Triumph TR6
ENGINE 2498cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 103bhp@4500rpm TORQUE 142lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 109mph 0-60MPH 9.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 71,622 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This TR6 feels tighter and sharper than most TR6s we’ve tested, possibly because the dry Arizona climate the car came from means that it has never needed to be re-built. Being on US-spec carbs instead of UK-spec injection means that it’s slightly down on power but the engine starts easily, runs well and held good pressure and water temperature. The gearchange is slick and the steering and suspension feel inherently ‘right’. Everything is linear, there are no nasty bumps and the body doesn’t rattle around like so many do.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car has clearly been re-sprayed recently. A serial restorer familiar to the vendor breathed new life into the car in 2018 and 2019 and the yellow paint is suitably fresh as a result. There are a few tiny – and unavoidable –cracks in the seams between panels but the paint is otherwise flawless. The chrome is very good too, and the characteristic ‘washing machine’ steel wheels are in good shape, though a few of the centre caps are a bit scuffed. All of the tyres are dated 2018 and show good tread. The hood and nicely contrasting front splitter appear to be in good condition, too.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
While the dark burr walnut dash is in good shape the dash top has warped in the Arizona sun and doesn’t line up properly, leaving an unsightly gap. The leather on the aftermarket wheel is a bit worn, too, but the original is supplied with the car. The original dash buttons, labels and instrument bezels are a bit faded, but the seat covers are fresh and the carpets good.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s a little strange seeing a pair of SU carburettors in a TR6 engine bay but they are easier to maintain than the injection set-up. Everything in here has been either cleaned up or replaced so while it’s not quite concours, it’s certainly to show standard. We could find no leaks and auxiliary components such as the alternator, battery, radiator and brake servo all look new – as confirmed by an accompanying wad of parts invoices. Unfortunately, there’s just one document that predates the car’s arrival in the UK in 2018.
THE CCW VIEW
This isn’t how most Triumph fans picture the perfect TR6, with its left-hand drive and US-spec carbs, but we were thoroughly impressed with it despite these supposed flaws. Triumph knew a thing or two about building cars, and this TR6 feels so much better for not having been fully re-built. Being LHD won’t be so bothersome if you’re only going to drive it occasionally (or better still in Europe) and we think that the asking price is eminently fair.