Lot 228: 1973 Triumph TR6 Convertible

In order to give the TR sports cars more power, Triumph adapted the 2-liter six used in the 2000 series sedans and GT6 version of the Spitfire to the TR4 chassis. Christened TR5 in its home country, the car had Lucas petrol injection (PI) fitted to a stroked six that displaced 2,498 cc. The first mass production British car to use fuel injection, it had a high-performance cam and 9.5 to 1 compression resulting in 150 bhp. The injected engine, however, did not meet American emission requirements, so a carbureted version, using twin Zenith-Strombergs, was developed. Horsepower was reduced, at 111 bhp significantly so. The American model was designated TR250, and was decorated with reflective racing stripes. Fewer than 8,500 were built.

The new TR6 debuted in 1968, as a �69 model. The TR6 used the basic TR4/5/250 body shell, with a new skin designed by Karmann, the German coachbuilders to Volkswagen and Porsche. The center section retained the TR4/5 lines, but the nose and tail received new contours and ornamentation, the tail having a resemblance to the GT6 and Stag.

The chassis was nearly unchanged. An anti-roll bar was added to the front, but at the rear the TR4A�s independent suspension was replaced with a rigid axle, which had been an option on TR5s. As with the TR5/250, US-bound cars were detuned to meet EPA regulations. With 8.5 to 1 compression and Zenith-Strombergs in lieu of fuel injection, the engines made 104 bhp. Mandatory headrests were also fitted to US cars. The most popular TR sports car ever, the TR6 sold some 94,000 units, about ninety percent destined for the USA. It remained in production into mid-1976, nearly two years after the controversial wedge-shaped TR7 entered production.

This is an original car with correct numbers. It has been driven only 9,400 miles from new. It was refinished in its original Dark Carmine exterior, along with a black convertible top and black leather interior in 2008, at which time the carburetors and brake hydraulics were overhauled. This rust-free and virtually new TR6 comes with its original owner�s manual, as well as the warranty booklet from date of purchase and original warranty tin plate. As the last year of the chrome bumper TRs, it has a special place in history and is much more highly sought-after than the rubber-snubber 1974-76 cars. It is sure to give its new owner much enjoyment.