Even with the absurd rubber bumper overriders (thanks NHTSA!), this 1975 Triumph TR6 still cuts an impressive image. And of course, how appropriate is that British Racing Green finish? OK, so it’s not perfect but it still shows pretty well so let’s dig a little deeper. Mitchell G. found the listing for this one-of-91K TR6s produced between the model year 1969 and 1976. It’s located in Takoma Park, Maryland and is available, here on craigslist for $10,000.
Well, that British Racing Green that I just praised isn’t original, apparently this Triumph started life with a red finish and somewhere in its past, it was resprayed green. The seller mentions that there are hood (bonnet?) paint blemishes present but they aren’t extreme and can probably be easily accommodated. What I find is amazing is the thoroughness of the green finished door jambs and engine compartment – it is one very well-executed redo! The age of the folding convertible top is not disclosed but it, and its clear plastic rear window, look fine – no deterioration or yellowing noted. Traditional red stripe tires would be a welcomed addition IMHO – something for the next owner to consider. Finally, it is claimed that this drop-top is rust-free – that’s a relief knowing this model’s penchant for weather-related disintegration.
Triumph’s well-known 2.5-liter in-line six-cylinder engine generated approximately 104 net HP in ’75 and a four-speed manual transmission channels the go to the rear wheels. The seller adds, “Other work includes rebuilt Weber carburetors, flushed cooling, and brake systems“. Unfortunately, nothing is revealed regarding this car’s operating prowess.
The interior of this two-seater looks great! The upholstery, dash, wooden instrument panel, and carpet don’t look like they belong in a car that has had its odometer rolled over. It is stated that the floor pans have been replaced, so maybe some additional interior rejuvenation occurred following that task. One notable issue is the console, the upper portion, or stack, has some obvious added holes due to a former CD player and a push-button starter switch – the damage is a detraction. Speaking of “rolled-over” the seller mentions that the odometer is not operational but it is believed to be at least 123K miles. Another thing to consider is the heater – it’s disconnected so it could be a core issue.
OK, demerit time. I don’t really have any, though some description of how this TR6 runs and drives would have been appreciated. The hood blemishes and console foibles are minor in the scheme of things so it’s hard to be too critical of this Coventry hot-rod. I have never owned or driven a TR6 but I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has. Any stories to share?
Maybe a variation of British Racing Green
There is no “one true” BRG. Pretty much any dark shade of green can be considered BRG.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_racing_green
I would list the probable need for a heater core as a demerit. Don’t know if the dash needs to come out on these, but if so that would be a good time to address the holes. No idea on parts availability. Seems like most of this genre has a strong fan base and decent support.
A friend in high school had one that belonged originally to his dad. Very fun driving experience, but no overdrive, so it wasn’t a strong highway cruiser. I think they’re interesting. This would make a nice weekend car for someone to zip around town. I feel like I saw a lot of these growing up, but they appear to have dried up.
Parts are available. Pretty much anything you need. I have a friend with a 1969, and he has no problem sourcing parts.
If not physically damaged the heater cores are easy to repair. Agree the lack of an overdrive limits the high speed runs but the 5 speed conversions available do make a big difference. Parts availability is good through Moss Motors. The rubber bumpers are easily removed and do make a difference in the looks of the car.
The exact year and car I always wanted. I was in college (78-81) and at the end of my sophomore year I had saved up enough to buy one. But the 1975 I wanted was over $1400 and I only had $1400 and I couldn’t talk the guy down. So I bounced over to a 1972 MG Midget that I talked down to $700 And it was red, not green. And had been in a front end accident and repaired. The paint wasn’t as nice but it had brand new Pirelli tires and cheap enough for my tastes. Fuel pump went out before I could get it all the way home but thankfully my uncle came buy and pulled me home. I still haven’t purchased that Triumph and I do think they look fantastic even with the rubber bumpers (better than the MGs look with them). And the MG is still my favorite car ever owned. But I do wonder what it would have been like owning a Triumph.
I can’t see anything that makes me believe that this car wasn’t green from the factory. I don’t see any evidence of red anywhere and there are areas under the hood that are green in places that wouldn’t be green after a repaint. Nice car, BTW, but not something I would want, so I will leave it for someone else. But GLWTS.
I can’t believe the car came from the factory with Red paint. The car would have to have been completely disassembled to appear as it does. Check the label on the inner fender under the hood.
A proper color change and repaint takes exactly the work you describe. Makes a big difference as compared to a tape it Earl Schibe paint job.
Right, but I think it’s questionable on why that would have happened. Not saying it couldn’t have or has never happened, but that’s a ton of work and money to change color on a car like this. Maybe… but I think it’s rare enough and done well enough to be a good question on whether it’s even true.
If this were closer to me, I’d be seriously tempted to go look at this with some cash in my pocket. I’m more of an MG guy, but a nice TR6 or GT6 would definitely be worth considering.
When I was a high school student, I can still remember seeing giant billboards that proclained “SIX and the Single Man”. I assume that such an ad nowadays would send one to prison… I never owned a TR-6 because I preferred the look of the original car before the partial facelift, so I owned a TR-4 as my first car. It was not in very good shape but I did learn a lot. Some years later I got a TR-250 which I enjoyed a lot more because of its better condition and multiple upgrades over a TR-4. As for TR-6s, I know MANY people just hate the rubber overriders, but I don’t mind them at all, plus they give some peace of mind if in a minor accident or in a parking lot “contact” situation!
Always loved these but never had one. I did have a 70 GT-6 which was a blast to drive. A friend of mine had a TR-6 with a couple of mods including Webers and an Abarth exhaust system. Triumph sixes had the sweetest sounding exhaust of any Brit cars except for the big Healey.
When I was a teenager this was one of the cars I lusted for. Never even got to drive one though. I had a cousin with a TR4 way back when.