1975 Triumph TR6

This particular TR6 was purchased as a restoration project in 2022, but other commitments have got in the way and now space at home is something of an issue. As you can clearly see from the images, this car is in need of renovation, although the car is complete. This project may not be ideal for the first-time restorer, but it is gratifying to know that there is an extremely strong market for these machines with a copious amount of specialised stockists and manufacturers of anything and everything you would need to tackle this project. There’s a little bit of hand-written history from a previous owner who describes work undertaken over previous years. There is also a paper trail of old MoT certificates and invoices to review. The car has simply suffered from poor storage over recent years while unused which has led to the current condition.

It won’t take a very close look at this car to see the obvious areas of corrosion. However, the locations that have succumbed to that infernal problem are far from unusual. There are obvious break-through places around the body and locations that have lifted the paint. It’s not all doom and gloom for this bit of motoring history though as the car is complete and in decent mechanical order. Besides, the popularity of this make and model ensures an easy supply of components and even a full body-shell, all available from a bevy of outlets.

There’s not a great deal that has not escaped the rigours of damp and corrosion on the rest of the car. The seats come out best as they are clean and relatively unscathed, and importantly very useable. The carpets too could be reused after some TLC although a little worse for wear in places. Lifting the foot-well carpets reveals a pair of floor pans in what appears to be rather good condition, it’s just a shame the same can’t be said for the sills. Both sides are unfortunately perforated. Raising the bonnet is a little tricky with the current state of the driver’s side inner wing as the hinge mounting point has rusted through. It was impossible to test all the electrics but the switchgear seems sound.

As previously described, the TR6 is of a body-on-frame construction which allows the body and chassis to be parted from each other. On simple eye inspection with the car on the ground, it would appear that the chassis is in good order and may have been given some protection during a modest renovation some years ago. The engine and transmission has been out of the car during that earlier refurbishment as can be seen from the historic images from the 80s and although not test driven, the engine spins up very freely. Unfortunately, due to an electrical issue on the day, the engine has not been heard running. The folding hood could never be described as a well-fitting and water-tight protection but it operates well enough and the plastic windows are free from cracks. A little TLC could improve it considerably and should be considered serviceable.

A history file is always a good thing to inherit when buying a classic, and this car has quite a collection of previous invoices and MoT certificates. However, one very interesting document is the handwritten note to a new owner from 1992. This explains that the car had undergone a mild restoration way back in 1986 and notes the work undertaken. It also describes some engine work performed by Vosper Thorneycroft of Portsmouth done at that time. 

It is fair to point out that this car is not a driveaway and enjoy kind of purchase. It should be obvious that it is a vehicle that represents quite a project. There is plenty of work to be done but there is no doubt that it is a car worthy of salvation. Yes, time and money would need to be spent in bringing this car back from the brink but there is a huge support network out there just for this car. There are businesses dealing in all sorts of new, used and pattern items that will speed this project along. And of course, not forgetting that the body can be completely separated from the chassis making a full restoration far more accessible. Someone out there will have the space, the time and the knowledge that can breathe life back into this Pimento Red TR and get it back on the road where it belongs.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.