1974 Triumph TR6

This genuine UK-supplied, late-model has been with the vendor for the past three years. A serial classic car owner, he wanted to treat himself to the car of his dreams and searched long and hard before finding this one, which had been with its previous owner for 20 years.

Carefully rebuilt a decade ago, the (sometimes troublesome) fuel injection system has been removed and the TR6 now runs triple Stromberg carburettors in addition to many other discreet upgrades.

However, as we’re all only too aware, the past few years have been anything but normal and he’s only been able to cover around 300 miles in the last three years. Reluctantly, he now feels the time is right to pass the TR6 on to someone who will be able to enjoy it more fully.

With very straight panels, this TR6 presents much better than most. Good chromework helps, of course, as does the resprayed Emerald Green paint, which retains a good gloss and sheen, even after all these years.

The mohair hood is in a fine condition, raising and lowering easily and sealing as well, if not better, than any factory hood ever did. A matching fabric cover tidies things up when the roof is in the lowered position, while a white tonneau cover gives the seats some protection from the sun and rain when you’re parked. It also works very well when it’s cold outside, retaining most of the heater’s warmth enabling a solo driver to use the car with the roof down on even the coldest of days.

The subtly flared wheelarches are a delight, and they (barely) cover a set of fat 8Jx15 Minilite-style alloy wheels to give the Triumph a perfect stance. A classic choice, these are also in a great condition with the only hint as to their age being a little lifting of the lacquer finish.

As you’ll have probably guessed already, they’re fitted with matching tyres, in this case Goodyear Efficient Grips with plenty of tread left on ‘em. (There’s also a spare steel wheel in the boot with a Goodyear tyre on it.)

This sort of tyre is a perfect choice because you don’t want anything too sticky on an older car as you want to let the suspension do its thing; too much grip can ruin the delicacy that’s such an important part of the classic sportscar experience.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

Flaws? Well, there are some swirl marks that could do with being polished out but that’s a job for tomorrow rather than today.

The chrome has some pitting but this, like the swirl marks and the odd crack in the paint we spotted (i.e. #65 and #72), could safely be ignored while you get on with enjoying the fact you’ve now got a bona fide legend in your life.

Wood and leather is a classic combination for a reason and nowhere is that reason better illustrated than here. Timeless, classless and wonderfully elegant, this is an interior that’s going to defy passing fashions and remain relevant no matter what.

Its condition is good. With taut, plump, and undamaged seats supported by beautifully finished wooden veneer trim, the array of Smiths instrumentation and small, thick-rimmed Astrali steering wheel (remember them?) work harmoniously to produce the sort of traditional sportscar cockpit we all yearn to sit in.

A modern Panasonic CD player sits in the dashboard and there’s a hidden electrical cut-off switch in the driver’s footwell.

In addition to the change from the factory fuel injection to triple Stromberg carbs, other mechanical upgrades include a Facet fuel pump, four-piston front brake calipers and Goodridge hoses, an updated damper conversion with neoprene bushes, reinforced sill and A & B posts, and an oil cooler. This is a TR6 that’s fully equipped for life in the 21st century.

Even better, all of this is in addition to a rebuilt engine, gearbox, and overdrive plus extensive rust-proofing. Please see the attached invoices for the full details of what has been done.

Given all this work, the fact that its MOT, which is valid until June 2023, was passed with no advisories isn’t exactly a surprise, is it?

Our video shows the TR6 bursting into life, something it does with good oil pressure, too. It’s got a terrific exhaust note too, hasn’t it?

Then engine bay is very clean and will be a joy to spend time with, checking the engine oil and wiping things down. Part of the joy of owning a car like this is being able to tinker with it, and the cleanliness and order you see here adds greatly to that pleasure.

The underside is equally clean. It really is a treat to see a car’s nether regions so well presented.

The history file includes MOT certificates dating back to the eighties plus some old tax discs and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate confirming its original build specification.

It also comes with its service and owner’s handbook plus a wad of old invoices and bills for the work that’s been carried out on it over the past decades.

We usually avoid clichés like the plague but if you’re looking for a hairy-chested British sportscar then this TR6 is right up your street. Brought bang-up-to-date with a few judiciously chosen upgrades, it’s fighting fit and ready to do battle with modern traffic.

With no outstanding work to be done, cars of this quality don’t come cheap, though. We think this one will sell for somewhere between £15,000 and £20,000 but given the market will always value the best cars more highly than cheaper, inferior examples, you should get that premium back when the time comes to pass it on.

In the meantime, you’ll have the pleasure of knowing you’ve bought well and, as one of our favourite engineers is reputed to have said, “The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten.”

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.