Sunday Driver: 1976 Triumph TR6

This next car comes as a tip from BP who writes: Seems to be someone’s Sunday driver, garage kept its entire life and OK underneath. NO RESERVE and auction closes 11/23. Plenty of time to argue at home and finally get your own way considering your going to spend 11/25 with your crazy in-laws so you deserve something for your effort, right? Find this 1976 Triumph TR6 bidding for $4000 in Narragansett, RI via hemmings auctions.

From the seller:

Offered at no reserve, this 1976 Triumph TR6 Convertible appears to be a rarity, as it is equipped with factory air conditioning. The A/C still works, per the seller, who is helping his father sell this car. He reports that his father bought it 35 years ago but kept it in garage storage for the last 22 years, keeping it “regularly maintained.” The miles shown are believed accurate, and the car is reported to have its original powertrain, interior, and paint.

The car appears in good condition, though it seems ready for a thorough detailing. The seller reports that it starts and runs well and is not showing any mechanical needs. The car comes with both the soft top and a detachable hardtop, though this does not appear to be the factory design. The Triumph is for sale now, he explains, because his father no longer drives it.

In its last two model years, power from the TR6’s inline-six was down a bit, and the front bumper was raised a couple of inches to meet U.S. regulations. Triumph TR6 sales in the U.S. fell to about 6,100 in its final year, as sports coupes were gaining in popularity.

POWERTRAIN
For 1976, the Triumph TR6’s OHV inline-six was rated at 101 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of peak torque by the manufacturer. It was still a spirited performer, and it kept its deep, throaty exhaust note. The seller says this Triumph’s engine is original. He reports that “it smokes slightly upon start-up but idles normally once warmed up, and the smoke then reduces.” (See start-up video.) The exhaust, or at least the rear muffler and tailpipe section, is aftermarket—a common in-period modification. He indicates no leaks or weeps. The four-speed manual transmission is said to “shift fine.”

EXTERIOR
The seller states that the vehicle’s White paint is believed to be original. He indicates “a few rust spots” as seen in the photos, and says, “One panel needs to be buffed.” There is “minimal” surface rusting indicated on the back panels and the trunk seams, as seen in photos. What appears to be minor rust can be seen in the forward door jambs. The rear Union Jack fender decals that integrated the TR6 name appear faded. The chrome trim appears a bit dulled, but likely has not been polished in many years. Both the soft top and removable hard top are said to be functional, no missing components and no leaks. The glass is said to be in “very good” condition, and seals are “old but intact.” All lighting is reported to work as designed, including the aftermarket fog lights.

INTERIOR
The Triumph’s interior appears intact but in need of a cleaning. The black vinyl seats look good, showing “minor” wear, as reported by the seller, but no rips. The seat adjustments are said to work properly. The seller indicates “minor wear” for the carpeting. The wood dash, a distinct British touch in these cars at a time when vinyl had taken over most other cars’ dashes, appears dulled, and the seller reports a “split” near the choke lever. The car has an aftermarket steering wheel. Oxidation can be seen around the gauge rims, though the gauges are said to “work perfectly.” Both the heat and factory A/C are affirmed to work, as does the original AM/FM radio. Door locks and window cranks “work as designed.”

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