For me, the Triumph TR6 is an unusual vehicle. Most classics sneak quietly into our consciousness, seeming to have been there for an eternity. However, I can clearly remember seeing my first TR6 as a teen, and I admit that it was love at first sight. I was instantly taken by the aggressive styling, with the deep wheels emphasizing that impression. This 1972 example is a tidy driver, and with a factory Hardtop, it offers all-weather protection. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Sam61 for spotting the Triumph listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Joliet, Illinois. Handing the seller $9,799 could allow you to drive away in this classic.
Triumph released the TR6 in January 1969 as a replacement for the TR250 and the TR5. While the new model rode on a slightly shorter wheelbase than its predecessors, it was longer and wider. The styling was also more aggressive, winning almost universal praise from motoring journalists at the time. It was also a showroom success, with 94,619 cars rolling off the line before production ended in 1976. This 1972 example has led a colorful life, in a literal sense. It started life wearing Saffron Yellow paint, undergoing a repaint at some point in the current shade of Dark Blue. The change extended to areas like the door frames, although the engine bay remains untouched. The car’s presentation is quite respectable, and rust is confined to a couple of small areas in one rear fender tip and the outer rockers. Otherwise, this Triumph is rock-solid and can be enjoyed immediately. Its versatility is accentuated by its featuring a soft-top and a color-matched Hardtop. Therefore, this beauty is ready to cope with whatever Mother Nature throws at it. The trim and glass look quite nice for a classic of this vintage, with the same true of the wheels.
Powering this TR6 is the 2,498cc straight six, with shifting duties falling to a four-speed manual transmission. Cars that found their way to North America typically produced less power and torque than those that remained in the home country, with this car’s engine delivering 106hp and 133 ft/lbs. It is worth noting that while those figures appear modest, the Triumph’s curb weight of 2,390 lbs means it is a relatively sprightly performer. The seller states that this classic received a new clutch last year, along with a range of other unspecified parts. It clocks around 3,000 miles per year and is ready for a life of adventure with a new owner behind the wheel.
The new owner won’t need to fit the Hardtop to hide acres of substandard trim, because this TR6’s interior presents well in Black. The driver’s seat appears to have a seam separation on the outer edge, but there is no visible wear on the remaining upholstered surfaces, and the carpet is very impressive. The laminated timber dash fascia hasn’t cracked or deteriorated, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. Classic British sports cars are typically more about an engaging driving experience than luxury features, with this Triumph featuring an AM/FM radio as its sole creature comfort.
The biggest question facing the new owner of this 1972 Triumph TR6 is what to do once it is safely parked in their garage. The fact that it is structurally sound and in good mechanical health means that they can enjoy it immediately while contemplating what its future holds. Addressing its minor rust issues before they become a major problem would be wise, but what to do from there? Reinstating its original paint shade would be fairly easy and would undoubtedly be the option chosen by purists. The existing Dark Blue is very attractive, and the temptation to complete the transformation by attacking the engine may prove irresistible. Which way would you jump with this classic?
As much as I love the TR250 / TR5 – primarily for its rarity and the 6 cylinder engine – the TR6 proved how successful a re-skin could be on an older car that didn’t swap out the firewall / windscreen frame from earlier models. I even like the blue better than the “SBY”. Nice write-up Adam!
Got some time with a couple of these and I think they are great cars that you can enjoy with a large support of parts and information. Like the blue color. Light it up and hit the road.
I don’t know this market, but that price seems cheap. Few states closer Id go take a look.
Agree. Decent drivers were $12-13K twenty years ago.
Forgot how nice the hardtop can look. The factory blue was very nice.
Great color!
Shorter wheelbase? Never knew that and I think not true.
I like these better than the TR7/8 that tried to replace them and failed to do so. Full frame construction, with a straight six and dual carbs under the hood, fully independent suspension at all four (4) corners, the have a lot going for them. O.K., so there’s Lucas electrics and the nasty tendency for British iron to leak oil, and the frames have been known to rust fairly easily, but parts are relatively cheap and a whole cottage industry has sprung up to support them. Much like 1960’s Detroit muscle cars, it’s almost possible to build an entire car from scratch, as aftermarket frames and complete body shells are available, if your have the desire and the money to spend to get them. Worthwhile upgrades include EFI or multiple carb setups, five or six speed gearboxes, rear disk brakes and limited slip differentials, to name a few! GLWTS!
I have a 365 hp 327 that would really bring this car to life.
Dion is correct. The TR-6’s wheelbase was not shortened. As a matter of fact, if you look carefully at the profile of a TR-6, you can see that the original TR-4 Michelotti design is unchanged there. Nice cars, but the TR-250 has A BIT more power, because for 1968 Triumph was able to give the North American market 8.5:1 compression, whereas the TR-6 has either 7.9 or 7.5:1.
The compression can be “adjusted” with some competent machine work. Milling the head to raise the compression ratio, or adding a second head gasket to lower it, or swapping out the stock pistons of your choice to adjust the compression ratio as desired, are all straightforward options. Popular engine swaps include a Ford 289/302 and a Buick/Rover 215 V8. The TR8 is basically a TR7 with the 215 V8 swapped in for the four cylinder mill in a TR7.
I like the blue color much better however I would redo the engine compartment even in a black matte finish. Truck bed coating in the spray form works very well in these ‘driver’ applications. It’s durable and you don’t really notice the color differential like from yellow to blue. I do it on color changes. It’s not for purists however I am not a purist. Good looking TR-6!
I’ve never seen that front bumper treatment with the missing center section. Looks odd.
The TR5/250 was a one year, stop gap prior to the TR6 introduction. Same exact chassis, drive train, etc. (Except for pollution add ons and de-tuning). I’ve owned both – the TR250 for 28 years. Nearly every mechanical component is interchangeable, as are the doors.
Jake and Elroy left this car in Joliet when they were incarcerated at the local prison – this makes it even more collectible for any Blues Brothers enthusiast.