For many years, the British roadster was the quintessential sports car. While a Mustang was the muscle car of choice for many, the variety of open-top sports models from Great Britain were the car of choice if you wanted to hammer the backroads on the weekends. Going back 30 years ago, the likes of this car – a 1973 Triumph TR6 listed here on eBay – were incredibly sought-after, along with the Triumph Spitfire, MGB GT, and countless others. These days, however, you can find one of these terrific all-rounders for safely under $20,000, and this one is offered with one bid to $1,899 and no reserve.
It’s truly a shame the economics of vintage car ownership have shifted away from so many wonderful classic machines, and the field of older vehicles still desired by drivers in the modern era seems to be steadily narrowing. While cars like the MGA and the Austin-Healey were seen as graceful and elegant, the TR6 was a bruiser, featuring a muscular shape with fat wheels and tires and a brawny 2.5-liter inline-six under the hood. This particular car sports the elusive factory hardtop, which alone has to be worth the current bid price. Based on the “Star Fleet Academy” and Macintosh stickers, a previous owner was clearly a proud geek (“If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it.” – Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, for all you Trekkies out there.)
No big changes came along for 1973, although the gauges got a refresh and a front air dam was added. The interior was a place where the TR6 didn’t need much improvement, with a gorgeous three-spoke steering wheel framing classic Smiths gauges. The 4-speed manual box was fully synchronized, adding a degree of civility to the open-air experience. While economic pressures were making a sports cars a more challenging sell in its native country, the TR6 still proved quite popular in the U.S., which is why it’s never exactly difficult to find a good one. But this one is going so cheaply that it bears a closer look, especially with the hardtop included.
The seller notes that there is rust on the driver’s side floor, but that the case is solid overall. That alone makes this TR6 project a compelling buy, especially since replacement panels are readily available. The seller notes the engine is free and still turns over, so that torquey inline-six with 133 lb.-ft. isn’t far off from running again. A complete convertible top and tonneau cover are also included with the sale, so combined with the hardtop, a previous owner clearly spent some money buying available parts and accessories. What do you think – is this TR6 a deal or is there a massive undertaking awaiting the next owner?
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