The sparkling paint cloaking the exterior of this 1972 Triumph TR6 may cause some to believe it has undergone a restoration. However, the seller claims it is an original survivor and, if true, its condition is mighty impressive. It appears to have no significant cosmetic shortcomings and is said to run and drive well. Therefore, the new owner can immediately slip behind the wheel and indulge in classic motoring pleasure. The seller has listed the TR6 here on eBay in Lebanon, Tennessee. They have received no bids in an auction that opened at $16,500, although there is a BIN of $22,500 for those who view the Triumph as an automotive must-have.
Triumph introduced the TR6 in 1969, with the final cars rolling off the Coventry line in July 1976. Utilizing the TR5’s chassis and underpinnings, the Karmann-designed body was bold and aggressive, earning immediate praise from motoring journalists. Its appearance is accentuated by the deep offset of the wheels. The seller describes this 1972 example as an unrestored survivor, ordered by its first owner in Damson Red. The paint holds a healthy shine, and while there are no close-up shots, I can’t spot any significant cosmetic shortcomings. There is no evidence or mention of rust, and although the Black soft-top isn’t perfect, its overall condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The trim is excellent, and the glass is clear.
Some purists will take one look at this Triumph’s engine and question whether it is a genuine survivor. The car appears to feature the correct 2,498cc six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, though I’m unsure whether the first owner specified the optional overdrive. However, the motor sports different carburetors, which I believe are Weber units, bolted to the factory intake. It is that change that will motivate some to question this car’s survivor credentials. Of course, reversing that change would be easy if the buyer prefers authenticity. The six originally produced 106hp and 133 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance for a classic of this type and age. The seller confirms that this TR6 runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner. It seems that flying in and driving it home is a realistic option.
The theme of tidy presentation continues with this Triumph’s Black-trimmed interior. There are no glaring faults or problems beyond slight wrinkling in the lower door trims. I believe that careful stretching would eliminate the issue, which could happen at the buyer’s leisure. The seats are free of significant wear, the carpet is clean, and the wooden dash has held up exceptionally well. The only apparent aftermarket addition is the radio/cassette player with door-mounted speakers.
The TR6 remains my personal favorite amongst Triumph’s “TR” range, because I believe that the company hit a sweet spot with the styling. It looks bold and quite aggressive, and its showroom success reflects the fact that others share my sentiment. I am surprised that there has been no auction action, because the TR6 enjoys a strong following in the classic community. Do you believe the price is realistic, or do you have another figure in mind?
FYI. This car is about three miles from my house. The dealer operates out of a warehouse in an industrial area. Mostly deals in British sports cars. I met him once a few years ago, to look at a couple Mustangs he had. Seemed like a reasonable guy. “I don’t know anything about Mustangs, they need to be gone.”
Always wanted one and never owned one. The BIN price is fair given the condition and if the stated 43K miles are accurate. Even better is that it’s in one of the more desirable color combinations as Triumph had some ugly ones during these years.
One of the major problems with Triumph cars is the placement of the battery right behind the motor. Went on a long trip in my 74 Spitfire in the summer and when I went to check my oil I noticed the battery all swollen up and ready to explode from all the heat from the motor and hot weather. Had to buy a new battery.