The seller of this 1972 Triumph TR6 refers to it as a “little British car”. Many shoppers in the market for a “little British car” want one that’s ready to drive and needing little to no work. That appears to be what we have here. Thank you to Barn Finds reader Bill C. for sending in this tip. You can find this TR6 here on Craigslist in Westfield, Massachusetts for an asking price of $8,500.
Superseding the short-lived TR250, the Triumph TR6 was built for 8 model years before being replaced by the wildly different TR7. The buying public seemed to like the TR6, as Triumph built 91,850, including 83,480 for the export market.
Finished in a personal favorite TR6 exterior color, the Sienna paint appears to have well withstood the test of time. The convertible top’s soft windows look a little yellowed, but I’d venture to guess the buyer of this car will not be purchasing to cruise with the top up. For that quintessential British roadster feel, a full tonneau cover is included. The car is claim to have been garage kept throughout the 20-years of current ownership. The listing’s photos appear to support that.
Furthering the driver-quality theme, the interior looks like it will easily withstand those lengthy top-down backroads drives. The oak dash houses dark-faced gauges and the floor mounted shifter looks like it’s in perfect reach for easy shifting. There are some tears in the driver seat and the finishes look a little worn, but, again, this is a car that is meant to be driven and not a perfectly preserved museum piece.
All US-delivered TR6s had the carbureted 2.5-litre straight six. Those that stayed home in the UK did have mechanical fuel-injection. The 4-speed manual was the only transmission available, but there was an optional electronically switched overdrive available. The seller doesn’t tell us and I can’t discern from the photos if this one is so equipped. The seller does note a few items that may need attention in the near future, including some hoses and the rear axle shaft seal.
British magazine Autocar wrote of the TR6 in 1969: “It is very much a masculine machine, calling for beefy muscles, bold decisions, and even ruthlessness on occasion. It could be dubbed the last real sports car…” Is that what you’re looking for in a British roadster?
No O/D. It would have the word Overdrive below the right tail light is one way to tell. Looks like a nice one. Hope you like to tinker,,,,
My favourite homegrown sports car. I’d rather have one of these over an MGB anytime.
I have this fantasy of driving the entire “Blue Ridge Parkway.” I did a small portion a few years ago in Virginia. The speed limit was largely 35 mph and the road somewhat narrow and twisty. I can see myself with the top down, roaming the Blue Ridge at 35 and likely very happy and entertained, with all the great scenery, sweet smelling air. This would be a perfect choice for the backroads, slow or fast.
I live near the Parkway,& part of it is closed
indefinitely,due to the ground failing under it.
After losing 3rd gear in our ’67 MGB GT,in Asheville,
North Carolina,we ended up taking the Parkway home.
At least we made it.The speed limit is 45 on the Parkway.
I had a ’74-1/2 TR6,& thought that it had enough
power (& torque).This looks like it was repainted at one
point.Doesn’t look like an original color.
This is a screaming deal IMO
What was the TR250?The previous model was the TR5.And the later UK cars did NOT have fuel injection.
TR5 in Europe. TR250 in USA.
The description in the British mag fits the Brit version of the TR6, but not the American version. That mechanical fuel injection (TR6 PI – Petrol Injection) was good for 50% more horses at the wheels! I had a PI engine in my TR250 for about 5 years before returning it to stock. It was indeed a beast! The twin carbs are pretty tame by comparison, but still a wonderful car.
“The twin carbs are pretty tame by comparison…” and so much fun. Many weekends sync’ng them and do not forget to check their oil level … no, not kidding.
I have a ‘58 TR3 as my daily driver, and please don’t get me wrong, I love it. It handles great and has plenty of power for my 15 minute commute to work and my thrice weekly jaunts up Hwy 1 along the coast, but I’ve always wanted a TR6. Ever since 1972 when I’d “race “ my Fiat 124 Spider against every 914 or TR6 I’d see, I’ve wanted both other cars. My 124 always held its own, but y’all know how it is.
’72 is the best year for the US TR6. No rubber bumper guards, the good intake manifold, true dual exhaust from the exhaust manifold to the rear bumper, and the early style seats and gauges. I had a ’71 in college in the ’80s. It was pretty clapped out, but I maintained it religiously, so it was surprisingly reliable. I drove it every day, everywhere, including halfway across the country several times. They’re not as refined as an MGB, but they’re much more torquey, and the sound is very Jag-like. Great cars and lots of fun.