1975 Triumph TR6

This vibrant looking TR6 hails from the second half of 1975. Its commission number of CR5416 confirms it as a fuel injected model and around 1,300 cars from the end of TR6 production. This TR is one of the aforementioned 8,370 UK supplied and specified models and, judging by its door jamb data plate, left the Canley factory in a Magenta (92) livery. A change of hue to red was recorded with the DVLA in September 1981.

Current owner, Ian, acquired the TR6 in May 2023 when he bought it from a private collector via online auction. At that stage the TR6’s odometer was reading around 39,000 miles. Today that has edged up to an indicated 40,564 miles underscoring its recent light use. Indeed, the earliest accompanying MoT from 1987 records a mileage of 31,665 suggesting less than 10,000 miles have been covered in the last 38 years!

It is this general lack of use, lack of space and the availability of several other cars that prompts today’s sale. Whist the recorded mileage to date can’t be warranted Ian suggests that there is nothing in the accompanying paperwork to definitively contradict this view. Having poured over the car and reviewed the paperwork we would concur with this perspective.

For their £2M Karmann bought a more brutalist aesthetic to the curvier, cuddlier Michelotti design. This seemed appropriate given the move from 100 bhp and four cylinders in the TR4 to as much as 150bhp and six cylinders in the TR6. The bluff fronted and kammbacked TR6 struck a decidedly more athletic and muscular note and almost everyone grew to love it. 

Today our car presents in classic TR6 Signal Red, surely a favourite for the car. It is possible that this red livery dates back to the recorded change from Magenta in 1981 given the car’s seemingly miniscule mileage. If that is the case then the storage and care lavished upon it has been first class. It may have benefited from an interim refresh since then but, if it has, it was a very professional job indeed. In essence the bodywork and paintwork appear admirably pristine.

The hood is a later mohair replacement and presents very well, together with a trio of acetate rear windows. The whole ensemble is in excellent condition, free from rips or tears and admirably tightly fitting. When the hood is stowed a black hood cover is also provided to keep everything neat and tidy. The light lenses and cabin glass all appear to be in fine, original fettle and the panel gaps, a perennial TR Achilles heel, look pin sharp and impressively symmetrical. The familiar TR6 decals in white are present just ahead of the rear light clusters as is the “Triumph Injection” badge on the tail.

This TR rides on an original looking set of 15-inch Dunlop steel wheels finished in silver. These are in an excellent, unmarked condition and deep, chromed beauty rings are fitted. The Dunlop wheels are fitted with Dunlop tyres in the form of a matching set of SP Spot Fast Response items in a 195/65 configuration. These are date stamped from 2012 or, roughly, 3000 – 4000 miles ago. 

The TR’s cabin is awash with the model’s usual no-nonsense, analogue charm. The overall condition is entirely the equal of the car’s interior with a good level of originality on display. The data plate is etched with trim code 11 which equates to black vinyl and is exactly what we see here. The seats are arranged into horizontal, padded box pleats and feature the signature TR6 faux perforations. These are certainly original TR6 seats and most likely the ones that left Canley with the car. 

The dashboard fascia is finished in the familiar TR6, varnished walnut veneer and is sandwiched between black vinyl top and bottom rolls. A full set of white on black, Smiths instruments are fitted with the big speedometer and tachometer taking pride of place and four smaller, ancillary gauges being centrally placed. A three spoke alloy and varnished wood, chunky steering wheel is fitted, complete with a Triumph boss. A modern Panasonic Bluetooth head unit is fitted, and the Elvis Costello CD may well be available by separate negotiation. Carpets are in red and edge bound, and the door cards are black vinyl with chromed furniture.

The boot is a good size and practically shaped. A carpet trimmed floor panel conceals the spare wheel and accompanying tools and jack. A wind deflector and original steering wheel are also in residence here. The inner floor panels and trim pieces here all present very well in an area that is so often overlooked in other examples.

By this time Triumph’s 2.5 litre, straight six was boasting Lucas derived petrol injection and was in in its later, milder cam period. Although this reduced peak power down to around 125bhp torque was maintained and real world usability and tractability was even somewhat improved. The stalk activated, J-Type overdrive is fitted and reported to work well and significantly enhance cruising activities. The remainder of this TR’s mechanical specification is thought to be standard which is a positive boon for the majority of TR enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Our car’s engine bay presents superbly with plenty of polished metals and alloys greeting the eye. The inner panels are especially clean, well painted and corrosion free with the wheel arches and visible elements of the bulkhead looking especially well presented. Originality appears impressively strong with components from Lucas, Girling and Stanpart all noted and appreciated. A true roll call of the Great British automotive supply chain of the 1970’s. 

What can be seen of the underside of the car looks to be in an equally excellent shape. Many components are nicely finished with black preservatives whilst the underside of the body appears to have been treated to textured undersealed and remains impressively presented. 

The paperwork archive includes the V5 Registration Document in the name of the owner. This classifies the TR as an Historic Vehicle rendering it MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK. The Triumph was last MoT’d in June 2024 at 40,500 miles, achieving an advisory free pass at that stage. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are present providing an audit trail for the TR’s mileage to date as far back as 1987.

A Triumph TR6 PI handbook is included as is the obligatory Haynes Manual. Quite a number of invoices are on hand together with some TR Register paperwork

The TR6 marks the effective end of a family dynasty starting back with the watershed TR2 in 1953. For many who know and love their British sports cars the TR6 sits atop the TR food chain, the effete TR7 notwithstanding, and remains admired, revered and deeply desired as a result.  

This example presents very well indeed. There is very little of noteworthy detriment to bring your attention to and the car makes a strong case for its recorded, unwarranted mileage being feasible. Whilst a colour change was made some while ago, today’s paintwork and bodywork is very impressive with even the usual TR6 weak areas presenting in fine fettle. The TR6 effectively marked the end of a long and popular lineage but also, in some ways, the end of an era of no-nonsense British sports cars. As such the model surely only has a bright and appreciating future ahead of it. This is your chance secure a very sound example of the breed and satisfy the needs of both head and heart.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Birmingham. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.