Restored 1974 Triumph TR6 – $12,700

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November 1, 2023 Update – The high bid did not meet the seller’s reserve price. We thank the seller for the opportunity to list their classic ride on GuysWithRides.com.

GuysWithRides.com is pleased to offer this restored 1974 Triumph TR6 for sale in an online, reserve-style auction on behalf of the current caretaker.

Bidding opened Wednesday, October 11, 2023, and continues through Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 5:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

This 1974 Triumph TR6 currently resides in Loomis, California, as part of a collection.

Here is our very own Rudy and his take on this brown 1974 Triumph TR6 offered on GuysWithRides:

“The Blokiest Bloke’s car is how James May once described the Triumph TR6.  While I have not personally inspected nor driven this car, the seller is a repeat lister who offered several other quality collector cars from his collection.  When looking for a Triumph TR6, one of the key options to look for is the optional overdrive, and I’m pleased to report this car has a working system. Another thing to watch for on these cars is rust, and with this example spending all of its life in Napa, California, and Nevada before that, this Sienna Brown example is free from any tin worm damage.  Speaking of the Sienna Brown color, it’s refreshing to find an example that was not color changed as the color is starting to come back into fashion.  The seller completed a lot of work (detailed below) to make their TR6 a dependable driver, so if you’re in the market for a turn-key Triumph TR6, I encourage you to read further.”

The Deets

Year 1974
Make Triumph
Model TR6
Location Loomis, California
Mileage 84,744
VIN 0F1S912U0
Exterior Color Brown
Interior Color Butterscotch
Engine 125 hp 2.5L Inline Six
Transmission 4-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Gas

High Bid: $12,700 (Reserve Not Met)
Brown 1974 Triumph TR6 For Sale
Current Bid: $12,700

The 1974 Triumph TR6 represents the culmination of an era for British sports cars. With its sleek lines and potent inline-six engine, this iconic roadster encapsulated the essence of a true driver’s car. The TR6 served as the final installment of the TR series, boasting a charismatic design and exhilarating performance, making it a beloved classic among automotive enthusiasts.

The Triumph TR6 had its roots in the Triumph TR4, which debuted in 1961. Over the years, the TR series went through several iterations, with each new model refining and enhancing the British roadster experience. By the time the TR6 was introduced in 1969, it was clear that Triumph had learned a great deal about building a sports car.

One of the most enduring qualities of the 1974 Triumph TR6 is its timeless design. The TR6 is a classic roadster in every sense, with a long hood, short rear deck, and curvaceous lines that are reminiscent of its predecessors. The bodywork, made of steel panels, was designed by the legendary Karmann studio in Osnabrück, Germany. The result was a sleek, elegant, and decidedly British appearance.

One of the most striking design elements of the TR6 is its distinctive front grille. Known as the “grinning mouth” grille, it gives the car a unique and memorable appearance. The pop-up headlights, a design feature that was considered modern at the time, added to the car’s aggressive yet charming look.

The interior of the TR6 was a perfect blend of practicality and sportiness. The dashboard featured an array of easy-to-read gauges, while the wooden veneer fascia added a touch of elegance. The bucket seats provided good support for the driver and passenger, ensuring a comfortable ride even during long journeys. In terms of interior refinement, the TR6 was a step forward compared to its predecessors.

Under the hood of the 1974 Triumph TR6 lies the heart of a true sports car. It was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six engine that produced 104 horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers might seem modest by today’s standards, they were competitive for the era. The TR6 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 10 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 120 mph. The engine’s torquey nature made it well-suited for spirited driving, and its distinctive exhaust note provided a satisfying soundtrack.

The TR6 was rear-wheel drive, and its suspension was a combination of independent coil springs in the front and a live axle with trailing arms and coil springs in the rear. This setup ensured a balanced and engaging driving experience. The steering was precise and communicative, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. The four-speed manual transmission, with well-spaced gear ratios, was a delight to use.

In terms of braking, the TR6 was equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, which provided adequate stopping power for the time. However, enthusiasts often sought to upgrade the braking system for improved performance and safety.

The 1974 Triumph TR6’s enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, it was a fun car to drive, and its balance of power, handling, and classic styling made it an instant hit among sports car enthusiasts. It had an undeniable charm that attracted a dedicated following, and that following continues to grow to this day.

Furthermore, the TR6 is relatively easy to maintain and restore, thanks to its robust mechanical design and the availability of a strong aftermarket parts market. Restoring a TR6 can be a rewarding project for classic car enthusiasts, often resulting in a beautiful and functional car.

The TR6 also found a place in popular culture, with appearances in various films and TV shows. Its timeless design has made it a sought-after choice for photo shoots and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic icon.

The 1974 Triumph TR6 is a testament to the golden era of British sports cars. Its classic design, exhilarating performance, and enduring appeal have left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The TR6 may have been the last of its line, but it remains a beloved classic that continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts around the world. Whether as a collectible showpiece or a well-loved weekend driver, the TR6 is a reminder of a bygone era when driving was more about the experience than the destination, and it’s a reminder worth preserving.

The seller of this Sienna Brown 1974 Triumph TR6 reports he bought from who he believes to be the second owner located in Napa Valley, California, approximately two years ago. While a nice, unmolested, rust-free example, the car ran rough. The current caretaker found the root cause to be a broken valve spring and an aging tune-up.  Repairing both of those items brought this Triumph back to life.

Since that initial repair, the seller replaced the radiator with a cooler-running aluminum unit (the original will be included as part of the sale).  He also spent approximately $2,500 to replace the clutch and its ancillary components.  Since a clutch replacement requires the removal of most interior bits on these cars, the seller also replaced the heater core before reinstalling the already-reupholstered seats. The seller also notes he had a fresh set of tires installed as well as rebuilt the entire front suspension.

The most notable upgrade from stock on this 1974 Triumph TR6 is that it features Italian-sourced “Bologna” Weber carburetors that really open up the Inline six’s breathing ability.  In addition to having the optional hardtop, the seller notes the car has service receipts dating back to 1980.

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing a link to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that summarizes other recently sold Triumph TR6 examples:

If you have any questions about this 1976 Triumph TR6 For Sale for sale, please leave a comment below or feel free to call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking and happy bidding!

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