1972 Triumph TR6

They say you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so shall we introduce this stunning Triumph TR6 2.5i with the news that its four-year restoration set the owner back £122,584?

And follow it up by telling you that it’s covered only around 500 miles since then: “and that’s why I’m selling it, right there. It deserves better. It’s time someone was able to use it.”

Bought by the seller in 2014, the previous owner had had it in his care since 1977, so he started with an above-average example in the first place.

All of which means this is not your ordinary Triumph TR6, even if it is finished in the classic colour combination of British Racing Green with a Chestnut leather interior.

Only for sale because he can’t fit his young family in it, if you’re in the market for a good TR6 you won’t find better.

Surely TR6s didn’t leave the factory looking this good. Modern paint helps, of course, but the reality is Triumph couldn’t afford to devote this many man-hours to building them.

That the panels are superb and painstakingly fitted is obvious from the photos; our tame photographer might be an extraordinarily talented chap but a car like this practically shoots itself.

We could waffle on for hours about the quality of the shutlines and the lustre of the paint and depth of shine to the chromework but we’ll save you the gushing and just refer you to the photos: #9 is especially good as it demonstrates the quality of the restoration as well as the length of our photographer’s arms.

It’s particularly rewarding to see steel wheels fitted; this design has become a classic for a reason and suits the TR6’s no-nonsense nature very well.

The 15-inch wheels are fitted with matching Pirelli Cinturato tyres (including the spare) and these were chosen for their classic looks combined with modern rubber and composition.

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 is in an excellent condition and furls and unfurls as it should, sealing well when it’s raised.

Oh, and it has been stored in a Carcoon both pre- and post-restoration. Obviously.

Flaws? Don’t be silly.

The Chestnut leather interior cost a staggering £12,691 and while money isn’t everything a sum this large does suggest more than the usual care was taken in selecting and fitting it.

But you can see that from the photos. Gloriously subtle and understated, the modest mileage covered since installation means it’s still superb and every bit as good now as it was when it was brand new.

Ditto the carpets and door cards and dashboard. Everything is gloriously fresh and vibrant, which means any patina it develops over the years will be yours and yours alone.

Brilliantly, the plate on the nearside door shut has been completed with the car’s new colours, bearing the paint code 75 and the trim code 33. Wonderful!

Other clever touches include a period-style radio with hidden speakers and Bluetooth capability.

If we are being picky (and we do try to be as we know many of you buy from us sight-unseen) there is a mark on the glovebox lid (#183) and some light foxing to the rear-view mirror (#184).

£122,584 (and yes; he was brave enough to add it all up…) buys you a lot of time and nowhere is that more obvious than under the bonnet. The original chassis plate has been retained but everything else is spotless – mainly because most of it is new.

Again, the attention to detail is staggering. Washers cut to fit within a flange and beautifully arranged brake pipes show a dedication to getting everything just so - and we’d love to think the Lucas battery was chosen because its green sticker matches the coachwork…

A few choice upgrades like uprated suspension, electronic ignition and a modern fuel pump bring the TR6 into the 21st century without ruining it with inappropriately modern components.

As you can see, the 2.5-litre, fuel-injected, straight-six engine starts immediately, idles perfectly and revs freely. It also shows a good oil pressure and a healthy charge. But then you’d already guessed that, hadn’t you?

Fitted with an overdrive, the seller tells us that it drives perfectly. He drove it to us, wending his way through London to avoid motorways and said it “purred along” – and we’re betting the exhaust note played no small part in his enjoyment…

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and the Triumph comes with a USB memory stick with images of that four-year restoration as well as a book with some of the images. Plus, a lot of invoices. Lots and lots of invoices.

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…

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 ludicrously expensive multi-year restoration, it’s fighting fit and ready to do battle with modern traffic.

With so much work done, cars of this quality don’t come cheap, though. We think this one will sell for somewhere between £45,000 and £55,000 but given the market will always value the best cars more highly than cheaper, inferior examples, you should get that premium back when the time comes to pass it on.

In the meantime, you’ll have the pleasure of knowing you’ll have bought well and, as one of our favourite engineers is reputed to have said, “The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten.”

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, 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’.