Lot 072: Triumph TR6

Triumph revitalised its classic TR range in 1968 and introduced the Karmann-styled TR6. Sharp, clean and fresh, the TR6 sported a more aggressive body with revised front and rear end styling although the centre section remained the same as the TR4 and TR5. For the UK market, the straight-six fuel-injected 150bhp 2,498cc engine also carried over from the previous TR5 model, although from 1973 it was changed for a milder 125bhp unit to meet stricter emissions regulations. In full-fat 150bhp form it could sprint to 60mph in 8.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 120mph. Widely regarded as the last of the proper TRs, it had potent front disc brakes, independent front suspension and a very sporting ride. Inside was a very pleasant place to sit with pile carpets on floors and boot, plush-looking bucket seats, a lovely wooden dashboard and a full complement of instrumentation. A huge sales success, more than 94,000 TR6s were built (ninety percent of them to detuned US specifications), before it was replaced by the much softer TR7 in 1975. Dating from 1972, this is a desirable full-power, overdrive gearbox UK market car that looks particularly fine in dark blue with an oatmeal hide interior piped in blue. In 2003/04 the car was treated to a full body-off restoration including powder-coating of the chassis and a complete interior retrim. Desirable extras include graphite grey Minilite alloy wheels, a Motalita steering wheel and a chrome boot rack. Said to be in excellent condition throughout, the car is MOTd until April 2010 and earlier this year successfully completed a tour of France and Spain during which it drove beautifully.