The latest video in the TR6 explained series. Here we discuss the reasons not to buy a TR6. If you can live with these issues then maybe its the car for you
An issue that also afflicted these car's was this. Customers used to get tappet rattle. They would buy a Haynes manual and adjust the tappets, then shortly after the tappets would rattle again, adjust again, then they would rattle again. What the Haynes manual did not tell people is at the top of the rocker shaft right by the bulk head is a really tiny set screw that used to come out and drop into the sump. With this screw out the oil would would not run along the shaft and the rocker would be running bone dry. Replace the screw, adjust the tappers and Hey Presto.
Thanks for the input Paul. If theres one thing for sure its that these cars bring out so much knowledge, stories and memories of good times. thanks for watching.
An interesting video and point of view. Considering my TR6 turned 51 this year, it is a great car. I do not get into it expecting it to be comfortable, I do not care if the clutch is heavy. There is 'no way' I would be interested in replacing it with 'a more modern classic'. By now the issues with fuel pumps etc are well sorted, it is a very reliable car! I take your point about the chassis bend and resulting door gap. They do not need to be rusty for this to occur. I think if you want a classic sports car that is not stratospherically expensive, sounds great and turns heads where ever you go the Tr is a good choice. Just my point of view!
This was the most depressing video Ive seen. I think you have completely missed the idea behind owning an older car and more specifically an English car. You tell me about a single car of the 60’s and 70’s that does not require any attention. I have owned a 70 TR6, RHD PI since 2016. Ive spent endless hours as you said, working on it, reading the Robert Bentley-TR6 manual, asking question on the forums and tinkering on the car. I’ve loved every minute of it, even times that I thought I was getting anywhere. It’s just part of the territory of owning any old car. I love the looks, sounds, road feedback and… about this car. Will I buy this car again? Yes.
Thanks for watching and for commenting. Indeed, this video was always going to split the audience, and as you say every classic has another side which most videos and forums gloss over to focus on how amazing they are. Hopefully you watched to the end when i summarize if its all worth it.
You either love them or you hate them. I love them. The look, the sound, the feel of sitting one foot off the ground. He redeemed himself at the end. He was beginning to sound a bit whiny. I really wish that no one but me liked them, because I could pick one up cheaper that way.
I think if Joe has owned his TR6 for 10 years he appreciates the good points of the car more than the pitfalls. Of course it has its pitfalls but real enthusiasts work through them and don't apply 21st century expectations to 1960s technology. You will never put me off these cars.
I loved the video as I bought a TR6 in April with no overdrive and OEM seats. After I installed a rebuilt differential, after market rear hubs, replaced all 6 U-joints, rebuilt the carbs and had the distributor rebuilt I'm no doubt upside down in the car. I have the same track record with sailboats so I take great pains in not keeping a spreadsheet of costs, not to mention my labor. I have to do all the work myself because the auto repair industry has moved on where I live, with few understanding analog cars with no OBDII to tell them what is wrong. I hate it when I am mid-repair but it is so damned satisfyingly when you are done. I too, would probably do it all again.
USA here. I owned my white TR6 when I was roughly 18 years old. All the things you mentioned went in one ear and out of the other. Having that car, at that time of my life, was magic. I'm 69, and I know that having one now wouldn't bring back that particular type of magic, but if it could, I'd throw half of my retirement account at the worst-deal-ever to get another. Best time of my life. Before the Triumph, I had an MGB in brg. I loved it, and it was a great primer for what was to come. Your summation at the video's end says it all. Regardless of the problems encountered, it's the way cars like this make us feel. Thanks for the ending. Perfect!
I've been a Triumph man all my life. I've owned dozens from humble 948 Heralds to terrifying 350bhp TR8s, even one TR6. My current daily is a 78 Dolomite Sprint (with a twist! It has a Vauxhall engine) We don't buy Triumphs because we want a perfect car, we know their many flaws and love them anyway. As, I suspect, do you!
They do have their quirks but the smiles tell it all and I love it. Mine had a frame off, I fixed the heater valve, carbs, replaced all suspension bushings, mostly use 3rd gear around town. It has doubled in value and that labor investment is called love!
I've owned my 1969 TR6 for almost 34 years. It's a 50+ year old car. If you own one, expect to rebuild absolutely everything at least once. You'll also need to replace the interior. I went with the wool carpeting upgrade through Moss Motors. I also bought replacement seats from Moss, which were also in leather, hot vinyl as it came from the factory. A lot of TR6 owner install Miata seats. I bought the HVDA 5 speed conversion kit which uses a Toyota 5 speed manual transmission. I put triple Weber carb's on the car. Once they're tuned, they're good forever. I added a cooling fan + a heat exchanger for the oil line because I lived in LA at the time and it's very hot during the summer. I bought a replacement fabric top. Vinyl shrinks over time and these cars are owned a long time (obviously). It's a period correct car meaning no power anything. Think about when you're going to brake. Avoid parallel parking like the plague. You might want to replace the OEM windshield with an aftermarket tinted windshield. It's best driven under 65 MPH. Even with a 5 speed transmission, you'll be at 3,000 RPM. It's a 50+ year old engine. I shift it @ 3,000 RPM and enjoy the visceral connection with the highway. Any modern car will be faster than this 10.5 second 0 - 60 beast. I added inlet and exhaust manifolds, a spin on oil filter, electric fuel pump and a hotter cam. I also fully ported the heads. The TR6 was detuned for the US market down to 105 HP. With the above I believe I got back up to the 150 HP spec from the factory. It's a beautiful car with timeless Karman styling. I get "thumbs up" from onlookers every time I drive it. Replacement parts are readily available and inexpensive. Don't address a vintage car with today's sensibilities. It was state of the art for the 1960's.
You make good points to ensure anyone considering a TR6 goes in with their eyes wide open. I recently bought a TR6, and for serious money. We picked it up and drove it 600 miles in 2 days to get home, it has standard seats, and we found them surprisingly comfortable. Once home I immediately took it off the road to upgrade the suspension, re-wire it, and do a bunch of cosmetic stuff. It was enormous pleasure, because I love working on old cars and bikes, and a TR6 is great because it's easy to work on, and most importantly EVERY spare part is still available for it. I also own a 6 spd 3L BMW Z4 convertible. I don't think I'll ever drive it again, the TR6 in all it's hairy-chested basic glory is SO much more of an experience to drive. And finally, where I live, every single time I take the TR6 out I get people coming up to talk/engage/comment/reminisce. It brings a smile to everyones face, it's so gorgeous. It's priceless.
I'm close to finish my second TR6 total restoration, frame off, bare metal. This time a 71 PI but I confess I converted again to electronic fuel injection. Great car to drive and lots of fun. I'm 70 and have no problem working on it. I also own a BMW Z3 3.0i which comes about close to the TR6 experience but with more comfort: electric soft top, power steering and air-condition. Still the 6 is my favorite!
All good points you said there, infact I could probably add another 50 to that list. We had a 73 sapphire blue that didn’t complete a journey ever for an entire year. Each time it was taken out, a short or long drive it came back either being towed or on the back of an AA van…and that’s not my stupidity, each time was a different issue…and I bought the car restored and inspected by revvington TR, a specialist not to be trusted by me again. I’ve just installed the rebiult engine back into it after it went bang and will have it driving soon. Just after February though I bought a 75 in french blue, a project that will need finishing, but with a new chassis and rebiult engine someone’s already done the hard bits. One point about your point on the heater, there is a valve you can turn in the footwell to cut hot air flow into the footwell and divert more to the dash and windscreen, have you tired fiddling with that? As always a great vid T
Thanks for the feedback. These cars certainly do stir the emotions and not always in a good way. Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of them! Yes I can see a heater modification coming in the near future to get some hot air through the dash vents. Stay tuned.
I had a white one too, but it was written off in an accident. So I have ignored all your reasons and gone out and bought another. I missed mine so much..
Love the TR6. Proper sports car. I have a small collection of classics, the TR6 does more miles than any of them. Perfect for our Dorset lanes. All your points are fair. The pluses for me are the noise, feel and narrow width of the car, plus you can get all the parts. Love em.
I had a white ‘74 in the late 70s. I was living in London at the time. It wasn’t pleasant driving in town but I used to drive up to Lincolnshire on the A1 most weekends and that’s when it came into its own. I had a hard and soft top and the hard top stiffened the car up a lot. Summer driving was like yours. Shake, rattle and roll! My wife to be learned to drive in it and how she managed hill starts with that clutch I don’t know. Traded it for a 3 litre Capri. Another classic.
I owned one back in the day (late 80's) and loved it. It was the (I think) J Type Gearbox with O/D on 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Cannot disagree with anything you said, but still loved it although I never had the fuel problems that you talked about. Never suffered either from the corrosion you described, although obviously the car was somewhat younger than any example around today. At the end of the day, if you love the TR6, you'll put up with all of the other drawbacks you've outlined. I would have another in a heartbeat today if I had a garage, off road parking and a physique and fitness that would allow me to actually get in and out of a TR6 these days.
Vague steering was mentioned in this video. Well when I restored my TR6 I replaced all bushings with poly bushings, plus I replaced the rubber mounts on the steering rack with solid aluminium ones, With the smaller Motolita wooden steering wheel it actually steer extremely accurate, so much so I need to put on driving gloves to get a good grip on the wheel, partly because it’s wood, partly because it changes direction like a go cart.
I had a TR6 a few years ago. It was running on twin carbs. It also had a conversion to the 5sp gearbox from a Toyota Supra. Not for the purist but it was a far better unit. I never had a days trouble from it and it was such a great car. Really miss it!
TR6 like a 68-73 Porsche 911. I love the body, hate the mechanicals. I thought about engine swap Miata and its 5 speed into the TR6. but Im stuck with the krap frame and suspension... Is there a can close enough to the TR6 proportions, to do a full body swap?
I had a 1970 2.5pi with the TR5 spec engine, and at 3500 rpm was were the fun starts. O the sweat noise I made when reving up past 6000 rpm. I did have overdrive, and It was fantastic for cruising. Being heavier then the tr6 it was still fun driving on the country roads of south East Queensland. I would love a Tr6. Once you sort out the fuel pump issues and tune the injection and the throttle body's, sort out the dodgy electrical stuff, they can be a reliable car.
This evening I’ve been to look at a TR6 that’s been outside in the sun in southern Spain for a good number of years , but I don’t have a clue what it’s worth ? It all looks good to me , very little rust , door gap equal all the way up , how would I go about getting a rough price of it’s worth ? Thanks
Local triumph clubs are a great way of getting help on values. You can get a rough idea looking at the market over time to see what they are selling for on eBay and in the trade. Thanks for watching 👍
Having owned and driven a Tr6 in the US. Also being a brit and driven extensively on both sides of the pond, I can speak from experience. Even with it's shortcomings and foibles, the idea of driving one on a British 'B' road is much more of an attractive proposition than most American interstates. If by "America has the roads" is what you mean? American "rural routes" are more like British 'A' roads, often not particularly well surfaced. Again from my experience I think British 'A' roads are generally in better shape. Of course some of this depends on the state, its winter weather and how well the individual states maintain their roads. Apologies, I'm getting a little off topic here. As a side note most US TR6's were never ordered with overdrive, - which I've always thought unusual - those that have it are in the exception and highly desirable.
An amusing and honest review of a TR 6 . Had lots of cars over the 56 years of being a petrolhead and liked the look of the TR6 but the prices put me off ,but a friend bought one and he knew I was a retired loon who loved classic cars so I did the odd service and job on the car .But I soon found out about the usual "niggly" faults ,but I have owned T R7s and they never seemed so well put together as the 6 ,BUT had no whinges about the heater or engine reliability and the 5 speed boxes were great . The handling was also a big plus ,but the brakes ,steering and the seats were shocking especially the Deckchair lookalikes . Sold my last one a few weeks ago [reluctantly ] only because of getting in and out ,so I now have a Rover P6 2000 which is nicer to drive ,more comfortable and much better built ,it makes the Rover SD1 I bought new in the early 80s look and drive like a Morris Minor ?. I wanted a V8 but being a pensioner I eventually put it out of my mind -- - Happy Motoring ! .
I owned a '72 Sapphire blue for 8 years. Once I finally got it sorted, I would go out to get petrol and end up driving for 4-5 hours at a time, just no point in stopping or going home. Of course all country roads. Got lots of waves from passersby. Intoxicating enjoyment, but you are correct about the foibles.
Good thing you ended it this way cos I was going to yell at you for forgetting all the wonderful hours you spend fixing it. By the way the Bosch fuel injection is prone to overheating albeit in summer here in Greece but the heating system works “as expected “ minus the still lingering mummified mouse smell that ended life in the heater box, in-spite my cleaning efforts ! Thanks for the fun video!
Informative (in a tongue-in-cheek way). These cars are all about how you make you feel. As a very young kid, I thought that the understated looks of the TR5s and the TR6s were magic. I still feel that way at 60.
Planning to add a 1974 TR6 to my collection by end of week. Rebuilt, triple Webers, O/D and other various upgrades. It will round out my other British cars Rally-look Mini, a Moke and Spitfire.
Great video-True statements. I owned a TR4 and a TR6 for 28 years. They were a joy! It was a love hate relationship. I loved them when they worked about half the time. I learned how to work on cars because of them. You forgot to mention the Lucus ignition system fail and the 6 u-joints that also like to fail.
Love your deadpan delivery, and yes we live with and learn to love our British classics and their imperfections. More of an MG man myself, but hell - the sight of 6 intake ports on individual throttle bodies made me dribble a bit
A TR6 was made right before emission controls and rust proofing. That's a mixed bag. What makes a car like that fun is manual everything. I think it has power brakes, though. I like power brakes. I always saw these things with SU's, then, these people have had a lot of time to play with these, since the last time I played with one. My father had a TR6 for a couple of months, back in the 1970's, but somebody with deep pockets liked it more than he did. In the 1980's, I learned my lesson about "classic" rust buckets, with a 240z. My father could afford toys as a retired man, but a kid starting out.... Everybody knows this story.
Hi. An interesting and informative way to put people off buying a car which they have no skill or knowledge to run and maintain. It still has not put me off buying a TR6. I have had quite a few classics over the years, and a TR6 is on my bucket list of classics. I am hopefully collecting one next week, a useable classic and not a trailer queen. Interestingly in your video you drive in my local area passing through the village I live in. Weirdly I thought the scenery was familiar!
Glad to hear it Simon and thanks for the feedback. Yes the video purpose was to show that classics are not perfect and every one has its own set of headaches. The good often out weighs the bad and as I share at the end the TR6 has a lot to love. Good luck with your purchase when it arrives 👍
I have owned my 150 brake tr6 for 42 years, man and boy. It has Lucas PI. Going to fit HS6 carburettors on it now as the car doesn’t like modern fuel. I have had so many people say to me they had a tr once, wish they’d still got it. Well I’ve still got mine. Sat in the garage and covered 18,000 miles in all that time. You may say what’s the point. And I quite agree. But can’t imagine selling it, faults and all.
I've had mine for 29 years , still on the Lucas PI , still runs fine and no hot restart problems that I encounter with the SU carbs on my V8 Rover. As for investing in a classic , put your money into gold or something. The powers that be are hell bent on getting rid of petrol cars , and you will probably have your car confiscated by government before long under "Green New Deal" . To quote Klaus Schwabe at The World Economic Forum , " By the year 2030 you will own nothing and be happy" In the mean time I will enjoy owning and driving my TR6 while it is still legal to do so.
Nice finish on that video. I had a Canadian TR250 and it was a blast in my 20s and if I could have one today I would. Points are likely spot on but as you've seen in the comments, it's not why people have one. Cheerio! Lovely car by the way. Nice job.
There is something about the TR6 that just doesn't seem right. It is a gut feeling. All I know is this: "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."
Which bank could you get 5% from in 2022? My wife is five foot nowt, and rice pudding skins are safe in her presence. Yet she had no difficulty driving it. Steering was a lot lighter than her hatchback of the era. Did a lot of miles over seven years in my TR6, and had no Pi problems. Only faults were the water pump- twice.
Great cars ! especially the pre 73 150 BHP ones, worked on them as a mechanic, in. our local dealership & we did eventually sort the Lucas Petrol Injection system gremlins gremlins. ,! :-) great video by the way , many thanks :-)
Great video. Don't own a TR 6. Fell in love inmediately the first time I saw one about 43 years ago in my friends driveway. It was his dad's and he wouldn't drive it much. And yes, you hear all the stories about tne many quirks and the frustration but with this car you can explain it simply saying : The heart wants what it wants, or else it does not care. PS: Love the haircut 😊
Great (and honnest!) video! Had a '74 TR6 from 1982 to 1989 and I remember all the nice places I discovered while waiting for a tow truck. In '89, the Miata's reliability made me realize that a road trip could be carefree, not having to wonder whether or not you would get there. Your description of how it feels on the road is the most accurate I've seen to this day. Great job! Oh, by the way, I do own a NA Miata and even though I just love it, I will always break my neck to see a TR6 go by.
Had a '75 TR6 in the mid '80s, loved it, accepted its quirks, it never let me down. Eventually had to let it go for mortgage, marriage and babies (in that order).
Thats a relief. My TR6 was built in the 60's and has fuel injection and overdrive. It's fantastic. Good luck putting the top on quickly on a MGB in a rainstorm. A piece of cake in the TR6
😎👍🇺🇸 I bought a 1971 Mini Cooper S ,RHD. Not a common sight here in my area of the PNW. Almost every thing on the car needed some sort of attention. Except the paint. It's in pretty good nick. Maybe could use a polish. I've done all the mechanical, rust, tinkering and tidying up on my own. Of course it was one of those "this needs to be replaced". Then after pulling it apart. You find a couple of other things needing rework or replacement. Not having a parts supplier close. I'd have to make an order and wait. I've replaced and repaired tons of stuff. It's a great driving little thing now. It's a great looking, reliable and fun car. Regrets? Nope, not a single one. Of course it still needs tinkering here and there but I love it. It suits my oddball style. Classic cars are great. As long as they're a second vehicle or a toy. I wanted a Mini because it fits INSIDE of my garage alongside the motorcycle collection. I don't have to work on it in the rain.😁 Classic British cars are wonderful. Not good cars, but wonderful to enjoy.
I own a TR6 and a TR4A. Both are a joy to have. I've had them since the mid-90s, and although one or two days of spannnering are required, it matters not to me.
As always, a very interesting and informative video. It must have been difficult to come up with reasons not to buy when it's a car that is easy to fall in love with. Love is blind ! I bought mine a year ago and love the experience of driving it, I don't like arriving and just want to keep on driving. P.S. Please let me know which bank pays five per cent, I think you meant point five. Keep up the good work. Cheers
I totally agree. It doesn't corner well being front heavy almost a death trap. Quite a few accidents involving these. It's basically a point and fire car, but even there it's not spectacular. On the other hand the car has torque. It can move from standstill in third. I think it's reputation and status only grew after Triumph went belly up and the TR7 more or less killed the line. I think just on the issue of handling it fails as a great sports car must be FUN. I would say the Mazda MX is everything the TR6 should have been.
You left out two other issues. You didn't mention the number of U Joints that wear out easily and often. I believe there are six. I know my Spitfire at 22,000 miles started to fail. The other is replacing the clutch is a major headache with some flexibility. TR6 clutches can be replaced either through engine compartment or the the interior. Both are a pain.
So then why do I miss my modded TR six even though I have a supercharged Bugeye Sprite, a 1987 Porsche, Targa Carrera and a supercharged upgraded C6 Corvette making over 700 hp?
They are normally at the end of a straight section of road used for overtaking. They are telling you to get back over if your still out as there is a bend or danger approaching
As an American, seeing you drive on the wrong side of the road was scary. And those roads look so narrow! (Been there since 1278, I guess) Good driving!
Great video. Impractical, expensive, flawed....but the TR6 has a soul. I'd happily burn my feet to charcoal stumps, go deaf, have my back seize up and my bank account frozen.
I have a 1973 TR6, recently restored. I agree with most of the comments in this video, but that is what makes the TR6 such a great driving experience. About the cost, it is pretty common to get the value of the parts but not the labour out of a restoration, regardless of what you are restoring. I started with a car from California which had one small rust hole, that I found when sanding it out for repainting. I replaced the 1973 seats with rebuilt 1972 high backs, which are much better. The transmission is about the worst I have ever experience. For highway speeds today, overdrive is a must. I installed a J Type overdrive from a Volvo. Some more issues the video missed. Many of these cars have not been well maintained and have had shoddy repairs, small issues overlooked, and original parts changed out for aftermarket. This adds to the cost of restoring to original condition. The TR6 is an evolved 1952 TR2, same wheelbase and body layout. Behind the dash is a disaster. The TR2 had a small heater, no defogger, no dash vents. The TR6 has so much packed in behind the dash it is an adventure to access for repairs. To access the oil pressure gauge, you remove the ashtray in the dash pad, and if your hands are small enough (you don't have mechanic's hands) you can just reach and turn the nuts on the back of the gauge to pull it out through the dash. The cable hood release is flakey, so its a good idea to install a back up emergency release. The carburetors have problems with percolation on hills on hot days, which is addressed by adding a heat shield. Then, there is the problems with the British electricals, which is that the wire connectors disconnect. The problem is that all wiring connectors are single wire male-female connectors, which disconnect themselves. The OEM connectors are a different shape from the North American connectors, so are not compatible, and fall apart easily. The seat tracks do not move smoothly. The gas tank is small for the poor fuel mileage of the TR6. I owned an MGB for about 10 years in a former life. The B and the TR6 are about the same size car. The MGB has significantly fewer design issues, probably because it was a new design in 1964, not an evolution of a 1952 design. In spite of the issues with the TR6, I will take it hands down over the MGB. The more solid feel, less cowl shake, driving experience, more luxurious feel (wood dash) and (for me) more pleasing styling make the TR6 the most desirable of the British sports cars in its size category.
my word. hadnt seen the size of response till i opened it. thats for a great input and comment. Ill be sure to mention some of these in the sequel. Great feedback, thanks for watching and keep enjoying the TR. I know i will!
Having driven a TR6 for the first time a couple of days ago, then I would certainly not describe that one as quiet and suitable for the cruising. It had an amazing exhaust note, but by heaven was it loud. However, nearly as noisy was the fuel pump which screamed like a banshee. It also stunk of petrol. Something for my friend, who had just bought it, to sort out. Handling wise? Well it shook and shook quite a bit over the bumpy B roads, but it did feel very secure and not as if it would suddenly do something unexpected. I can't say I found the steering that heavy. But then I date back to well before power steering was standard, and recall all those early FWD cars without that, so heaving on the steering wheel in a car park was not unusual, and I was always taught to get the car moving, even a little, before moving the wheel. That all said, for me at least, not a problem. The gearbox, however, did require a lot of getting used to. It is not light, and you have to be very deliberate. It would take me quite a while for it to be second nature. The seats were fairly minimal, and it being a 1969 model, no head restraint either. However, I didn't get back ache, even at my age (68). The engine did not idle very cleanly. I don't know if that's normal, or if the fuel injection system needs an overhaul. However, when moving it had plenty of torque and I suspect it's almost impossible to stall. One thing I did learn was to let the engine torque do all the work. You do not have to spin this thing up. The throttle wasn't very progressive, and wasn't very smooth. Maybe it just needs a bit of lubrication, maybe the fuel injection system needs and overhaul. The brakes work, but they need a hefty shove, but again, nothing more than I was used to a few decades ago. I just had to re-calibrate my right foot. The clutch for me was not a problem, apart from having nowhere to park my left foot as the foot well is narrow. You can only really pull your foot back. In all, having been cosseted by modern cars, it was like learning how to drive all over again. Going back to the dim and distant past I would say it was considerably trickier to drive than, say, a mk1 or mk2 Cortina, nominally of the same era, but of rather more modern design.
Good points, made in the video -not a fan of any Fords so called modern hatchback classics. . You could have mentioned a boot rack for extra capacity which I had in the past on an MG but did not need one in my various TR 7's.
Door frames opening up and scuttles moving as much as 4 inches were evident from new, the chassis are floppy. I had a 1973 mimosa yellow with unique brown trim in 1973, 6 months old. Took it round the test track at work and it topped out at 60mph. It then spent 3 weeks at lucas to get P.I sorted. Only lasted a vew weeks. Set out with my Hayes manual, and set the P.I myself. I had the car 7 years, took it all round europe in the blistering hot summer of 76 and nevef had any problem with the Lucas P.I system. The worst issue was scuttle shake and door frame flexing in Paris and other French cities. Car was kept in concourse condition but the joins between the panels were a nighmare, constantly having to replace sealistic. Good car at the time but after all these years I wouldnt buy another. Body too floppy.
funny you should mention classic lotus and rust... If they have steel door beams inside the fibreglass shell of the doors... these rust like blazes.. I dismantled tow doors on a Lotus elite... the door beams with no exageration came out in buckets.
I disagree with many of your points, having owned a 1974 TR6 for 10 years between 2000 and 2010. 1) Investment. I paid $3000 for the car in 00 and sold it for $3000 in 10. I didn't buy it to make money. I was able to do most repairs myself and parts are readily available still in US. The car drew more attention than any Porsche or Italian sports car in my area. Very affordable. 2) Seats- Seats weren't that uncomfortable though yes you had option to upgrade. 3) Petrol- I never had a problem reaching for the center fuel cap. You just had to be careful not to spill. Not a problem. 4) Corrosion- ALL 1970 cars have corrosion issues. Ecoat and Pretreatment wasn't common and perfected until well into 80's and 90's. You just deal with it. My car had a frame that needed some steel plates added to strengthen it. Find a good weld shop and it's not expensive. 5) Trunk space- I could carry a few sets of golf clubs in it, no problem. For two ppl there was plenty of storage space. 6) Car performance- Car was very peppy. I do agree that cornering is not one of its strong points but it had plenty of straight line power and braking. Overdrive would be nice, it does rev high on the freeway, but I would never seek out freeway driving in it. 7) Heavy steering and clutch. I never noticed it wearing me out even on long trips. At speed the steering was very light, and I prefer a heavier clutch. Driving it you feel like you've done some work. 8) You didn't mention the electrical system, which is dodgy, but Lucas systems on all 70s British cars were dodgy. But they were easy to work on. 9) Heater- Who drives it when you need heat? Maybe more of a problem in the UK. If anything engine overheating can be a bit of a problem if you are stuck in traffic and its 95 F outside. 10) Fuel system- I had the standard carb setup and never had any fuel problems. Other items I liked- With the size of most vehicles on road now I would never get anything smaller than the TR6, you wouldn't have a chance in an accident. Nice lines, it really looked tough with the large wheels and curves. I had a performance exhaust two pipe system and it sounded great.
I'd like to know which bank is giving 5% interest on your money. This is a good video and makes it clear that Classic cars are like stocks and shares. The thing with Classic cars is to choose one you really like that is from 40 years ago and in good condition or can be economically restored. It is environmentally friendly because you are not making a new car, the insurance is lower than a new car and the vehicle tax is Zero. They are not for everyone. I have bought Classic cars (1960 MGA, 1979 MG Midget) and had them professionally and fully restored for less than the cost of a new car. Then the value actually doubled over 20 years. You can't do that easily with a new car. But it is not about making money, is it? That is simply a bonus.
I drive a 1974 MGB US model currently (late chrome bumper) but am always tempted to buy a TR6 for the looks, the style and the 6-cilinder. This was an informative video and it's exactly the points you make that keep me from doing it. I like small B roads and avoid motorways, I like an armrest and space in the interior. And a good monoquoque and suspension make for a nice drive. But in the end what do you prefer? The B or Midget or the TR6?
oooo great question. I think each car has its place - it comes down to what do YOU want to use it for. I love the midget for sprinting and thrashing around the lanes but the TR6 can be driven all day and is a relaxing take it easy kinda drive. the engine doesnt lend itself to thashing it through the revs. Maybe the MGB is a balance between the 2 so then it comes down to looks and $$$. All are great fun to own and socialise with. Thanks for watching.
Recently owned a decent '64B and I can't disagree more with handling vs TR6. I'm a long term Elan owner too. The B is that much slower, and more wallowy than the TR6 - night and day. Gearbox crunchy? - must have a lemon. My TR6 is a bone stock PI and in near perfect condition, but it gets driven.
Compared to an MX5, the TR6 is a truck. Mine is mildly turbocharged and has 150kw at the wheels. If I want a cruiser I'll get an Impala. If I want a sports car it needs 150kw/tonne and must stand no higher than my nipples.
A very nice honest review… wish I’d kept my 205 gti though😢!.. I also had a MGBGT with overdrive, wire wheels etc! Now at 72 I’d like something more of a slogan look.
This is the best response on the page.... if you want a car that has the power and handles like a 2022 sports car, buy one... no matter how much you spend on a 30 year plus old car it will never drive like a modern vehicle. Plus, if you have ever had parts re-chromed you will better understand.
Ever thought about owning a TVR M series instead? Especially the 2500M has many TR6 components but solved many of the Triumphs problems. Its much lighter, has double wishbone suspension front and back, much rarer with only app. 950pcs build (2500M). Its not even close to perfect but also not as bad as some claim and a solid alternative in my opinion
i bought my 72 tr as 2nd owner in 78 with 40,000 and drove it for 28 mostly trouble free,and i did not baby it, but didn't try to drive it like a GTO, would love to have another but i'm an old man now, time to let someone else enjoy, 28 years was good for me.....
😂 bought my TR6 used,had no idea if had overdrive or even what was. Was a strange lever next to turn signal. Hit it by accident on freeway found out quickly had overdrive. Very glad have it. Car is surprisingly quick, easy to keep up with traffic. Carbs wish had FI but bit expensive in US. Fuel economy not great but ok for car occasionally driven. I tell people the heater has the output of the breath of a mouse. Does get the looks and comments. Put Miata seats in car gave away the originals. Replaced the wheels with Panasports and modern tires. I love the car and have no regrets.
Nobody buys a TR6 to save money. You buy a TR6 because you like the "big" TRs. So far I have owned a TR3, an early TR4.Briefly aTR4A. (Somewhere around here.I have an original TR4 factory repair Manual) A highly modified TR 250,with a Datsun 240Z motor and transmission, a real beast ! Biggest bad news about a TR6 is the center main bearing and support web ! Rust,and Lucas electronics?Just part of TR life !
Having owned and worked extensively on an Austin Healy Sprite Mk IV, an MGB and a Porsche 944S, I would give an enthusiastic yes to owning a TR-6. I lusted after a Datsun 2000 roadster when I was younger but am now driving a late model 370Z sport pkg coupe 6MT, a reasonable facsimile to a classic two-seater 6-cyl sports car. There is a beautiful mechanical simplicity to this car that requires an attachment by the driver, the combination of which produces a driving experience to be cherished. I would be mainly concerned about the body/frame corrosion issues and would want to be satisfied that I could properly address them before getting this car but every other issue to me is surmountable. Living in the US, I feel fortunate in being able to drive on roads that are more fitting to this car's nature. With the time and effort that I've invested in all of my sports cars, I feel a close bond to them, as I'm sure you do to your TR-6.
Good review, and especially a nice final sign off 😃😎. We run these cars with our subjective hearts, not necessarily logic or objectively 😂. (K - Series Midget owner 👍)
I was looking for a MGB. The MG I went to look at was a rust bucket but next to it………..was a 71 TR 6. I told the owner of both cars I am not interested in the B how about the Triumph. To be brief I drove It home that day and restored it over a few years time. That was twenty + years ago. I Still have it. It turns more heads then before and still gives me a great feeling of satisfaction that I did everything myself but the paint. People try to compare old cars with newer models. It doesn’t work that way. You like that car BECAUSE it’s not modern.
The original seats are perfectly supportive if in good condition. Rebuild stock seats with new foam and you end up with great seats that look 'right'. MX5 seats????? They look out of place. Filler cap in middle? Looks better and is just another way of this bloke adding to his list. I think the only think I can take from this is that you need to be dilligent and don't buy anything but the best car, and absolutely insist on overdrive.
Thanks for watching and glad you liked the video. All aspects of classic ownership are subjective and hopefully this gives a few more things to consider on any purchase. Thanks for commenting
LOL! And you haven't mentioned the rear drive shaft splines locking up under torque following cornering, causing fish tailing when you change gear accelerating out of the corner. Fixable though, by adapting shafts with tripod & birfield joints instead of universal joints and splines. Even the sedans splines locked up when you really accelerated hard.
They are quite a few things to upgrade the TR6 with the 2.5 p.i estate and saloon car Mark 2 you can take out the power steering it will have the OverDrive system you can put a Bosch pump in the car there would be a pump with a coil going round the pump would be petrol cooling the pump you could upgrade the rear brakes two discs and you could upgrade your extension and it all depends what the body is like on your TR6 and with the chassis it is box section but you can get the the chassis to be sorted out if it need it and if you can't a big garage with rafters you can lift the body of the chassis then you can check the chassis if it needs to be sorted out of welding or clean down to be some kind of rust proof paint where you've done that inside the joint you can spray wax inside when people buy classic cars they don't buy for an investment they bite because they like the car and between the clutch cylinder you could change it so you have a easy clocks pedal to make the car make it better what it was and to upgrade it as well until look after it then you know it is an investment you are not looking at it is an investment it is the sound of the 6-cylinder engine2.5 is better to go like that it doesn't matter if it is a 80s car you still going to contain it and look after it like a TVR that is fibreglass body the axle between the the frame of the bottom of the car they do Rust and pit same with any kind of car will rust if you do not look after it properly I used to pick-up all triumphs take off the doors boot bonnet seats the aluminium suspension take out everything out in collective think I had if you are a real Triumph owner if you can pick up a Triumph 2.5 p i saloon Estate you can get the parts for that will go onto a TR6 and then you could sell the parts what you do not need install mate on make money on these bits and pieces don't forget the police used to use Triumph 2000 two's triumphs and I used to frog the pants off them any kind of all car from the 50s or 60s or 70s it is the experience home to be proud to drive an old car or start from the bottom and work from the top and make something better what it was or have a podrick
Cars are awful investments. We get intrigued by hearing of a classic Ferrari selling at a record price. That's the exception. Most classic cars don't keep up with inflation
I owned a MGA, A MGB (my first car in 69' when I was 16) a GT6 (Fast as all hell) and a TR6. Yes, all of these cars had twerks , etc. But the Triumphs had beefy engines ! All of these cars were made on the cheap. But what wasn't in those days. Look at the Datsun Z's. Rust buckets. Anyway, getting back to Triumph , they were easier to work on than an MG. Less complex than a Austin 3000 or a Jag with three carbs. Fun Cars!
Over the years I have had three TR6 . Still got one . Mine Doesn't rattle like yours and the suspension don't roll on corners ,,, try road testing a tr4a.
So funny- even the ads are for Snake Oil! I had a 240Z as a kid. It kinda erased any desire for a TR. I think TR6 are so handsome- I'd like BRG with that little Brit flag on the back quarter. Lovely. I'll have a beer waiting for you...
....... and yet, when it's all said and done, you will look back and realize that the most fun you ever had in an automobile was when you owned and operated that worthless piece of refuse you're putting down so badly. You see, you were involved in a great adventure that gave you wonderful memories and helped you mature in ways you wouldn't have otherwise.
Having owned my 1971 TR-6 from new for 40 years and 1 month, I would say the following: Overdrive does make a difference for all the reasons he said. Putting the gas cap in the middle requires catching the gas drippings with a paper towel. Because I got tired of burning out the points, I installed a Pertonix electronic ignition...a great investment. Apparently, the reviewer is unaware that there is a knob that directs heat to the windshield as well as a knob that reduces the amount of heat: 2 problems solved. It is very important to check for rust and be sure to bring a rubberized magnet to check that all panels are metal through and through. Finally, it is indeed a man's car which is why I'm suggesting the reviewer should buy a Mazda Miata!
Once you own one life seems to smile back at you. I have owned "TIA" ( get it?) since 1993. It was rebuilt twice so far during my ownership and bodywork once. It will cost you so buy a top end one that has everything attended to? That should be as original as possible and have at least come with the same rocker box cover, washing machine steel wheels and its original steering wheel -at the very least. A hardtop is good but why would you want to drive her out in the rain? Smiles for miles. Good luck. I am getting old so one day "Tia" will be up for grabs.
Well, you are a breath or two, of fresh air,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Think it's time you sold yours and buy a Lotus. I likes mine, it's not a daily driver, so it provides joy, well mostly. There have been a few moments, but not enough to put my off my TR6. Oh, btw, I'm not a mechanical guy, I have a shop that works on it, and money wise I am ahead of the combined cost of purchase price and cost of repairs. Now, cheer up and enjoy your TR6 in 2023 !
Mortgage rates here in the uk are over 5% right now. How you spend your money is an individual choice. The point was a TR6 isn’t growing in value much here in the UK largely due to a high level of US imports . While most buy the car for other reasons - some do buy cars as investments. Thanks for watching
@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 Sorry mate. The intended “tongue in cheek” nature of my comment was clearly not apparent. Rest assured I don’t look to RUclips car videos for financial advice. That being said, when the bank quotes you a 5% mortgage rate, that’s what you’ll pay them - not what they’ll pay you 😊.
Brilliantly presented and oh so accurate. Nicely done. Added caveat for US prospects. There's quite a few shops popping up that specialize in 'vintage' (meaning 70's) MG's and Triumphs. Spend the money after finding a good looking one? Great. But under the skin many are running on barnyard MacGuyver assembled bits, which are attached to more pot metal fabricated science project part, which are hooked up to incorrect model or year parts. That said, and despite the drawbacks listed in this video, there's still a more enjoyable collector car than any mid to late seventies Corvette, Which are like beautiful but psychotic and ambitiously useless romantic partners. At least you can see the trouble spots in a TR6 and have a useable trunk (ok, fine. Boot).
if i found one barn find ,id stick a bmw 323 or325 in it and running gear or a supra twin turbo and running gear fibre glass body panels,my m8 has one with a lexus and mr 2 back end
I think it is an excellent car for a full resto-mod. Put a US V8 in there or a small dependable V12 and sort out the suspension upgrades and frame support. Leather inside. It's a labor of love not an investment. Beautiful lines.
Finally, someone who realizes what a beautiful POS they are. Had a 73 (no OD, of course) and hated it far more than I loved it. It was a lovely sounding slug that was a money pit - mine was yellow, say no more. It was fun to drive, but my 2l Benz hatchback outhandles it and blows it off the road in a straight line. Back in the day, I paid $5K for it spend thousands and traded it in 5 years later for $2K. Great investment, right? Great torque, but dump the clutch too much and you'll be buying a new half-shaft.
However, I did drive two MG Midgets where I worked - on old, one new. The newer one was more fun and I didn't mind the black one-piece front end. TR6, never again!@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349
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An issue that also afflicted these car's was this. Customers used to get tappet rattle. They would buy a Haynes manual and adjust the tappets, then shortly after the tappets would rattle again, adjust again, then they would rattle again. What the Haynes manual did not tell people is at the top of the rocker shaft right by the bulk head is a really tiny set screw that used to come out and drop into the sump. With this screw out the oil would would not run along the shaft and the rocker would be running bone dry. Replace the screw, adjust the tappers and Hey Presto.
Thanks for the input Paul. If theres one thing for sure its that these cars bring out so much knowledge, stories and memories of good times. thanks for watching.
Ah, British engineering. "Watch out for the little set screw, mate!"
An interesting video and point of view. Considering my TR6 turned 51 this year, it is a great car. I do not get into it expecting it to be comfortable, I do not care if the clutch is heavy. There is 'no way' I would be interested in replacing it with 'a more modern classic'. By now the issues with fuel pumps etc are well sorted, it is a very reliable car! I take your point about the chassis bend and resulting door gap. They do not need to be rusty for this to occur.
I think if you want a classic sports car that is not stratospherically expensive, sounds great and turns heads where ever you go the Tr is a good choice. Just my point of view!
Thanks for watching and the input
Oh ya u would trade for a older BMW 3 convertible...handling and teel are excellent ..not front wheel drive ....and a lot safer to
This was the most depressing video Ive seen. I think you have completely missed the idea behind owning an older
car and more specifically an English car. You tell me about a single car of the 60’s and 70’s that does not require any attention.
I have owned a 70 TR6, RHD PI since 2016. Ive spent endless hours as you said, working on it, reading the Robert Bentley-TR6 manual, asking question on the forums and tinkering on the car. I’ve loved every minute of it, even times that I thought I was getting anywhere. It’s just part of the territory of owning any old car.
I love the looks, sounds, road feedback and… about this car. Will I buy this car again? Yes.
Thanks for watching and for commenting. Indeed, this video was always going to split the audience, and as you say every classic has another side which most videos and forums gloss over to focus on how amazing they are. Hopefully you watched to the end when i summarize if its all worth it.
I've had one for 29 years and I've recently bought another one.
You either love them or you hate them. I love them. The look, the sound, the feel of sitting one foot off the ground. He redeemed himself at the end. He was beginning to sound a bit whiny.
I really wish that no one but me liked them, because I could pick one up cheaper that way.
Absolutely. thanks for watching
I own a tr6 for 10yrs and there's nothing you can say
Im sure after 10 years you fully appreciate all the TR6 pitfalls. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video. keep watching for more to come.
I think if Joe has owned his TR6 for 10 years he appreciates the good points of the car more than the pitfalls. Of course it has its pitfalls but real enthusiasts work through them and don't apply 21st century expectations to 1960s technology. You will never put me off these cars.
I loved it.
I owned 2 TR-6’s when younger. Fun to drive, but shite to maintain.
Almost 30 years owning a 280SL now. IMHO the car the Triumph aspired to be.
Tedious presentation
I loved the video as I bought a TR6 in April with no overdrive and OEM seats. After I installed a rebuilt differential, after market rear hubs, replaced all 6 U-joints, rebuilt the carbs and had the distributor rebuilt I'm no doubt upside down in the car. I have the same track record with sailboats so I take great pains in not keeping a spreadsheet of costs, not to mention my labor. I have to do all the work myself because the auto repair industry has moved on where I live, with few understanding analog cars with no OBDII to tell them what is wrong. I hate it when I am mid-repair but it is so damned satisfyingly when you are done. I too, would probably do it all again.
great stuff. thanks for watching
It's a big part of owing a TR-6 and it's a very good part too!
USA here. I owned my white TR6 when I was roughly 18 years old. All the things you mentioned went in one ear and out of the other. Having that car, at that time of my life, was magic. I'm 69, and I know that having one now wouldn't bring back that particular type of magic, but if it could, I'd throw half of my retirement account at the worst-deal-ever to get another. Best time of my life.
Before the Triumph, I had an MGB in brg. I loved it, and it was a great primer for what was to come. Your summation at the video's end says it all. Regardless of the problems encountered, it's the way cars like this make us feel. Thanks for the ending. Perfect!
Thanks for the feedback
I've been a Triumph man all my life. I've owned dozens from humble 948 Heralds to terrifying 350bhp TR8s, even one TR6. My current daily is a 78 Dolomite Sprint (with a twist! It has a Vauxhall engine) We don't buy Triumphs because we want a perfect car, we know their many flaws and love them anyway. As, I suspect, do you!
Yep, as anyone who watched to the end will see - the issues dont matter, its all worth it
They do have their quirks but the smiles tell it all and I love it. Mine had a frame off, I fixed the heater valve, carbs, replaced all suspension bushings, mostly use 3rd gear around town. It has doubled in value and that labor investment is called love!
absolutely Blair! Thanks for watching
how could it double in value with carbs on it?????
@@simonedwards5070 US and Canadian cars are not fuel injected.
I've owned my 1969 TR6 for almost 34 years. It's a 50+ year old car. If you own one, expect to rebuild absolutely everything at least once. You'll also need to replace the interior. I went with the wool carpeting upgrade through Moss Motors. I also bought replacement seats from Moss, which were also in leather, hot vinyl as it came from the factory. A lot of TR6 owner install Miata seats. I bought the HVDA 5 speed conversion kit which uses a Toyota 5 speed manual transmission. I put triple Weber carb's on the car. Once they're tuned, they're good forever. I added a cooling fan + a heat exchanger for the oil line because I lived in LA at the time and it's very hot during the summer. I bought a replacement fabric top. Vinyl shrinks over time and these cars are owned a long time (obviously). It's a period correct car meaning no power anything. Think about when you're going to brake. Avoid parallel parking like the plague. You might want to replace the OEM windshield with an aftermarket tinted windshield. It's best driven under 65 MPH. Even with a 5 speed transmission, you'll be at 3,000 RPM. It's a 50+ year old engine. I shift it @ 3,000 RPM and enjoy the visceral connection with the highway. Any modern car will be faster than this 10.5 second 0 - 60 beast. I added inlet and exhaust manifolds, a spin on oil filter, electric fuel pump and a hotter cam. I also fully ported the heads. The TR6 was detuned for the US market down to 105 HP. With the above I believe I got back up to the 150 HP spec from the factory. It's a beautiful car with timeless Karman styling. I get "thumbs up" from onlookers every time I drive it. Replacement parts are readily available and inexpensive. Don't address a vintage car with today's sensibilities. It was state of the art for the 1960's.
thanks for watching and the extensive input. much appreciated
Sweet! Had one in high school and another in college. Made me the classic car fan I am today. Still have a love for them!
You make good points to ensure anyone considering a TR6 goes in with their eyes wide open. I recently bought a TR6, and for serious money. We picked it up and drove it 600 miles in 2 days to get home, it has standard seats, and we found them surprisingly comfortable. Once home I immediately took it off the road to upgrade the suspension, re-wire it, and do a bunch of cosmetic stuff. It was enormous pleasure, because I love working on old cars and bikes, and a TR6 is great because it's easy to work on, and most importantly EVERY spare part is still available for it. I also own a 6 spd 3L BMW Z4 convertible. I don't think I'll ever drive it again, the TR6 in all it's hairy-chested basic glory is SO much more of an experience to drive. And finally, where I live, every single time I take the TR6 out I get people coming up to talk/engage/comment/reminisce. It brings a smile to everyones face, it's so gorgeous. It's priceless.
Spot on. I own cars worth 5 times as much, but the TR6 is up there and gets used the most.
Thanks for sharing
I'm close to finish my second TR6 total restoration, frame off, bare metal. This time a 71 PI but I confess I converted again to electronic fuel injection. Great car to drive and lots of fun. I'm 70 and have no problem working on it.
I also own a BMW Z3 3.0i which comes about close to the TR6 experience but with more comfort: electric soft top, power steering and air-condition.
Still the 6 is my favorite!
All good points you said there, infact I could probably add another 50 to that list.
We had a 73 sapphire blue that didn’t complete a journey ever for an entire year. Each time it was taken out, a short or long drive it came back either being towed or on the back of an AA van…and that’s not my stupidity, each time was a different issue…and I bought the car restored and inspected by revvington TR, a specialist not to be trusted by me again.
I’ve just installed the rebiult engine back into it after it went bang and will have it driving soon. Just after February though I bought a 75 in french blue, a project that will need finishing, but with a new chassis and rebiult engine someone’s already done the hard bits.
One point about your point on the heater, there is a valve you can turn in the footwell to cut hot air flow into the footwell and divert more to the dash and windscreen, have you tired fiddling with that?
As always a great vid
T
Thanks for the feedback. These cars certainly do stir the emotions and not always in a good way. Sounds like you’ve had your fair share of them! Yes I can see a heater modification coming in the near future to get some hot air through the dash vents. Stay tuned.
I had a white one too, but it was written off in an accident. So I have ignored all your reasons and gone out and bought another. I missed mine so much..
Great stuff. good luck with the new purchase.
Love the TR6. Proper sports car. I have a small collection of classics, the TR6 does more miles than any of them. Perfect for our Dorset lanes. All your points are fair. The pluses for me are the noise, feel and narrow width of the car, plus you can get all the parts. Love em.
Thanks for the comment and feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video
I had a white ‘74 in the late 70s. I was living in London at the time. It wasn’t pleasant driving in town but I used to drive up to Lincolnshire on the A1 most weekends and that’s when it came into its own. I had a hard and soft top and the hard top stiffened the car up a lot. Summer driving was like yours. Shake, rattle and roll! My wife to be learned to drive in it and how she managed hill starts with that clutch I don’t know. Traded it for a 3 litre Capri. Another classic.
Nice! thanks for watching
I owned one back in the day (late 80's) and loved it. It was the (I think) J Type Gearbox with O/D on 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Cannot disagree with anything you said, but still loved it although I never had the fuel problems that you talked about. Never suffered either from the corrosion you described, although obviously the car was somewhat younger than any example around today. At the end of the day, if you love the TR6, you'll put up with all of the other drawbacks you've outlined. I would have another in a heartbeat today if I had a garage, off road parking and a physique and fitness that would allow me to actually get in and out of a TR6 these days.
Thanks for watching and the great input
Completely agree about the Overdrive. Either buy one w/OD or plan on swapping the gearbox.
Yep. Number 1 must have IMO. Thanks for watching
Vague steering was mentioned in this video. Well when I restored my TR6 I replaced all bushings with poly bushings, plus I replaced the rubber mounts on the steering rack with solid aluminium ones, With the smaller Motolita wooden steering wheel it actually steer extremely accurate, so much so I need to put on driving gloves to get a good grip on the wheel, partly because it’s wood, partly because it changes direction like a go cart.
Thanks for the comments. And thanks for watching
I had a TR6 a few years ago. It was running on twin carbs. It also had a conversion to the 5sp gearbox from a Toyota Supra. Not for the purist but it was a far better unit. I never had a days trouble from it and it was such a great car. Really miss it!
Great cars! Thanks for watching
TR6 like a 68-73 Porsche 911. I love the body, hate the mechanicals. I thought about engine swap Miata and its 5 speed into the TR6. but Im stuck with the krap frame and suspension... Is there a can close enough to the TR6 proportions, to do a full body swap?
Thanks for sharing 👍
TR6. Of all the cars I have driven, only TR6 felt like a REAL car and made me feel like a REAL driver. Inexplicable but true.
thanks for watching
I had a 1970 2.5pi with the TR5 spec engine, and at 3500 rpm was were the fun starts. O the sweat noise I made when reving up past 6000 rpm.
I did have overdrive, and It was fantastic for cruising.
Being heavier then the tr6 it was still fun driving on the country roads of south East Queensland.
I would love a Tr6.
Once you sort out the fuel pump issues and tune the injection and the throttle body's, sort out the dodgy electrical stuff, they can be a reliable car.
thanks for watching. appreciate the comments
This evening I’ve been to look at a TR6 that’s been outside in the sun in southern Spain for a good number of years , but I don’t have a clue what it’s worth ? It all looks good to me , very little rust , door gap equal all the way up , how would I go about getting a rough price of it’s worth ? Thanks
Local triumph clubs are a great way of getting help on values. You can get a rough idea looking at the market over time to see what they are selling for on eBay and in the trade. Thanks for watching 👍
Having owned and driven a Tr6 in the US. Also being a brit and driven extensively on both sides of the pond, I can speak from experience. Even with it's shortcomings and foibles, the idea of driving one on a British 'B' road is much more of an attractive proposition than most American interstates. If by "America has the roads" is what you mean? American "rural routes" are more like British 'A' roads, often not particularly well surfaced. Again from my experience I think British 'A' roads are generally in better shape. Of course some of this depends on the state, its winter weather and how well the individual states maintain their roads. Apologies, I'm getting a little off topic here.
As a side note most US TR6's were never ordered with overdrive, - which I've always thought unusual - those that have it are in the exception and highly desirable.
thanks for watching. appreciate the comments
An amusing and honest review of a TR 6 . Had lots of cars over the 56 years of being a petrolhead and liked the look of the TR6 but the prices put me off ,but a friend bought one and he knew I was a retired loon who loved classic cars so I did the odd service and job on the car .But I soon found out about the usual "niggly" faults ,but I have owned T R7s and they never seemed so well put together as the 6 ,BUT had no whinges about the heater or engine reliability and the 5 speed boxes were great . The
handling was also a big plus ,but the brakes ,steering and the seats were shocking especially the Deckchair lookalikes . Sold my last one a few weeks ago [reluctantly ] only because of getting in and out ,so I now have a Rover P6 2000 which is nicer to drive ,more comfortable and much better built ,it makes the Rover SD1 I bought new in the early 80s look and drive like a Morris Minor ?. I wanted a V8 but being a pensioner I eventually put it out of my mind -- - Happy Motoring ! .
Sounds like some good times with good cars. Thanks for watching
I owned a '72 Sapphire blue for 8 years. Once I finally got it sorted, I would go out to get petrol and end up driving for 4-5 hours at a time, just no point in stopping or going home. Of course all country roads.
Got lots of waves from passersby. Intoxicating enjoyment, but you are correct about the foibles.
Thanks for watching! glad you enjoyed the video
Good thing you ended it this way cos I was going to yell at you for forgetting all the wonderful hours you spend fixing it. By the way the Bosch fuel injection is prone to overheating albeit in summer here in Greece but the heating system works “as expected “ minus the still lingering mummified mouse smell that ended life in the heater box, in-spite my cleaning efforts ! Thanks for the fun video!
Thanks for watching and the comments. appreciate the input and feedback
Informative (in a tongue-in-cheek way). These cars are all about how you make you feel. As a very young kid, I thought that the understated looks of the TR5s and the TR6s were magic. I still feel that way at 60.
Thanks for watching David
Planning to add a 1974 TR6 to my collection by end of week. Rebuilt, triple Webers, O/D and other various upgrades.
It will round out my other British cars Rally-look Mini, a Moke and Spitfire.
enjoy!
Great video-True statements. I owned a TR4 and a TR6 for 28 years. They were a joy! It was a love hate relationship. I loved them when they worked about half the time. I learned how to work on cars because of them. You forgot to mention the Lucus ignition system fail and the 6 u-joints that also like to fail.
Thanks for watching . Appreciate the comments
Love your deadpan delivery, and yes we live with and learn to love our British classics and their imperfections. More of an MG man myself, but hell - the sight of 6 intake ports on individual throttle bodies made me dribble a bit
thanks for watching
A TR6 was made right before emission controls and rust proofing. That's a mixed bag. What makes a car like that fun is manual everything. I think it has power brakes, though. I like power brakes. I always saw these things with SU's, then, these people have had a lot of time to play with these, since the last time I played with one.
My father had a TR6 for a couple of months, back in the 1970's, but somebody with deep pockets liked it more than he did. In the 1980's, I learned my lesson about "classic" rust buckets, with a 240z. My father could afford toys as a retired man, but a kid starting out.... Everybody knows this story.
great story. thanks for watching
12:41. The rust is designed into the car. Take a look at the wheel wells and you'll find there's only half a liner in there!
aaaaah rust.the enemy of every british classic
Born in '61 and started noticing them when I was 8 or 9. The TR6 and Spitfire have been my dream cars ever since.
Nice! 👌 thanks for watching
Hi. An interesting and informative way to put people off buying a car which they have no skill or knowledge to run and maintain.
It still has not put me off buying a TR6. I have had quite a few classics over the years, and a TR6 is on my bucket list of classics.
I am hopefully collecting one next week, a useable classic and not a trailer queen.
Interestingly in your video you drive in my local area passing through the village I live in. Weirdly I thought the scenery was familiar!
Glad to hear it Simon and thanks for the feedback. Yes the video purpose was to show that classics are not perfect and every one has its own set of headaches. The good often out weighs the bad and as I share at the end the TR6 has a lot to love. Good luck with your purchase when it arrives 👍
I have owned my 150 brake tr6 for 42 years, man and boy. It has Lucas PI. Going to fit HS6 carburettors on it now as the car doesn’t like modern fuel. I have had so many people say to me they had a tr once, wish they’d still got it. Well I’ve still got mine. Sat in the garage and covered 18,000 miles in all that time. You may say what’s the point. And I quite agree. But can’t imagine selling it, faults and all.
Nice! Thanks for watching
I've had mine for 29 years , still on the Lucas PI , still runs fine and no hot restart problems that I encounter with the SU carbs on my V8 Rover. As for investing in a classic , put your money into gold or something. The powers that be are hell bent on getting rid of petrol cars , and you will probably have your car confiscated by government before long under "Green New Deal" . To quote Klaus Schwabe at The World Economic Forum , " By the year 2030 you will own nothing
and be happy" In the mean time I will enjoy owning and driving my TR6 while it is still legal to do so.
Bought one in 1975 with 7000 miles from dcm tr centre in Kensington for £2500 what a car the best sports car ever
Nice finish on that video. I had a Canadian TR250 and it was a blast in my 20s and if I could have one today I would. Points are likely spot on but as you've seen in the comments, it's not why people have one. Cheerio! Lovely car by the way. Nice job.
thanks for watching
There is something about the TR6 that just doesn't seem right. It is a gut feeling. All I know is this: "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."
thanks for watching
Which bank could you get 5% from in 2022?
My wife is five foot nowt, and rice pudding skins are safe in her presence. Yet she had no difficulty driving it. Steering was a lot lighter than her hatchback of the era.
Did a lot of miles over seven years in my TR6, and had no Pi problems. Only faults were the water pump- twice.
Thanks for watching
Great cars ! especially the pre 73 150 BHP ones, worked on them as a mechanic, in. our local dealership & we did eventually sort the Lucas Petrol Injection system gremlins gremlins. ,! :-) great video by the way , many thanks :-)
Thanks for watching
Great video. Don't own a TR 6. Fell in love inmediately the first time I saw one about 43 years ago in my friends driveway. It was his dad's and he wouldn't drive it much. And yes, you hear all the stories about tne many quirks and the frustration but with this car you can explain it simply saying :
The heart wants what it wants, or else it does not care.
PS: Love the haircut 😊
Thanks for sharing!
Great (and honnest!) video! Had a '74 TR6 from 1982 to 1989 and I remember all the nice places I discovered while waiting for a tow truck. In '89, the Miata's reliability made me realize that a road trip could be carefree, not having to wonder whether or not you would get there. Your description of how it feels on the road is the most accurate I've seen to this day. Great job! Oh, by the way, I do own a NA Miata and even though I just love it, I will always break my neck to see a TR6 go by.
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Had a '75 TR6 in the mid '80s, loved it, accepted its quirks, it never let me down. Eventually had to let it go for mortgage, marriage and babies (in that order).
Thanks for watching Bilsib.
Pesky families ruin it all…
Thats a relief. My TR6 was built in the 60's and has fuel injection and overdrive. It's fantastic. Good luck putting the top on quickly on a MGB in a rainstorm. A piece of cake in the TR6
good point. thanks for watching
😎👍🇺🇸
I bought a 1971 Mini Cooper S ,RHD. Not a common sight here in my area of the PNW.
Almost every thing on the car needed some sort of attention. Except the paint. It's in pretty good nick. Maybe could use a polish.
I've done all the mechanical, rust, tinkering and tidying up on my own.
Of course it was one of those "this needs to be replaced". Then after pulling it apart. You find a couple of other things needing rework or replacement.
Not having a parts supplier close. I'd have to make an order and wait.
I've replaced and repaired tons of stuff. It's a great driving little thing now. It's a great looking, reliable and fun car.
Regrets? Nope, not a single one.
Of course it still needs tinkering here and there but I love it. It suits my oddball style.
Classic cars are great. As long as they're a second vehicle or a toy.
I wanted a Mini because it fits INSIDE of my garage alongside the motorcycle collection.
I don't have to work on it in the rain.😁
Classic British cars are wonderful. Not good cars, but wonderful to enjoy.
Great input. thanks for watching.
I own a TR6 and a TR4A. Both are a joy to have. I've had them since the mid-90s, and although one or two days of spannnering are required, it matters not to me.
enjoy thanks for watching
As always, a very interesting and informative video. It must have been difficult to come up with reasons not to buy when it's a car that is easy to fall in love with. Love is blind ! I bought mine a year ago and love the experience of driving it, I don't like arriving and just want to keep on driving. P.S. Please let me know which bank pays five per cent, I think you meant point five. Keep up the good work. Cheers
made me laugh. yes your right 5% does seem like a dream right now... but if inflation doesnt calm down, you never know....
Regarding the 5%: LMAO much? Yes, and still laughing!
I totally agree. It doesn't corner well being front heavy almost a death trap. Quite a few accidents involving these. It's basically a point and fire car, but even there it's not spectacular. On the other hand the car has torque. It can move from standstill in third. I think it's reputation and status only grew after Triumph went belly up and the TR7 more or less killed the line. I think just on the issue of handling it fails as a great sports car must be FUN. I would say the Mazda MX is everything the TR6 should have been.
Thanks for watching
You left out two other issues. You didn't mention the number of U Joints that wear out easily and often. I believe there are six. I know my Spitfire at 22,000 miles started to fail. The other is replacing the clutch is a major headache with some flexibility. TR6 clutches can be replaced either through engine compartment or the the interior. Both are a pain.
Good catch. i feel another video coming on.....
So then why do I miss my modded TR six even though I have a supercharged Bugeye Sprite, a 1987 Porsche, Targa Carrera and a supercharged upgraded C6 Corvette making over 700 hp?
thanks for watching
Can someone tell me what the curved arrows painted on the road mean?
They are normally at the end of a straight section of road used for overtaking. They are telling you to get back over if your still out as there is a bend or danger approaching
Very informative. Was actually thinking about a classic sports car . The new Mazda Miata is sounding better & better 😊
Thanks for watching
As an American, seeing you drive on the wrong side of the road was scary. And those roads look so narrow! (Been there since 1278, I guess) Good driving!
thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching
Our more modern roads were built about 1278 😁🏴🇬🇧
Great video. Impractical, expensive, flawed....but the TR6 has a soul. I'd happily burn my feet to charcoal stumps, go deaf, have my back seize up and my bank account frozen.
Thanks for watching
I have a 1973 TR6, recently restored. I agree with most of the comments in this video, but that is what makes the TR6 such a great driving experience. About the cost, it is pretty common to get the value of the parts but not the labour out of a restoration, regardless of what you are restoring. I started with a car from California which had one small rust hole, that I found when sanding it out for repainting. I replaced the 1973 seats with rebuilt 1972 high backs, which are much better. The transmission is about the worst I have ever experience. For highway speeds today, overdrive is a must. I installed a J Type overdrive from a Volvo. Some more issues the video missed. Many of these cars have not been well maintained and have had shoddy repairs, small issues overlooked, and original parts changed out for aftermarket. This adds to the cost of restoring to original condition. The TR6 is an evolved 1952 TR2, same wheelbase and body layout. Behind the dash is a disaster. The TR2 had a small heater, no defogger, no dash vents. The TR6 has so much packed in behind the dash it is an adventure to access for repairs. To access the oil pressure gauge, you remove the ashtray in the dash pad, and if your hands are small enough (you don't have mechanic's hands) you can just reach and turn the nuts on the back of the gauge to pull it out through the dash. The cable hood release is flakey, so its a good idea to install a back up emergency release. The carburetors have problems with percolation on hills on hot days, which is addressed by adding a heat shield. Then, there is the problems with the British electricals, which is that the wire connectors disconnect. The problem is that all wiring connectors are single wire male-female connectors, which disconnect themselves. The OEM connectors are a different shape from the North American connectors, so are not compatible, and fall apart easily. The seat tracks do not move smoothly. The gas tank is small for the poor fuel mileage of the TR6. I owned an MGB for about 10 years in a former life. The B and the TR6 are about the same size car. The MGB has significantly fewer design issues, probably because it was a new design in 1964, not an evolution of a 1952 design. In spite of the issues with the TR6, I will take it hands down over the MGB. The more solid feel, less cowl shake, driving experience, more luxurious feel (wood dash) and (for me) more pleasing styling make the TR6 the most desirable of the British sports cars in its size category.
my word. hadnt seen the size of response till i opened it. thats for a great input and comment. Ill be sure to mention some of these in the sequel. Great feedback, thanks for watching and keep enjoying the TR. I know i will!
Having driven a TR6 for the first time a couple of days ago, then I would certainly not describe that one as quiet and suitable for the cruising. It had an amazing exhaust note, but by heaven was it loud. However, nearly as noisy was the fuel pump which screamed like a banshee. It also stunk of petrol. Something for my friend, who had just bought it, to sort out.
Handling wise? Well it shook and shook quite a bit over the bumpy B roads, but it did feel very secure and not as if it would suddenly do something unexpected.
I can't say I found the steering that heavy. But then I date back to well before power steering was standard, and recall all those early FWD cars without that, so heaving on the steering wheel in a car park was not unusual, and I was always taught to get the car moving, even a little, before moving the wheel. That all said, for me at least, not a problem.
The gearbox, however, did require a lot of getting used to. It is not light, and you have to be very deliberate. It would take me quite a while for it to be second nature.
The seats were fairly minimal, and it being a 1969 model, no head restraint either. However, I didn't get back ache, even at my age (68).
The engine did not idle very cleanly. I don't know if that's normal, or if the fuel injection system needs an overhaul. However, when moving it had plenty of torque and I suspect it's almost impossible to stall. One thing I did learn was to let the engine torque do all the work. You do not have to spin this thing up.
The throttle wasn't very progressive, and wasn't very smooth. Maybe it just needs a bit of lubrication, maybe the fuel injection system needs and overhaul.
The brakes work, but they need a hefty shove, but again, nothing more than I was used to a few decades ago. I just had to re-calibrate my right foot.
The clutch for me was not a problem, apart from having nowhere to park my left foot as the foot well is narrow. You can only really pull your foot back.
In all, having been cosseted by modern cars, it was like learning how to drive all over again. Going back to the dim and distant past I would say it was considerably trickier to drive than, say, a mk1 or mk2 Cortina, nominally of the same era, but of rather more modern design.
Great response. thanks for watching and the comprehensive feedback
The TR6 has a problem in traping water in the rear of the frame beware check for it rusts through
thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching
great video. using all the negatives to show how much you love this car. very clever.
Thanks and thanks for watching
Good points, made in the video -not a fan of any Fords so called modern hatchback classics. . You could have mentioned a boot rack for extra capacity which I had in the past on an MG but did not need one in my various TR 7's.
Thanks for watching 👍
Door frames opening up and scuttles moving as much as 4 inches were evident from new, the chassis are floppy. I had a 1973 mimosa yellow with unique brown trim in 1973, 6 months old. Took it round the test track at work and it topped out at 60mph. It then spent 3 weeks at lucas to get P.I sorted. Only lasted a vew weeks. Set out with my Hayes manual, and set the P.I myself. I had the car 7 years, took it all round europe in the blistering hot summer of 76 and nevef had any problem with the Lucas P.I system. The worst issue was scuttle shake and door frame flexing in Paris and other French cities.
Car was kept in concourse condition but the joins between the panels were a nighmare, constantly having to replace sealistic. Good car at the time but after all these years I wouldnt buy another. Body too floppy.
thanks for watching
funny you should mention classic lotus and rust... If they have steel door beams inside the fibreglass shell of the doors... these rust like blazes.. I dismantled tow doors on a Lotus elite... the door beams with no exageration came out in buckets.
Fair point well made. thanks for watching and commenting.
I disagree with many of your points, having owned a 1974 TR6 for 10 years between 2000 and 2010.
1) Investment. I paid $3000 for the car in 00 and sold it for $3000 in 10. I didn't buy it to make money. I was able to do most repairs myself and parts are readily available still in US. The car drew more attention than any Porsche or Italian sports car in my area. Very affordable.
2) Seats- Seats weren't that uncomfortable though yes you had option to upgrade.
3) Petrol- I never had a problem reaching for the center fuel cap. You just had to be careful not to spill. Not a problem.
4) Corrosion- ALL 1970 cars have corrosion issues. Ecoat and Pretreatment wasn't common and perfected until well into 80's and 90's. You just deal with it. My car had a frame that needed some steel plates added to strengthen it. Find a good weld shop and it's not expensive.
5) Trunk space- I could carry a few sets of golf clubs in it, no problem. For two ppl there was plenty of storage space.
6) Car performance- Car was very peppy. I do agree that cornering is not one of its strong points but it had plenty of straight line power and braking. Overdrive would be nice, it does rev high on the freeway, but I would never seek out freeway driving in it.
7) Heavy steering and clutch. I never noticed it wearing me out even on long trips. At speed the steering was very light, and I prefer a heavier clutch. Driving it you feel like you've done some work.
8) You didn't mention the electrical system, which is dodgy, but Lucas systems on all 70s British cars were dodgy. But they were easy to work on.
9) Heater- Who drives it when you need heat? Maybe more of a problem in the UK. If anything engine overheating can be a bit of a problem if you are stuck in traffic and its 95 F outside.
10) Fuel system- I had the standard carb setup and never had any fuel problems.
Other items I liked-
With the size of most vehicles on road now I would never get anything smaller than the TR6, you wouldn't have a chance in an accident.
Nice lines, it really looked tough with the large wheels and curves. I had a performance exhaust two pipe system and it sounded great.
Thanks for watching and the comprehensive input. I hope you enjoy the sequels due shortly. love to get your feedback.
I'd like to know which bank is giving 5% interest on your money. This is a good video and makes it clear that Classic cars are like stocks and shares. The thing with Classic cars is to choose one you really like that is from 40 years ago and in good condition or can be economically restored. It is environmentally friendly because you are not making a new car, the insurance is lower than a new car and the vehicle tax is Zero. They are not for everyone.
I have bought Classic cars (1960 MGA, 1979 MG Midget) and had them professionally and fully restored for less than the cost of a new car. Then the value actually doubled over 20 years. You can't do that easily with a new car. But it is not about making money, is it? That is simply a bonus.
dont joke. i reckon the banks in the UK might just well be giving 5 % in a years time!!! thanks for watching
@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 To be honest we may see 14% again, as I have seen in the past, the way these people are going.
I drive a 1974 MGB US model currently (late chrome bumper) but am always tempted to buy a TR6 for the looks, the style and the 6-cilinder. This was an informative video and it's exactly the points you make that keep me from doing it. I like small B roads and avoid motorways, I like an armrest and space in the interior. And a good monoquoque and suspension make for a nice drive. But in the end what do you prefer? The B or Midget or the TR6?
oooo great question. I think each car has its place - it comes down to what do YOU want to use it for. I love the midget for sprinting and thrashing around the lanes but the TR6 can be driven all day and is a relaxing take it easy kinda drive. the engine doesnt lend itself to thashing it through the revs. Maybe the MGB is a balance between the 2 so then it comes down to looks and $$$. All are great fun to own and socialise with. Thanks for watching.
Recently owned a decent '64B and I can't disagree more with handling vs TR6. I'm a long term Elan owner too. The B is that much slower, and more wallowy than the TR6 - night and day.
Gearbox crunchy? - must have a lemon.
My TR6 is a bone stock PI and in near perfect condition, but it gets driven.
A tr6 is one of best sports cars of the 70 owned few over 10 years loved it real he man car
Compared to an MX5, the TR6 is a truck. Mine is mildly turbocharged and has 150kw at the wheels. If I want a cruiser I'll get an Impala. If I want a sports car it needs 150kw/tonne and must stand no higher than my nipples.
You very successfully convinced not to ever consider getting a TR6. I’ll stick with my e30 convertible. RUclips needs more videos like this. Thanks
thanks for watching
A very nice honest review… wish I’d kept my 205 gti though😢!.. I also had a MGBGT with overdrive, wire wheels etc! Now at 72 I’d like something more of a slogan look.
Slogan look???? Morgan look😊
thanks for watching
I did make a comment. But I did ending up watching the full video to the end and he is right. He would do it again. It's a wonderful car.
thanks for watching to the end. most dont and miss the point
I got one and love it, can't expect today's performance out of yesterday's technology.
Very true. thanks for watching
This is the best response on the page.... if you want a car that has the power and handles like a 2022 sports car, buy one... no matter how much you spend on a 30 year plus old car it will never drive like a modern vehicle. Plus, if you have ever had parts re-chromed you will better understand.
Ever thought about owning a TVR M series instead? Especially the 2500M has many TR6 components but solved many of the Triumphs problems. Its much lighter, has double wishbone suspension front and back, much rarer with only app. 950pcs build (2500M). Its not even close to perfect but also not as bad as some claim and a solid alternative in my opinion
Yes. But never been in the right place at the right time. Thanks for watching
Double your boot space with a boot rack ??
use a big bag :-)
i bought my 72 tr as 2nd owner in 78 with 40,000 and drove it for 28 mostly trouble free,and i did not baby it, but didn't try to drive it like a GTO, would love to have another but i'm an old man now, time to let someone else enjoy, 28 years was good for me.....
thanks for watching. appreciated
😂 bought my TR6 used,had no idea if had overdrive or even what was. Was a strange lever next to turn signal. Hit it by accident on freeway found out quickly had overdrive. Very glad have it. Car is surprisingly quick, easy to keep up with traffic. Carbs wish had FI but bit expensive in US. Fuel economy not great but ok for car occasionally driven. I tell people the heater has the output of the breath of a mouse. Does get the looks and comments. Put Miata seats in car gave away the originals. Replaced the wheels with Panasports and modern tires. I love the car and have no regrets.
great story. thanks for watching
Nobody buys a TR6 to save money. You buy a TR6 because you like the "big" TRs. So far I have owned a TR3, an early TR4.Briefly aTR4A. (Somewhere around here.I have an original TR4 factory repair Manual) A highly modified TR 250,with a Datsun 240Z motor and transmission, a real beast ! Biggest bad news about a TR6 is the center main bearing and support web ! Rust,and Lucas electronics?Just part of TR life !
thanks for watching
Having owned and worked extensively on an Austin Healy Sprite Mk IV, an MGB and a Porsche 944S, I would give an enthusiastic yes to owning a TR-6. I lusted after a Datsun 2000 roadster when I was younger but am now driving a late model 370Z sport pkg coupe 6MT, a reasonable facsimile to a classic two-seater 6-cyl sports car.
There is a beautiful mechanical simplicity to this car that requires an attachment by the driver, the combination of which produces a driving experience to be cherished. I would be mainly concerned about the body/frame corrosion issues and would want to be satisfied that I could properly address them before getting this car but every other issue to me is surmountable. Living in the US, I feel fortunate in being able to drive on roads that are more fitting to this car's nature. With the time and effort that I've invested in all of my sports cars, I feel a close bond to them, as I'm sure you do to your TR-6.
Thanks for the comment and watching. great input
Good review, and especially a nice final sign off 😃😎. We run these cars with our subjective hearts, not necessarily logic or objectively 😂. (K - Series Midget owner 👍)
Thanks and thanks for watching
I was looking for a MGB. The MG I went to look at was a rust bucket but next to it………..was a 71 TR 6. I told the owner of both cars I am not interested in the B how about the Triumph. To be brief I drove It home that day and restored it over a few years time. That was twenty + years ago. I Still have it. It turns more heads then before and still gives me a great feeling of satisfaction that I did everything myself but the paint. People try to compare old cars with newer models. It doesn’t work that way. You like that car BECAUSE it’s not modern.
thanks for watching
The original seats are perfectly supportive if in good condition. Rebuild stock seats with new foam and you end up with great seats that look 'right'. MX5 seats????? They look out of place.
Filler cap in middle? Looks better and is just another way of this bloke adding to his list.
I think the only think I can take from this is that you need to be dilligent and don't buy anything but the best car, and absolutely insist on overdrive.
Thanks for watching and glad you liked the video. All aspects of classic ownership are subjective and hopefully this gives a few more things to consider on any purchase. Thanks for commenting
LOL! And you haven't mentioned the rear drive shaft splines locking up under torque following cornering, causing fish tailing when you change gear accelerating out of the corner. Fixable though, by adapting shafts with tripod & birfield joints instead of universal joints and splines. Even the sedans splines locked up when you really accelerated hard.
Great point!
You've convinced me... I want one more than ever now... 😉
Lol, nice one. You won’t be disappointed
The 1976 Triumph TR6 has always been my favorite car. I was 16 years old in 1976. .
Excellent. thanks for watching
They are quite a few things to upgrade the TR6 with the 2.5 p.i estate and saloon car Mark 2 you can take out the power steering it will have the OverDrive system you can put a Bosch pump in the car there would be a pump with a coil going round the pump would be petrol cooling the pump you could upgrade the rear brakes two discs and you could upgrade your extension and it all depends what the body is like on your TR6 and with the chassis it is box section but you can get the the chassis to be sorted out if it need it and if you can't a big garage with rafters you can lift the body of the chassis then you can check the chassis if it needs to be sorted out of welding or clean down to be some kind of rust proof paint where you've done that inside the joint you can spray wax inside when people buy classic cars they don't buy for an investment they bite because they like the car and between the clutch cylinder you could change it so you have a easy clocks pedal to make the car make it better what it was and to upgrade it as well until look after it then you know it is an investment you are not looking at it is an investment it is the sound of the 6-cylinder engine2.5 is better to go like that it doesn't matter if it is a 80s car you still going to contain it and look after it like a TVR that is fibreglass body the axle between the the frame of the bottom of the car they do Rust and pit same with any kind of car will rust if you do not look after it properly I used to pick-up all triumphs take off the doors boot bonnet seats the aluminium suspension take out everything out in collective think I had if you are a real Triumph owner if you can pick up a Triumph 2.5 p i saloon Estate you can get the parts for that will go onto a TR6 and then you could sell the parts what you do not need install mate on make money on these bits and pieces don't forget the police used to use Triumph 2000 two's triumphs and I used to frog the pants off them any kind of all car from the 50s or 60s or 70s it is the experience home to be proud to drive an old car or start from the bottom and work from the top and make something better what it was or have a podrick
Thanks for watching
Cars are awful investments. We get intrigued by hearing of a classic Ferrari selling at a record price. That's the exception. Most classic cars don't keep up with inflation
fair point. thanks for watching
I owned a MGA, A MGB (my first car in 69' when I was 16) a GT6 (Fast as all hell) and a TR6. Yes, all of these cars had twerks , etc. But the Triumphs had beefy engines ! All of these cars were made on the cheap. But what wasn't in those days. Look at the Datsun Z's. Rust buckets. Anyway, getting back to Triumph , they were easier to work on than an MG. Less complex than a Austin 3000 or a Jag with three carbs. Fun Cars!
thanks for watching
I’m devastated. This was my next plan. I need to have another think
thanks for watching.
Over the years I have had three TR6 . Still got one . Mine Doesn't rattle like yours and the suspension don't roll on corners ,,, try road testing a tr4a.
love the TR4. thanks for watching
So funny- even the ads are for Snake Oil! I had a 240Z as a kid. It kinda erased any desire for a TR. I think TR6 are so handsome- I'd like BRG with that little Brit flag on the back quarter. Lovely. I'll have a beer waiting for you...
thanks for watching Gene. Must take that beer one day ;-)
....... and yet, when it's all said and done, you will look back and realize that the most fun you ever had in an automobile was when you owned and operated that worthless piece of refuse you're putting down so badly. You see, you were involved in a great adventure that gave you wonderful memories and helped you mature in ways you wouldn't have otherwise.
Thanks for watching…. Hope you watched to the end ;-)
what classic car doesn't require more money, more maintenance and fettling than a modern car
thanks for watching
Having owned my 1971 TR-6 from new for 40 years and 1 month, I would say the following: Overdrive does make a difference for all the reasons he said. Putting the gas cap in the middle requires catching the gas drippings with a paper towel. Because I got tired of burning out the points, I installed a Pertonix electronic ignition...a great investment. Apparently, the reviewer is unaware that there is a knob that directs heat to the windshield as well as a knob that reduces the amount of heat: 2 problems solved. It is very important to check for rust and be sure to bring a rubberized magnet to check that all panels are metal through and through. Finally, it is indeed a man's car which is why I'm suggesting the reviewer should buy a Mazda Miata!
Thanks for watching.
Once you own one life seems to smile back at you. I have owned "TIA" ( get it?) since 1993. It was rebuilt twice so far during my ownership and bodywork once. It will cost you so buy a top end one that has everything attended to? That should be as original as possible and have at least come with the same rocker box cover, washing machine steel wheels and its original steering wheel -at the very least. A hardtop is good but why would you want to drive her out in the rain? Smiles for miles. Good luck. I am getting old so one day "Tia" will be up for grabs.
Thanks for watching
All very valid reasons and well articulated - however, it has not dimmed my love affair with my mimosa coloured mistress of over 20 years 😄
absolutely... enjoy the ride and thanks for watching
I still love my all original 1972 TR-6
thanks for watching
Well, you are a breath or two, of fresh air,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Think it's time you sold yours and buy a Lotus. I likes mine, it's not a daily driver, so it provides joy, well mostly. There have been a few
moments, but not enough to put my off my TR6. Oh, btw, I'm not a mechanical guy, I have a shop that works on it, and money wise I am ahead of the combined cost of purchase price and cost of repairs. Now, cheer up and enjoy your TR6 in 2023 !
LOL - a lotus - Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious :-) thanks for watching
Which bank was paying you 5% interest a year ago?
Mortgage rates here in the uk are over 5% right now. How you spend your money is an individual choice. The point was a TR6 isn’t growing in value much here in the UK largely due to a high level of US imports . While most buy the car for other reasons - some do buy cars as investments. Thanks for watching
@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349 Sorry mate. The intended “tongue in cheek” nature of my comment was clearly not apparent. Rest assured I don’t look to RUclips car videos for financial advice. That being said, when the bank quotes you a 5% mortgage rate, that’s what you’ll pay them - not what they’ll pay you 😊.
Brilliantly presented and oh so accurate. Nicely done.
Added caveat for US prospects. There's quite a few shops popping up that specialize in 'vintage' (meaning 70's) MG's and Triumphs. Spend the money after finding a good looking one? Great. But under the skin many are running on barnyard MacGuyver assembled bits, which are attached to more pot metal fabricated science project part, which are hooked up to incorrect model or year parts.
That said, and despite the drawbacks listed in this video, there's still a more enjoyable collector car than any mid to late seventies Corvette, Which are like beautiful but psychotic and ambitiously useless romantic partners. At least you can see the trouble spots in a TR6 and have a useable trunk (ok, fine. Boot).
thanks for the feedback
Compared to modern cars....a joy to work on!!
totally agree
Always wanted one. Bought a 7 instead years ago. BIG mistake. Now living in the USA so might be able to finally get one.
good luck with the purchase
if i found one barn find ,id stick a bmw 323 or325 in it and running gear or a supra twin turbo and running gear fibre glass body panels,my m8 has one with a lexus and mr 2 back end
Thanks for watching. Thanks for the support . Much appreciated
I think it is an excellent car for a full resto-mod. Put a US V8 in there or a small dependable V12 and sort out the suspension upgrades and frame support. Leather inside. It's a labor of love not an investment. Beautiful lines.
thanks for watching
if you want a V8, buy a V8; the Triumph 6 is a lovely smooth engine.
Finally, someone who realizes what a beautiful POS they are. Had a 73 (no OD, of course) and hated it far more than I loved it. It was a lovely sounding slug that was a money pit - mine was yellow, say no more. It was fun to drive, but my 2l Benz hatchback outhandles it and blows it off the road in a straight line. Back in the day, I paid $5K for it spend thousands and traded it in 5 years later for $2K. Great investment, right? Great torque, but dump the clutch too much and you'll be buying a new half-shaft.
Thanks for watching
However, I did drive two MG Midgets where I worked - on old, one new. The newer one was more fun and I didn't mind the black one-piece front end. TR6, never again!@@mgmidget-thebirthofaraceca4349