1970 TRIUMPH TR6

Welcome to this auction for a 1970 Triumph TR6 finished in Gloss Black with a contrasting red folding roof. With the full 150bhp UK-spec engine, it’s also got the four-speed manual gearbox with optional factory overdrive plus a spring and damper conversion.

So far, so normal. What really sets this one apart, other than the condition, is it’s status as one of the Oxford Diecast Series models, an example of which is included in the history file.

Nor does its fame end there because we are told “the car has a substantial history file including details of a previous owner who took part in a number of high-profile events with the car including various parliamentary car runs and the Queens 80th birthday celebration plus charity events where both he and the car were photographed with the likes of Sir Sterling Moss, Jeremy Clarkson and Damon Hill.

Said to drive “drives exceptionally well”, the installation of a set of seats from an MX-5 and a smaller steering wheel add comfort and extra legroom in equal measure – but don’t worry, the original red leather seats and steering wheel were retained and come with the car.

The subject of an older respray, it left the factory white (colour code 19) back in 1970. The work was clearly done to a high standard as the TR6 still presents very well, especially when you factor in its new colour: black is more ruthless than John Wick and less forgiving than Jack Reacher, which means when you see a black car that looks this good, you know dinks, ripples and flaws have nowhere to hide.

The paint itself looks good but we do notice some imperfections here and there including along the front panel between the indicators/sidelights,

The chromework, which is never more important than when it acts as a foil to black coachwork, is also good. With only the very lightest of patinas, we can’t see many folk finding fault with it.

The original style steel wheels (and is anything cooler on an older sportscar than a set of steelies?) aren’t only in good shape, they’re also fitted with a full set of four good Falken Ziex tyres. (The vendor tells us that new metal wheel center caps have been fitted since the photos were taken.)

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 folding burgundy red roof is good, too. It furls and unfurls nicely and is free of rips, tears, and other damage bar a small nick that has been repaired and made watertight.

The three plastic windows are bright and clear when so many we see are opaque and creased. It’s all in a lovely condition, not that you’ll be using it much, will you?

Included in sale are both black and red stowage covers in addition to a red tonneau cover.

Decent light lenses and a lovely set of black and silver number plates conclude the exterior.

While we can’t see anything that needs doing immediately, although the rubber seal at the bottom of the windscreen/body has seen better days and could be upgraded should the new owner so wish.

The black leather Mazda MX-5 seats add the sort of comfort, support and legroom the original owner would have killed for. They’re also in great shape and suit the car very well; while a practiced eye would notice they’re decades younger than everything else, the casual observer would probably assume they are the standard seats.

The original red leather seats are offered with the car. Please take the time to browse the photos of them but our impression is that they’re no more than lightly patinated and they would be an easy swap should the new owner prize originality above all else.

Further interior improvements include a new walnut dash sandwiched between red leather trim. This is an utterly gorgeous piece of wood and sets the tone for the rest of the cabin, which is cheery yet up-market.

The aftermarket steering wheel is suitably meaty and sits in front of a full suite of matching Smiths instruments. If, like the seats, you prefer to keep things period then a larger – and utterly gorgeous - wood-rimmed wheel is provided.

The seller tells us that the TR6 benefits from a new carpet set as well, plus new door cards, door-top trims, and new rear panels in addition to a few other bits and bobs.

A Clarion twin-spindle radio provides a period aesthetic.

The amount of work that needs doing is going to be determined by your attitude towards everyday wear and tear. For example, the pedal rubbers are quite worn and the vendor reports that the voltmeter gauge is temperamental. However, the battery is recent and charging well and all the other gauges work as they should.

The seller tells us it has recently undergone a service and tune-up including retiming of the fuel injection system and balancing of the throttle bodies to get it ready for the summer.

We haven’t driven it but the seller tells us that the overdrive “switches in and out lovely and the car is very responsive” and the engine “provides plenty of power and torque for an exhilarating driving experience!”

He adds the suspension work has left it with “very positive handling and the brakes also pull up very well.”

He concludes his assessment by saying it “is a very usable classic and I use it most sunny days.”

The engine bay is nicely presented without being overly fussy; if you’ve got a hankering to detail an engine then this would be a good place to start but most of us would be happy to leave it as it is.

As you can see, the underside looks solid and equally well presented.

The seller summarizes the history file as follows: “It has always been maintained to a high standard and documentation supports this. Old MoT certificates and tax discs are joined by many maintenance and repair invoices covering the past couple of decades.”

“Recent receipts since 2020 include steering column bushes & UJ joints, a stainless-steel sports exhaust, heater valves and pipes, new injectors, a cylinder head unleaded conversion, and a new thermostat and gaskets.”

“This is all in addition to a full service in 2020 where all the oils were replaced. A new starter motor, battery, and horn were fitted in 2022 and this later work included having the front wheel bearings adjusted and another full service.”

Last year saw the anti-roll bar drag link adjusted, a new core plug fitted and this year the vehicle was inspection plus the timing and tuning has been done.

We usually avoid clichés like the plague but if you’re looking for a hairy-chested British sportscar then this TR6 is right up your street. Brought bang-up-to-date with a programme of work, it’s fighting fit and ready to do battle with modern traffic.

One of the nicer examples we’ve seen, we estimate it’s going to sell for between £17,000 and £22,000, which seems like fine value for such a well-received example.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Somerset, United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.