The most muscular of the “Golden Age” British sports cars, the TR6 brings back fond memories to many a baby boomer. Fortunately, over 90,000 were produced during it’s 8-year run. This example, located in beautiful Monterey, California and seen here on Craigslist for a seemingly modest $4,000, gives the next generation an opportunity to enjoy them as well.
But before the enjoyment can begin, some reassembly is required. The powertrain has been pulled as well as other mechanical and body parts. No mention is made of why the engine was removed, or what work work has been done since that time.
Here’s the engine, carbs, starter, clutch and a few other bits. As the head is still on the block and it’s flipped upside down, perhaps something bad happened in the bottom end? The dual Stromberg carbs are also hanging out on the floor. Count on those needing a rebuild.
Some more parts in the trunk. The driveshaft, oil pan and other parts look new or refurbished here. Whatever is wrapped in paper is an interesting mystery. The seller states he has everything except exhaust pipes and muffler.
On the plus side, the interior seems much more complete. The overall condition looks about average for it’s age – the sun can be particularly tough on British materials. The Lucas electrics are present, and being Lucas they stand ready to break and/or start fires at fun and inopportune moments. It’s unfortunate that the convertible top locking posts have worn through through the tonneau cover.
The wheels, tires and trim rings look good and the body, well from a distance it looks OK. The maple brown isn’t the most attractive of the colors offered that year. The elephant in the room is how rusted it is – the old joke was British Leyland cars started to rot before leaving the factory. Here, the seller mentions only that the driver’s side rocker has some rust. From the under-the-bonnet photo we also see the normal battery tray and fender bolt rust. The condition of the undercarriage should be a key consideration in deciding to rebuild this little car.
Like many project cars, this falls into that valley between a basket case and get-in-and-drive-it home fixer. Those experienced with wrenching on Triumphs should be able to pretty easily determine how complete that parts stash is, and fortunately the supply of used and aftermarket TR6 parts is pretty healthy. So is this a viable project or prince-of-darkness money pit?
Man, IDK, I’d like Jamie’s opinion on this one. Looks like a lot of dinkin’ around, for a non-O/D model. No shortage of TR6’s, 85 on Hemmings alone, but every one of those is 5 figures, some well into 5 figures, and seems to be the norm with these today, so the price here is right. Probably the only way to get into a TR6 today for 4 figures. Oh, btw, I believe that’s a new bumper in the trunk wrapped like that.
I owned a white 1971 TR6 and had the time of my life with it in Pittsburgh, Pa .Had many road trips with women at that time of my life.
Fond memories.
Work done on the engine? disassembly, parts scattering, and perhaps some bolt rounding. The refurbished oil pan has been rattle canned. Disassembled cars are so much more difficult and expensive to transport.
I always liked the look of these and thought about owning one. But then my uncle got one, let me drive it. I couldn’t sit up straight with my left arm inside the door. My shoulder would run out of room and I had to drive leaning right, which soon caused a back ache. I was too big, the car too small. Sadly, owning a TR6 is one dream I had to let go.
I bought a complete up and running TR 6 for not much more than what the seller wants. TR parts are available but not for cheap. The car looks nice from the rear but I would not touch it! Too much work with the unknown conditon of the power train.
Assuming a lack of significant rust, this could be an ideal candidate for a hot rod/restomod. If you do an engine and tranny swap (pick your fav) you avoid all the hassles of figuring out what’s missing or damaged because much of your parts and efforts will be in dealing with the swap. There are both Toyota W58 and T5 tranny swap kits available. The SBF fits, the aluminum Buick/Rover fits, the GM LS fits, any number of V6s fit, and the BMW inline 6s fit (I have seen all of these done). Use Richard Good up-rated suspension parts (goodparts.com) for safety/reliability. I think a modern V6 and 5 speed would be a killer!
I’ve got one with a Ford 302 in it, that I bought to have something to drive until my project car is up and running. Unfortunately, the builder went with the C4 automatic, which while gentler on the rear end / axles, means that she’s spinning waay more RPM than I’d like on the freeway…. The ONLY rear ratio for these is a 3.69:1 , unless you upgrade to GoodParts conversion, which will get you all the way to 3.54:1….. Since I bought her for “cruise nights ” and back roads, I can live with the situation as the automatic does save my left leg…) Bottom line – if you’re going to do a swap using an automatic trans, you will be MUCH happier if it’s an overdive automatic, like an AOD ( Ford ) 700R4, 2004R, or 4l60 -4l60E (GM ) Cooling can also be an issue – louvers in the inner fender may help. If I were to build the one from this ad, I’d probably go with the Rover / Buick V8 as first choice, followed by the 1993-6 3.4 Camaro /Firebird V6 ( it’s a 60 degree V6, so inherently in balance, plus narrower than the 3.8. 90 degree V6. There are valve covers and other dress up stuff that will make the Rover/Buick engine look a lot like the Nailhead Buick that was a hotrodding staple in the 50’s. The last of these engines was built in 2004 for the Land Rover Discovery – later engines were BMW based. Below is some info on a TR4 with Rover/Buick engine.
http://www.v8triumph.com/Rv8.htm
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/bug-thats-actually-buick/#_dsf7131-jpg
Money pit. Buy a runner if you want British car problems
Money Pit
Buy a running one
If you really want one
Look at http://www.BritishV8.org in the Triumph forum to see what others have done-
Lots of interesting swaps for other cars as well.
I’m going to try to attach a photo of my TR6 / Ford. The ONLY rear axle ratio for
this car is 3.69:1, so if you’re going to use an automatic trans, it should be an overdrive trans if you want to do much freeway driving. ( A GearVendors O/D won’t fit – these cars are small ! )