Matt H. for turning us on to this great Triumph!
British Leyland made much of the home country’s racing heritage in their 1972 TR6 ads, calling it a national passion. The description of the TR6 as an “utterly straightforward, square-jawed kind of car” still holds true today and these open convertibles appeal more from the image they project rather than sheer performance. Note that this post is being written by a multiple TR6 addict – I don’t even bother to claim that I’m not biased. For $15k, you can’t find a more interesting and character-filled British sports car, if you like that kind of thing. If what you want is performance and a lack of maintenance need, there are other cars for you!
The interior of a TR6 is a snug place. I’m rebuilding a pair of seats for one of mine right now and hopefully, they will be a little more forgiving with new suspension and foam. Just look at the lack of clearance between the big steering wheel and the door panel! This one could use some upholstery work as well, and a new dash pad (readily available). While the roll bar looks cool to some, beware of one without wearing head protection. I can also tell you from experience that it cuts into seat travel on a TR6. This looks like a bolt-in bar that could easily be removed if you chose to do so. I wish there were pictures under the hood of the 2498 cc 6-cylinder that’s one of the best parts of these cars, but it does appear to be running in this picture based on the gauges. Is this “last of the hairy-chested British sports cars” (per Road & Track) worth a closer look?
That’s some straightforward gorgeousness. Love the colors, and also the wooden dash.
Jamie, it’s rare that I can call you out on things Triumph, but I suspect this is Sienna Brown rather than Maple, which replaced Sienna a year or two after this car was built! Lovely TR6, though!
Andrew, is Sienna brown the same as Maple brown. I see that Sienna was offered from 1971-73 [code 23], Maple [code 73] from 74-75, and Russett [code 93] in 1976. My TR6 is registered as a 1976 but the paint code is 73. Do you know if there is any difference between the two colours. I know that Russett is more of a chocolate brown than the others.
Robert, to my eyes, Sienna is very dark and has a bit more black in it. Maple is lighter, brighter and has a bit of “amber”(?) in it. Russet is somewhere between a potato and “milk chocolate”!
I love this color combo but I would lose the roll bar. I doubt it would be of much use anyway. I have always thought the TR6 was a great looking car!
Jamie, Could you confirm whether this car is maple brown, i.e. paint code 73? I am early into a TR6 that has this code and underneath the bad black paint job that currently covers the car I can see evidence of its maple brown history.
I have been describing the maple colour as a version of khaki. Not quite the same but in the same ball park. Thanks for your reply.
Folks, I never argue with Andy, he knows more about Triumphs in his little finger than I do all over (seriously!). That being said, I will look into this further and post my findings here!
aboyandhisdog…. I really wished I had a roll bar when I flipped my ’62 MG Midget in ’63. Upside down is not any fun with you, the steering wheel, and windshield all sharing the same space. Doors worked just fine but landing in the middle of a large poison ivy bed did nothing toward our surviving the flip uninjured due to seat belts.Roll bar in this one has rear support tubes so it should do well in a rollover.
Note: Roll bar has rear support tubes going into the rear floor area and should do fine in a roll over.
Would loved to have had that roll bar when I flipped my ’62 MG Midget. Not a lot of room for the steering wheel, windshield, and me all in one spot. Seat belts worked, doors opened, but landing in the middle of a huge poison ivy bed did nothing for a comfortable survival.
Great find. I am biased too. I agree that 72 may have been the best year for the TR6. Lack of engine photos is disappointing.