They don’t come much fresher than this one! Literally pulled from a barn in West Virginia last week after having been there since 1985, this 1974 Triumph TR6 is already up for sale here on eBay. It’s currently located in St. Albans, West Virginia, in what looks to be a European car repair shop.
The TR6 stayed essentially the same from 1969 to 1976, and was even produced and sold concurrently with it’s replacement the TR7 for those last two years. Featuring body-on-frame construction and construction that wasn’t all that different from the original TR2, the TR6 represented the traditional British sports car to a lot of Americans. Almost 100,000 were produced with the vast majority coming across the Atlantic. One thing to note in this shot is the angle of the rear wheel. TR4As, TR250s & TR6s all share the same semi-trailing arm frame, and the area of the frame most likely to rust out is the box section where those trailing arms mount. Yes, it can be repaired by a home restorer, but it’s not an easy job. The way the rear wheel is so recessed and tilted may indicate frame issues, although it’s more likely that it’s just tired springs and trailing arm bushings. A good alignment shop can check this and flip the trailing arm brackets around to adjust the camber back there if necessary, or adjustable brackets are now available (I have a set in one of my 6’s and they are great!)
This car doesn’t have the desirable electrically actuated overdrive, factory hardtop or dealer air conditioning, but it does have a period AMCO luggage rack. I have occasionally seen these new on eBay, but a friend of mine had his rechromed quite successfully should you choose to leave the rack on. If the left taillight is complete like the right one it would be very unusual; typical derelict TR6’s that I find have cracked or missing lenses (replacements are available).
I’d really like to see what’s under those carpets, as that would have a lot to do with the effort needed to fix this TR up. I’m currently facing floor replacement in both my TR6’s and I’m not looking forward to it, having previously done both sills and floors on two other 6’s. While the seller says there are no rust holes in the body, I’d really like to see under those carpets before placing a bid.
The seller tells us that the 2498cc 6-cylinder will start with some gas in the carbs, but the brakes and clutch do not work. I’m guessing those Strombergs would benefit from a rebuild, and I’d want to pry backwards and forwards on the front pulley to check for the well-known thrust washer issues this engine can have. With 92,000 miles showing, it may be time for a rebuild even if it does run, or at least replace the thrust washers, main and rod bearings. The good thing about this one is that all the parts are available from a series of specialists, and club support is good both on a national and local level. Depending on how high the reserve is, this may be a really good buy. If you’re thinking about purchasing this TR, post your contact information below in the comments or ask questions and I’ll offer you any tips I can.
The classic tale of the well known flipper.
There is a specialty house in US that can supply new manifolds for a lot the brit roadsters and one of those parts is a triple intake manifold that allows an upgrade to a 3 carb setup. Or so Ive been told. What would you do with that hood? A lot of better ones on e bay right now. I think this one would put you under water pretty quickly.
Richard Good produces the manifolds (Goodparts.com)–quality parts. I’ve installed a set on a friend’s car before. They allow either triple 175 Strombergs or triple SU HS6’s. Hoods aren’t that hard to find, I’ve got a spare decent (not perfect, but WAY better than this one) that I tried to sell unsuccessfully for $75 prior to buying my old TR6 back (that needs the hood). Obviously it’s a flip, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be a good deal–just not as good as the flipper got!
I’m impressed with Jamie’s knowledge of “6’s”.( I’m kind of new here) I put over 200k miles on a MGB, and could tell you everything about them, but Triumph’s always eluded me.( although, I have worked on Spitfires for friends) I’ve always wanted a TR-6, but to be honest, it was the rear suspension that worried me.( the rest of the car is pretty straight forward British design). The “rear wheel lean” ( which I’ve heard, is most likely the bushings worn, as stated)) and general construction seems like a complicated deal ( compared to the relatively simple live axle of the MGB) and quite frankly, I would never push a car like this that hard for the IRS to make that much of a difference. No O/D is definitely a problem, and as stated, these aren’t exactly rare, but nice ones command big bucks, and I suppose, if you want a “6”, for little money, this is the best you are going to find.
Howard, thank you for the compliment; there are many folks that know more than I do but I’ve been through a lot of it. Don’t be afraid of the rear suspension; once you get it right, just plan on replacing U-joints every couple of years or so. Many times you can get the trailing arms into correct alignment just by swapping and flipping brackets.
I have a 74 Triumph TR6 that I got a fantastic deal on and runs and drives. I am slowly getting it to where I can use it as a daily driver. It is one of a few cars I am trying to restore. I have put a new white top on it since I got it. I still have to put new floor pans and replace outer rockers and then some paint and she will be ready to enjoy.
Steve, that looks like a great start!
Had a 69…Lucas electrics started a few under dash fires. Easy to work on and parts supplies are still good… Cause you’ll need them