1973 TRIUMPH TR6

KEY FACTS

• A characterful classic British roadster, benefitting from very sparing use since the ‘80s, and presented in excellent overall condition following a recent recommissioning.
• In the last 35 years this TR has only covered 25,150 miles, and the five-digit odometer currently displays 11,086 miles, however the correct mileage is 111,086 miles.
• An original UK-market example, the car was placed in storage in April 2018, and was acquired by the seller in March 2021, after which it was treated to an extensive mechanical recommissioning.
• Under the bonnet is the numbers-matching 2.5-litre straight-six, which is mated to a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This TR6 is finished in the eye-catching hue of Pimento Red with a black vinyl-trimmed interior, and was specified with the optional overdrive unit.
• It rides on a set of 15-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with only a few light scratches to their silver finish, and no ‘kerbing’.
• The vendor notes that all four tyres have ample tread remaining but are aged and for any significant use would benefit from replacement.
• Modifications include an electric cooling fan, an oil cooler and a Bosch fuel pump, for enhanced reliability.
• A more modern Alpine radio / CD player is fitted but does not currently function, and pioneer speakers are mounted each side.
• Modern, inertia-reel seatbelts are fitted, and the vendor reports the passenger one is sticking (not having used it prior).
• The car will be accompanied by its MOT test certificates from 1986 onwards (see gallery), as well as a BMIHT Certificate confirming its identity. There are also invoices for the extensive recommissioning, which was carried out in spring 2021.
• The seller is also supplying an aftermarket roll-over bar and wind deflector, as shown in the gallery.

CONDITION

• Given the car’s age, the seller believes that some of the body panels may previously have been replaced.
• Today, there is no known bodywork damage, and the base of the passenger door skin has recently been professionally repaired to correct some minor blistering (see ‘before and after’ photos 78, 79, 80 in the gallery).
• To carry out this work, the door was removed, but its final fitting was not completed during the initial photoshoot. However, the door has since been correctly adjusted, as can be seen in the updated photos in the gallery below (images 75, 76, 77).
• The Pimento Red paintwork is an older restoration which has aged extremely well, with a lustrous and bright appearance around the car and a few small blemishes, as one would expect with older paintwork. There are a few stone chips on the nose, a scuff below the front offside headlamp and above the bumper, and a small crease on the driver’s-side of the boot lid.
• The black convertible hood is good quality, made by ‘Don Trimming’, the material itself being virtually unmarked and only light scuffs on its flexible rear window.
• The brightwork is in good order, though the rear bumper would benefit from being re-chromed if desired, and there are some small nicks on the lower edge of the front spoiler.
• Having been retrimmed, the cabin is very smart, with no visible wear on the seats’ black vinyl upholstery. Elsewhere, the touchpoints and trim show some signs of wear in line with the car’s use, and there are light cracks to the wooden dashboard’s lacquer coating.
• The vendor also notes that the rear deck carpet has been trimmed to allow the (included) aftermarket roll-over bar to be fitted though, if not, a replacement carpet section is inexpensive and easy to source.
• Its cigarette lighter is not connected.
• The TR drives very well with light steering on the move with the correct size 165-section tyres being fitted. In particular, the gearchange is excellent, moving smoothly through the gears without any noise or baulking – the gearbox/overdrive were overhauled by renowned specialist TR Enterprises 10,000 miles ago – and the overdrive engages/disengages promptly.
• Temperature-wise, during the recent heatwave the electric cooling fan was very effective maintaining its set running temperature (82c), and it was unnecessary to use the fitted manual override for the fan even in heavy traffic. The alternator is charging correctly, too.
• Oil pressure is to specification showing over 50psi at 2000rpm when hot and approx. 25-30psi at idle.
• The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 1 April 2021 at 110,939 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This TR6’s most recent routine maintenance was a full recommissioning service, which was carried out by the seller and his in-house mechanic from March-July 2021.
• Since the car had been dry-stored for three years, this was the ideal opportunity to rust-proof the car’s underside. The condition of the underside was remarkable before this work and only light brushing was required in preparation for protective coats. And, for example, by removing the interior footwell carpet the excellent condition of the floor can be seen (in gallery), all consistent with caring ownership and careful storage.
• Mechanical re-commissioning included replacement of the spark plugs, points, distributor cap and condenser; an engine oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter change; renewal of the ‘fan’ belt, radiator hoses and coolant; and overhauling of the front and rear brakes, handbrake lubricated and adjusted; plus replacement of the offside rear wheel bearing and rear universal joints on both sides. Brake and clutch fluids were replaced, grease points attended to and all levels checked. Less than 200 miles have been covered since.
• Prior to this, the car is understood to have been serviced every other year by its previous owner due to its sparing use.
• The gearbox and overdrive unit were rebuilt by specialist TR Enterprises in August 2006 at 102,811 miles, when the clutch was also replaced.

SUMMARY

This Triumph TR6 is an original UK model with ‘matching numbers’, and the history of sparing use and careful storage has resulted in a very smart example of the popular classic sports car, which is presented in very good order having been recently recommissioned. It comes with sensible upgrades for easy use in modern traffic and now that the recommissioning work has been carried out, having covered less than 350 miles in the last three years, the most important thing this TR needs is lots of use!

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.