I have always believed that the TR6 is one of the best-looking cars ever produced by Triumph. Its styling is more aggressive than its predecessors, and good examples can achieve respectable prices in the current market. This 1969 example has spent decades in a barn, but its dusty appearance is deceptive. It is a complete classic, and its rust issues are confined to nothing more threatening than surface corrosion. It needs work, but the finished product should justify the time and effort. The Triumph is listed here on eBay in West Orange, New Jersey. Bidding sits at $2,325 in a No Reserve auction.
Triumph introduced the TR6 for the 1969 model year, with the car rolling off the line until 1976. Its underpinnings were essentially carried over from its predecessor, but Karmann penned a new body far more aggressive and purposeful than the car it replaced. The seller indicates that this TR6 has spent over twenty years squirreled away in a barn. For potential buyers, the news became positive once the seller dragged it out of the barn and washed it. It would take a nut-and-bolt restoration to recapture its former glory, but this gem has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. The panels look solid, with the same true of the floors and frame. There are no significant dings or dents, and while the top fits tightly, the back window is badly yellowed. The wheels are missing their distinctive center caps and deep trim rings, but the remaining trim is present and restorable. The glass condition is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle, and the overall impression is that this should be a relatively straightforward restoration.
The TR6 derived its power from a 2,498cc six-cylinder engine producing 104hp and 142 ft/lbs of torque. The transmission is a four-speed manual, while the four-wheel independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering guarantee an engaging driving experience. The TR6 would never match cars like the Corvette for outright performance, but they could comfortably top 100mph if the driver kept the pedal to the metal. Positive news for potential bidders is that after two decades in hibernation, the seller has managed to coax that sweet six back to life. They haven’t actually driven the vehicle, but it seems the motor is in sound health.
The news is less positive when we examine this Triumph’s interior. It is complete, but it’s pretty badly trashed. There are glaring signs of rodent infestation, with something making a healthy meal of items like the dash pad. The buyer faces a shopping list that includes all upholstery, carpet, a dash pad, fascia, and a wheel. This aspect of the build won’t be cheap, with a brief online search suggesting the new owner must have at least $2,500 in their wallet to complete this aspect of the restoration. However, a more thorough investigation might produce more affordable options, and it would be worth the time and effort to shop around.
Some readers will question whether returning this 1969 Triumph TR6 to as-new condition is worth the time and effort. The financial viability of such an undertaking must be considered, and much will depend on how many tasks the winning bidder is willing and able to tackle. It is worth noting that tidy examples consistently sell for around $30,000, while a perfect car can comfortably top $40,000. This Triumph needs work to achieve that standard, but it is not out of the question given its lack of rust and complete state. Is that enough to convince you to pursue it further?
The ‘69 TR6 is pretty rare. It’s the only year that had fake mag wheel covers like the TR250 instead of the center caps and trim rings like the ‘70-‘76 version.
These early cars are the one to have if you can find them. This one looks like it would be on my list if I was 40 yrs. younger. Hope this one finds a home where it gets driven and not purchased for sitting in a garage to have its “financial viability” achieved.
Karmann hit the mark with that body revamp of the old TR 4. It looks good from any angle as much today as it did back then. The 6 cylinder engine note was always smooth and the deep chrome wheel rings and cambered rear end gave it a performance look and sound.
My absolute favorite car from the Brits. Yes, the XKE is an absolute beautiful car but I never saw the value in the price. I worked at a British Leylan specialist as a mechanic trainee and then as a mechanic for a couple of years and always lived driving these. It’s on my “want one” list
I always liked these. It’s nice to hear the claim for no rust, but it is a New Jersey car that lived a life prior to 20 years in a barn, i.e. 30 years on the road in a salted (not exalted) state. An inspection would be in order.
Lovely sound to the exhaust, similar to the sound of an Austin Healey 3000 (which nothing can top when revved up…trust me, I have one). Hard to understand how Triumph could only get 100 HP out 2.5 litres. Seems like they should have been able to do better. OT – isn’t this engine the wet cylinder wall insert type?
@Eric_13cars: No, this is NOT the wet-liner engine! And it made roughly 150HP in home market form, but emission controls and such limited the horsepower for North America. Even at that, it’s a strong, torquey engine!
Finally,b a reasonably priced car. Outside of the interior I see no major problems.
I owned a ’69 TR-6 about 40 years ago that I bought used. I grew up wrenching on muscle cars I bought cheap from my dad’s dealership and usually sold at a profit after about 6 months of enjoyment. Buying a foreign car wasn’t what I did, but this car struck a chord.
I had a roommate in college whose dentist dad bought him a new one for a high school graduation gift. After 1 ride in his, I said to myself, ‘I got to get one of these’!
After college, I got my chance to fulfill my dream. I bought a good looking blue TR-6 with a great interior and a decent drivetrain. Then the fun began.
I was forever replacing something electrical that would give up the ghost. Of course there was keeping the twin downdraft carb pots topped off with Marvel Mystery oil. I also found out about the old tin worm that would show up in the oddest places. I had an upper A frame collapse on one side. Good thing I knew how to weld. The upper A frame mounts broke away from the frame!
For all the maintenance I had to pull, it was worth it when I had the top down and cruised to the beach on a summer day. One time I had dear old dad riding shotgun in the car. A car full of cuties pulled up alongside of us, hollered hootie hoo and flashed us. Dad was all smiles and said, ‘I got to get one of these’! Like father, like son.
That is a great story!
Always loved the TR6 but could only afford a Midget 1500
It is a fun car too.
To address the wiring / electrical problems there is an upgraded wiring kit from Advance Auto Wire with new blade type fuses and several relays. It did wonders for my ’72 TR6, along with Pertronix ignition and upgraded alternator.