Lot 621: 1972 Triumph TR6 Sports

Following in the already successful wheeltracks of the 1953-launched TR2, the TR3 of 1955, the 1957 introduced TR3A, the 1962 TR3B, the TR4 of 1961, the 1965 released TR4A, and the TR5 and TR250 of 1967 came the TR6 which first hit the Triumph showrooms in November 1968. The full-width front with headlamps at the corners and distinctive Kamm tail with wrap-around lamps were the work of the stylists at Karmann. The rigid cruciform braced chassis was proven, the suspension independent all-round with coil-springs, the brakes a combination of discs and drums, the steering rack and pinion. The overhead-valve engine of 2498cc capacity, a straight-six first seen in the TR5, was fuel-injected for the home market and fitted with twin carburettors on export cars. Proving to be by far the most popular TR model with sportscar buyers on both sides of the Atlantic, 94,619 cars were produced before the model was discontinued in July 1976.
According to a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate on file, this TR6 - a UK right-hand drive car on steel road wheels with desirable 150bhp engine (power output even for European cars being reduced to 124bhp from 1973) and four-speed gearbox with benefit of overdrive - was manufactured at the Triumph Canley works in Coventry in July 1972. Officially classified as a Historic Vehicle, it is therefore eligible for free annual road tax, the current tax disc being valid until 31 May of next year, while the latest MOT of half a dozen certificates on file will not have to be renewed until June 2008.
Also included are a factory-supplied hardtop in steel for refurbishment, six spare steel road wheels, various spares including two front wings and a boot lid, and a box full of TR6 related workshop manuals and parts lists. The vendor tells us that the bodywork was repainted in black last year, the Sparco full harness belts for both front seats are new as is the battery, while the exhaust note is particularly pleasing! Contemporary road tests for a 150bhp TR6, like this, recorded a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds with 120mph capability.