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Tag: Michelotti

PICK OF THE DAY: Solid Original Triumph TR6

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With the end of the Triumph TR6 in 1976, so too was the beginning of the end for the British roadster. With Karmann styling atop a Michelotti design that began with the TR4 40 years ago, and the last of the affordable six-cylinder roadsters, the TR6 had the longest run of any of the TRs. With nearly 100,000 produced over eight years, it was also the most popular. Its popularity remains today for its classic styling, respectable performance and relative affordability. In other words, all the traits of a true British roadster. While prices have seen an upturn in the last several months and No. 1 cars are fetching over $30,000 at collector car auctions, decent examples can still be found for $10-15K. This TR6 appears to be a solid, rust-free, original car with a very straight body and original interior, though it does show some cracks on the dash pad and possible splitting in the driver’s seat. With only two owners, it’s benefited from long-term care, the current owner being its steward for nearly 30 years. According to seller it’s not far off from mint condition. If that is indeed the case, this would be a sound investment on top of Find it here on Craigslist in Collierville TN for a bargain $8,900.

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PICK OF THE DAY: All Original 12,000 Mile Triumph TR6

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Despite being the most popular in Triumph’s TR series, with nearly 100,000 made, the TR6 is also the one with perhaps the best investment potential. The early TRs—the TR2 and TR3—are already seeing some nice returns, which they’ve earned as being among the first to gain worldwide popularity and thus helped to create the British Roadster as a motoring genre. That said, they, like many of their contemporaries, were based on pre-war mechanics—chiefly tractors and other farm implements. Although the TR4 saw a significant styling change with a handsome design by Michelotti (who penned several early Ferraris), the engine was more or less unchanged until 1967. With the introduction of the low-production TR250 (TR5 rest of world), the 4-cylinder was replaced with a more modern inline 6. The US retained twin Zenith-Solex carbs while everyone else got petrol injection (115 bhp vs. 150).  This motor carried over into the Karmann-styled TR6, which became further hampered in the US by emissions regulations to a mere 104 hp. British Roadster motoring wasn’t really about horsepower and the TR6, even in US form, managed to live up to what it was about: fun, easy, breezy, and affordable. Having said that, the rules that apply any British Roadster are no different with a TR6: 1.) buy the best you can afford; and 2.) you can’t afford a cheap one. Rust is a common problem, notably the pans and along the links of the rear suspension. What may appear to be an easy fix can easily run into the thousands as they are more complex than one might think and not easy to put back together. Generally, the motors are quite solid, but if there is a need to get inside, it does require an engine-out service. Electrical systems are typical British finicky, but again, a TR6 that has been properly cared for will be less likely to create problems down the road. Another option is to buy one that’s practically new and care for it yourself. That, in essence, is what we have here. This is a final-year 1976 TR6 that is completely original with an astonishing 12,000 miles. It has original paint, original decals, original top, original manuals, original tools, original tonneau, you get the idea. While there are conditions under which miles can be too low, the seller states hoses and rubber have been replaced as needed to prevent leaks and decay. This was also the era when the TR6 stood out with bright colors like Topaz Yellow, Tahiti Blue and this Java Green. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a nice change from the red, maroon and dark blue we so often see. Prices on all TR6s have been steady over the last decade with a recent upturn. No. 1 cars have risen the sharpest and this surely isn’t far from that if it’s not already there. Preserve for posterity or enjoy as nearly new. Not a bad investment either way. Find it here on Craigslist in Forest, VA for $25,000, with a link to the seller’s site here.

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