- Seller: Robert R (Contact)
- Location: Sparks, Neveda
- Mileage: 4,306 Shown
- Chassis #: CC27532L
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Small Block Ford V8
- Transmission: C4 Automatic
How many European sports cars made good use of American small-block V8s from both Ford and Chevrolet? Off the top of my head, I can think of the Cobra, Sunbeam Tiger, Gordon-Keeble, TVR Griffith, Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, the Iso Grifo, and the Allard. There are surely dozens more, but Triumph never installed one in any of their fun little TRs or Spitfires (and the Stag doesn’t count). That doesn’t mean that enterprising amateur mechanics around the world didn’t install one on their own time and dime, just as someone has done with this first-year TR6 from 1969. It’s being sold as a project because the seller’s health precludes him from making some repairs that he would have done otherwise. Therefore, if you want a solid Ford-powered British sports car that’s handsome and fun, and you don’t mind getting a little greasy, the seller (in Sparks, Nevada) is asking $9,000.
The information card for this Triumph says that the engine is a small-block Ford (302?). Regardless of whether it’s a 289 or a 302, you’re dealing with at least 200 honest horsepower in a car that weighs a little over a ton. There’s a reason these “hybrids” were so popular, and that reason is effortless, cheap torque. It features a four-barrel intake manifold with an Edelbrock carburetor, a Mallory distributor, and a fan shroud to maintain a controlled idle temperature on those hot Nevada days. I’d imagine that the engine is stock-to-mild, as the exhaust manifolds are standard units that you might find on a ’60s Mustang or Falcon. The transmission is a C4 automatic, which is one of the reasons why the seller is letting the car go. It has several seal leaks due to sitting idle (or perhaps they’ve just had their day), and the seller is unable to remove the transmission to reseal it anymore.
But it’s not all bad news; the brakes have been gone through within the last 500 miles, including new calipers, pads, hoses, and a master cylinder. The horn is the loudest one the owner could find in the Summit Racing catalog, although you may not need it with that screaming yellow paint. You may have also noticed the two-seat Thunderbird hood scoop, a surprisingly tasteful addition that gives a little extra room for the big V8.
The seller doesn’t have access to the car right now for more pictures, but he suggests that the wooden dashboard be replaced; it’s not original, and the car deserves a better alternative.
The Triumph TR6 is already known for its beefiness; with its gruffly handsome Karmann styling and its wide wheels pushed out about as far as they can go, nobody can claim that it wasn’t fairly macho to begin with. However, with a small-block Ford under the hood, it has the throaty exhaust note to go with that styling. If you know your way around a Ford automatic and know a cabinet maker who could make you a new dashboard, make an offer on this nice TR6!
‘Ello mates, stiff upper lip and all, could’ve been much worse, like Fiat motor, :0
I’ve seen a lot of TR6s, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this. Maybe a Rover V8, eh blokes? Looks well done, and quite a surprise upon lifting the bonnet, I bet a blast to drive. Now if only Britain made a V8 Ford powered sports car,,,did you ever why I’m so goofy( in my best Andy Rooney voice that had a Tiger), it’s the time,,,cool car here, dare I say, the best of both worlds?
I had a TR6,& always felt like it had enough power,and was
a really nice looking car.I could never understand why anyone
would put a V8 in one,& that Tbird hood scoop ruins the clean
lines of the car.
While you have the slushbox out to reseal it look for a Mustang T5 to replace it.
Looks like a fun car. Had one with a Chevy 350 and a 5 speed. Gotta be careful of that rear diff.
The Ford V8 is a nice surprise. I was expecting a 3.5L Rover/Buick V8.
I’ve always been a fan of the TR6 and this one is no exception. Were it mine, I would change the color to British racing green and change out the auto loader for a 4 or 5 speed. In my humble opinion, that would be a very cool car. One quick note: does anyone else wonder why the owner doesn’t have access to his own car?
I am the owner, and I do have access-to a degree. the car is in my garage, which is quite overcrowded, and I do not have the physical strength to push it back into the garage by myself, if I pull it out to take photos. Since the trans leaks so badly, I see no point in putting in fluid just to have it create a large puddle on the floor, since I have no plans to drive the car due to the leaks. The car has always been kept in the garage during my ownership, with the top up to keep it properly stretched.
Hello Robert-If your 1969 TR6 is still available, I have some specific questions to ask you. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
Robert, I am ready to head to Sparks this Saturday. Give me a call when you have time.
I merely questioned how someone would not “have access” to their own car. It would seem that you have access, just lack the ability to move it around. I can relate to your physical limitations as I myself am 76 years old, a stroke and cancer survivor, and walk with aid of walker.
The Triumph TR6 has found a new home. I thank the folks at Barn Finds for their assistance in this process.