Sunday 14 December 2014

TR6 - a brief history

The sixth of the Triumph Roadster series, the TR6 was a development of the TR4 and TR5. It is arguably the last “real” sports car to emanate from the British motor industry and was seen by many as the natural successor to the big Healeys.

In the late 1950s, Standard Triumph had engaged Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti to update its range of cars. Following several sporty prototypes, the go-ahead was given in 1960 to tool-up and produce the TR4 as a replacement for the aging TR3a. The first “off-tools” TR4 rolled off the production line in July 1961, with around 2,600 built by year-end.

The TR4 was powered a four-cylinder 2138cc engine developing 100 bhp. Production ran from 1961 to 1965, selling well with 40,253 produced. Despite good sales volumes, the car was reported to suffer from a harsh ride. A new chassis was designed, but the original body-shell was retained – thus was born the TR4a. Mechanically there were no significant changes. Production of the new car totalled 28,465.

By the mid-1960s the old four-cylinder engine was becoming obsolete. A new engine was designed; a longer, lighter, six-cylinder unit, originally sized as 2-litres. To develop sufficient power for the emissions-regulated US-market the capacity was increased from 1998cc to 2498cc for the sports car range and the TR5 was born. In a brave move to increase power further, Triumph turned to the Lucas fuel injection system, but retained carburettors for the US-market. The petrol-injected cars developed 150 bhp, whilst the carburetted TR250 cars were rated at 104 bhp. Some 2,947 TR5s and 8,484 TR250s were produced between 1967 and 1968 (11,431 cars in total).

Already it was clear that the original Michelotti design was becoming dated. Because the designer was working on other Triumph models, the firm turned to Karmann of Osnabruck to tackle the facelift. The basic structure of the TR6 is the same as the previous model, but with a new front and rear. Miraculously the new, more angular nose and tail sat in harmony with the existing cockpit and central panels. The TR6 was in production from 1968 to 1976, with a major revision to specifications in late-1972. The UK price for a basic TR6 was £1,314 in 1969 (including taxes).

The last TR6 petrol-injection car was built in January 1975 and the last US-market TR6 with carburettors (the last TR6 of all) was built in July 1976. Over 90% of production was destined for North America, with a total production of 91,850 cars.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Triumph TR6

I'm now the proud owner of a TR6 ("VTN")!

Purchased from Manvers Triumph, Elmswell, Suffolk

As advertised:

TRIUMPH TR6 Pi



We are pleased to offer this early Triumph TR6 Pi, first registered on the 3rd September 1969 and licensed as a Historic Vehicle.

A matching numbers car (CP26789 & CP26615 HE respectively)

The car is offered with factory overdrive and has been the recipient of many useful & practical upgrades to further enhance the driving experience.

These are well-documented within a very comprehensive history folder that is available for close scrutiny.

I am able to mention that the improvements made include electronic ignition,’Revo-Tech’ radiator cooling fan,full ‘Phoenix’ extractor exhaust manifold & single exit exhaust pipe,double duck hood & similar hood cover,laminated windscreen,inertia reel seat belts,wood rim Moto-Lita steering wheel and genuine Minilite aluminium road wheels.

My road test has confirmed that the car is a very willing performer,sure-footed and predictably safe.

Paintwork,trim & chrome plate is presented in a good & uniform order,complimented by above average panel alignment and fit.

This TR6 was previously sold by us locally in July 2009 and has been regularly & correctly maintained by the two most recent TR Register members,to an exemplary standard.

To be sold fully serviced & MoT tested in accordance with our usual & thorough pre-sale preparation in our dedicated workshops.

Early viewing recommended.