1969 Triumph TR6

Finished in white with a black roof and matching leather interior, this Triumph TR6 has an interesting history. Previously owned by Tony Dron, the well-know and much-missed former racing driver and editor of Thoroughbred and Classic Cars magazine, it was rebuilt onto a new powdercoated chassis with new heritage panels live at the Essen classic motor show Germany in February 1995.

Tony’s intention was to build a first-class TR6 whatever the cost and no matter how long it took, all the while retaining as many of the original parts as possible.

As you can see, he succeeded and his car comes with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate showing its March 1969 specification in addition to an extensive history file that includes numerous photographs showing the car pre-Essen, the rebuild itself, and the final outcome.

Fitted with an overdrive, wire wheels, and a leather Mota-Lita steering wheel, a few judicious improvements such as uprated brakes and cooling system ensure it is fit for extended use on 21st century roads and traffic.

Having covered just 6,700 miles in the last 15 years and only ever used as a summer car, the seller, who’s owned it for the past decade and describes himself as being “pedantic and fastidious” with his cars, tells us that “it is in outstanding condition inside and out, is rust-free, and drives beautifully.”

The Essen restoration was clearly done very well indeed because the TR6 still looks magnificent even after the passage of almost 30 years. With some of the best panel alignment we’ve seen, the overall fit and finish is almost certainly better than the factory ever achieved.

The paintwork is probably better, too. Events like the Essen show give craftsmen the chance to show off their skills to a much wider audience than usual and it seems that the men and women who built this took full advantage of the opportunity they were given.

It’s got great chromework too, including those gorgeous chromed wire wheels. The tyres, which are 195/60R15 Pirelli P1 Cinturato, all match and they all have plenty of tread left on them as they’re still nearly new.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The black folding hood fits very well. It’s also free of damage and rises and falls as it should thanks to a very good frame and supporting structure. A stout rollover hoop provides extra safety and increased rigidity in addition to considerable reassurance. The plastic windows are bright and clear and the roof is covered by a good tonneau cover when it is furled.

The other details are just as delightful; good badges, undamaged glazing, and good lamp lenses are joined by a pair of silver and black numberplates that complete the look.

It’s not a flashy, over-restored example. It’s better than that because it’s been done properly and praise doesn’t come any higher.

If you’re looking for an excuse to spend some time in the garage with the new love of your life then the windscreen and door seals are just starting to perish.

The black leather and vinyl interior is as elegantly simple and beautifully preserved as the coachwork.

Featuring a sporty Mota-Lita steering wheel, lashing of walnut veneer, and matching black trim panels, it’s every inch the thoroughbred British sportscar you’d hope.

It’s in an excellent condition; that the only jarring notes are a tiny amount of rust around the speedometer bezel and a slightly scruffy indicator stalk says it all.

This means the door cards, switches, and the rest of the instruments are all beyond reproach. Some nice flourishes such as embossed pedal rubbers and a white-faced clock further enhance the cockpit.

The leather-faced seats are firm and plump and look terrific; they’re supportive too, and their condition is very nearly as good as it’s ever been, which is quite an accomplishment in a car with more than half-a-century under its belt. (Those of us born in the same year it was built are now feeling very old …)

As you’d expect, lifting the (very good) carpets shows only solid, rust-free metal.

The Triumph has been updated to increase safety and reliability while being careful to maintain its original character.

Lifting the bonnet allows you to see it’s been fitted with a 123 electronic ignition system and high-performance coil. Less visible is the fact it is able to run on unleaded fuel. It also boasts a Bosch fuel pump that was even re-wired to ensure it got enough 12-volt power.

The manual engine fan was removed and a Kenlowe electronic fan fitted, but there is a yellow manual plastic one available for refitting if required.

New Gaz dampers were installed to the front and Spax dampers to the rear, within the last 500 miles and a complete set of four new Pirelli tyres were fitted in June 2022.

Wilwood four-pot front brakes give it extra braking capacity to help bring it to a halt from higher speeds and both the alternator and water pump were replaced recently.

As you can see from the attached letter dated September 2022, the TR6 was fitted with a service replacement engine, presumably by a dealer under warranty, in its earlier life. So it still has the original engine, kind of.

An invoice from Robert Jarvis of Pump House Garage confirms it has been serviced by him between 2013 and 2023.

The 2.5-litre engine fires into life readily and immediately settles into a steady idle. It revs very smoothly and shows very good oil pressure.

The underside looks strong and it is nicely protected with a light coat of underseal, the sort that protects rather than obscures.

The TR6 doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

The history file is voluminous and comprises many photographs, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, a thick wad of old invoices, and the owner’s handbook.

The seller spoke with Tony Dron on a couple of occasions when he described the TR6 as his “pride and joy”. The history also file includes some letters from him, which will be passed to the winning bidder.

As the owner puts it: “If you are looking for a car that requires little work but just annual checks, or even as an investment, this is the one.”

Quite. As we mentioned earlier, this is a top-notch restoration that’s been beautifully conserved since being completed. It’s not gaudy or over-done, just a beautifully executed example of a perennially popular British sportscar.

As for its value, we think the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £20,000 and £25,000, which seems like astonishing value to us.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.