If you want a British Sports car that you can comfortably daily drive, the Triumph TR-6 is a great choice. It has decent legroom, the inline-six provides enough power to keep up with modern traffic, the 4-speed with overdrive offers enough gearing to comfortably travel at highway speeds, and parts supply is fantastic. The one seen here has been parked for close to 30 years in the original owner’s Massachusetts garage. It’s going to need work after being parked, but with a current bid of just $3,000, it could prove to be a great project. You can find it here on eBay in Holliston, Massachusetts.
The TR6’s styling was more modern than it’s predecessors, but don’t let that deceive you, these still used the same basic formula as their forefathers. Under the hood is the 2.5-liter inline-six that debuted in the TR5, which was based on the inline-four that’s found in the TR2, TR3, and TR4. The drivetrain and body are bolted to a traditional frame, which is an evolution of the TR5’s. Like they say, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!”
In the case of this particular TR6, it’s going to need some fixing. The seller can’t find the key for it, so they haven’t tried to start the engine, meaning it’s a complete unknown. I would encourage the seller to hotwire the coil and attempt to get it running, but that’s just me. Given that it also has some rust issues, maybe they figure it’s not worth the work of getting it running?
Speaking of rust, here’s a look at the worst of it. The frame looks to be solid, but you will definitely want to check it out closely. This spot could be patched without having to repair the paint, so it might not be the end of the world, but it’s the rust we aren’t seeing that could be the real issue. As long as the frame is solid though, this one might not be that difficult of a project to fix.
The TR6 really is a great entry-level classic and this one could prove to be a great project to learn on. The exterior looks to be in good shape, the interior is complete, and chances are the engine will run with minimal work. The real question is the rust, but a thorough inspection should reveal just how bad it is. So, would you take this TR on at the current bid?
Is that a Seals and Crofts cassette laying on the floor?
If it is then that by itself might justify the current price paid in full as they’re about the only ones doing the “Rockers On Walkers” tours!! If this car were closer I’d go check it out and let you know, Jim C.-at least that’s what I’d tell my CFO here at the house why…
And the steering column is locked too!
The Overdrive switch lever is on the left of the steering wheel, next to the directional lever…
.
.so I don’t expect Overdrive on this car
Hooray, the bottom finally fell out of the inflated TR6 market. Too bad I’m not looking for one anymore. No O/D. You can see the underside shots of the transmission, it’s not there.( Be a unit on the tail shaft) and no marking above the right tail light. I believe there was a “Overdrive” script. Still, an okay find, you better like to tinker with this one and without O/D, better get used to that 3200 rpm growl. Cool at 1st, annoying after a while. The O/D did away with that.
In lieu of the overdrive there are several reasonably priced 5 speed transmission kits out there as well as different rear gear sets to make these cars good cruisers. This car looks pretty good for it’s age and would make a good light restoration project if bought right.
What could be easier to start without a key? Short jumper from battery to coil, push the button on the starter solenoid. Car would bring much more if they at least could say it turned over.
Could be a bargain, but I’m too far away.
Looks very clean for a TR6, and the rust does not appear too hateful in the photos. It might be a good thing that they lost the key. It may have stopped them from getting in a hurry to start it up. Those bumper guards need to be sent to the same place as the “lost” key!!!! Affordable fun, if you ask me.
If it’s a fuel injection one,walk away!
Understood from a practical standpoint. However, if it had the fuel injection, it might command a higher price. Personally I would not be afraid of the fuel injection. If you want part availability & least cost of ownership, then listen to Luke. If you are a nut who wants something unique and have the resources/skills to make & modify parts then take the adventure route.
Never seen one with a hardtop in the same color as the body. And what a dandy color this one is. Too far for me to haul the trailer from Tennessee.
That was kind of a Triumph exclusive. I’ve seen Spitfires and Stags with color coded hardtops. My MGB had one, but an aftermarket. While I certainly don’t recommend driving this in winter, NOT EVEN ONCE, the hardtop is mighty handy for cold, but no snow situations. It’s a worthy addition. With the paltry heaters, you may get the windshield defrosted,,,
Driving in the winter??? Hey, I drove my TR4-A in the winter, but since my rag-top was torn up, I used the tonneau cover. It was great, it had the zip-out for the driver’s side, and the rest really kept the heat around your legs and chest. Now that I am 35 years older, would I recommend it??? Heck yes, it is all about making memories that you will never forget!!!!
The hard top looks cool on there!! Don’t see them with it very much!!!
These cars stick to rhe road . We came over a curve at about 80 one night and landed on 1 tire and after zig zagging about 6 times it came to a stop.
Notice the hard top on my MG Midget parked next to Glen Lake east of Traverse City, MI. Came in real handy when a snow storm completely buried the car one night.
Those early MGM look great without quarter windows in the hardtop. That’s quite a looker with the side curtains affixed too (necessary!).