1971 Triumph TR6

A handsome example of one of Britain’s most characterful sports cars, combining muscular styling and straight-six performance with a useful power-steering conversion.

Paint

The deep burgundy / red paintwork presents to a good overall standard and suits the muscular shape of the TR6 particularly well.

The colour appears consistent across the main panels and retains an attractive gloss. It provides an effective contrast against the chrome bumpers, polished wheel trims and black interior.

No significant deterioration was apparent during our visit.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The bodywork presents well and retains the strong, purposeful lines for which the TR6 is known.

The panels appear straight overall, with consistent-looking shut lines around the bonnet, doors and boot. We did not notice any significant dents or obvious areas of bodywork damage during our visit.

The long bonnet, recessed headlamps and short rear deck create the unmistakable TR6 profile, while the low windscreen and compact cabin emphasise the car’s traditional two-seat sports-car character.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The wood-veneer dashboard is one of the most attractive features of the TR6 interior.

The veneer retains an attractive colour and grain, creating a welcome contrast against the predominantly black cabin.

The odometer indicated approximately ~73,130 miles during our visit.

The instruments and surrounding trim present well overall, displaying the gently aged character expected from a carefully maintained classic.

The drive

The TR6 provides an engaging driving experience built around its characterful straight-six engine, compact dimensions and open cabin.

The engine started readily and delivered its power smoothly during our drive. Its flexible nature means the car can make relaxed progress, while the distinctive six-cylinder soundtrack encourages the driver to explore more of its performance.

The manual gearbox and clutch both operated smoothly, making the car easy and enjoyable to drive. We noticed no unwanted transmission noises or other obvious concerns.

The suspension is suitably firm, helping the Triumph feel controlled and well balanced through bends while remaining comfortable enough for longer journeys.

The brakes felt reassuring, and the car performed very well overall during our time with it.

Glass and trim

The exterior glass, light units, lenses, badges and trim present well overall.

The round headlamps, front indicator lenses and rectangular rear light units appear clear and free from obvious damage. The TR6 grille badge and rear badging are also present and appear to be in good condition.

Chrome detailing features across the front and rear bumpers, door furniture, windscreen surround and exterior mirrors. These components provide an attractive contrast against the burgundy paintwork and remain an important part of the car’s period character.

The windscreen appears clear, while the surrounding frame and rubber seals look presentable in the photographs.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

Wheels and tyres

The Triumph is fitted with its traditional painted steel wheels, complemented by polished outer trim rings and black Triumph-branded centre caps.

The wheels present very well and suit the appearance of the car perfectly. We did not notice any significant damage or heavy corrosion during our visit, although prospective buyers should study the detailed photographs for a closer assessment.

The tyres appear to retain a suitable level of tread and look presentable across the car.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

The two individual seats are trimmed in black upholstery and present well.

Importantly, the seats have been refoamed, improving their shape, support and comfort. This is a worthwhile benefit in a classic intended to be driven and should make longer journeys considerably more enjoyable.

The pleated seat centres remain in keeping with the period appearance of the car, while the upholstery displays only ordinary signs of age and use.

The black door cards and surrounding cabin trim continue the understated colour scheme. Dark floor coverings and fitted rubber mats also appear presentable and contribute to the practical nature of the interior.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

Engine and gearbox

The Triumph is powered by a 2,498cc straight-six engine equipped with Lucas mechanical fuel injection.

The engine started promptly during our visit and settled into the distinctive sound expected from an early fuel-injected TR6. It ran well and responded cleanly, with no specific running concerns raised by Ali.

The engine bay presents smartly, with the fuel-injection equipment, intake system and finned rocker cover all contributing to its purposeful appearance. The surrounding painted panels also appear clean and well maintained.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The transmission operated smoothly during our drive, selecting its gears without any unwanted noises.

The clutch also performed well, engaging progressively and without any reported slipping, juddering or other concerns.

Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to hear the engine starting and running and to see the Triumph being driven.

Electrics and other

The TR6 has a relatively straightforward electrical system operating the exterior lighting, windscreen wipers, instruments and other essential equipment.

No specific electrical concerns were reported by Ali during our visit. The dashboard retains its traditional collection of Smiths instruments and period-style switches.

The car’s power-steering conversion is one of its most useful additions, improving low-speed manoeuvrability and helping make the Triumph easier to enjoy regularly.

History and paperwork

Ali has owned the TR6 for the past four years and has looked after it as an enjoyable weekend car. The available documents include numerous invoices and records relating to previous maintenance and expenditure.

Prospective buyers should study the paperwork gallery carefully for the dates and details of the work completed.

The car has also benefited from several worthwhile improvements. Power-assisted steering has been installed to make it easier to manoeuvre and more user-friendly, while the seats have been refoamed to improve their comfort and support.

Ali is only selling because he now requires a practical family car. After four years of enjoyable weekend motoring, this represents an appealing opportunity for another enthusiast to acquire a well-presented TR6 with extensive supporting paperwork.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Suspension and brakes

The TR6’s suspension has the firm feel expected from a traditional classic sports car.

Ali reports that it performs very well, keeping the car feeling composed and controlled without making it uncomfortable. During our journey, the Triumph felt settled on the road and behaved as expected.

No specific knocks, rattles or other unwanted suspension noises were reported during our visit.

The power-steering conversion makes the car noticeably easier to manage, particularly at lower speeds, while retaining the direct response expected from a compact sports car.

The brakes also performed well, bringing the car to a stop confidently without any obvious pulling or unwanted vibration.

Overall, the steering, suspension and braking systems contributed to the impression of a well-sorted and enjoyable classic.

Steering wheel gear stick

A three-spoke sports steering wheel is fitted and complements the purposeful character of the cabin.

The most significant usability improvement is the addition of power-assisted steering. This reduces the effort required when parking or manoeuvring at lower speeds and makes the TR6 considerably more approachable in regular use.