Triumph TR6 History (1969-1976)
At a time when most sports cars had sleek, curved lines, the Triumph TR6 was squared off at both ends, making it stand out from it's competitors. With just a seven year production span, the TR6 grew to become a true British classic.
Before the TR6, Triumph produced a range of TR models, from the TR1 right up to a limited run of the TR8, but it was the sixth car in the range that really stood out from a sales point of view.
The first Triumph TR6 rolled off the production line in 1968 as a 1969 model. It's intended target was to rival similar sports cars at the time, such as the Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat 124, MGB, and later on, the Datsun 240Z.
Engine Specs
The UK market TR6 had Lucas mechanical fuel-injection (150 horsepower), while the US market TR6 was fitted with a carburetor (104 horsepower). In 1973, the UK fuel-injected version was de-tuned to 125 horsepower through a camshaft change and revised fuel injection metering. Although engine output was lowered, these changes made the car smoother and more flexible.
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The base transmission was a manual 4-speed gearbox. An optional overdrive unit was available, and gave drivers close gearing for aggressive driving, with overdrive available on 2nd, 3rd and top gears on early models.
The TR6 was offered as a convertible only, with a factory steel hard top available optionally. Construction was conservative; the body was bolted onto the frame, which featured a front anti-roll bar, rack and pinion steering, and semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension.
Inside, a wooden dashboard (plywood w/veneer) housed a full complement of instrumentation. Bucket seats sat on pile-carpeted floors, and the luggage compartment was fairly roomy for a two-seat sports car.
Disc brakes were fitted up front with drum brakes at the rear. The iconic look of the TR6 was completed by very distinctive 15-inch wheels and tires.
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TR6 Performance
Acceleration from the 2.5 litre six-cylinder engine was very good; 0-60 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Equally impressive was a top speed of 120 mph.
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TR6 Production Figures
Offered as an affordable, six-cylinder sports car, the TR6 remained in production for a relatively short period of time.
Most of the TR6 sales were in the North American market. Of the 94,619 models produced, 86,249 were exported, with just 8,370 sold in the U.K.
When Triumph TR6 production ended in July 1976, it was the best-seller in the TR series (this record was later surpassed by the TR7). Of the 8,370 cars sold in the U.K., over 4,000 are still registered with the DVLA either as on the road or as SORN declared vehicles.
Today, the Triumph TR6 is still an attractive, fast and very enjoyable two-seater. Of the many sports cars made in Great Britain, it remains one of the most popular. With unmistakable looks and powerful performance, the TR6 continues to be a sought-after classic.
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