Buyer’s Guide — Triumph TR6
What to know before buying a Triumph TR6.
Overview
The Triumph TR6 was produced from 1968 to 1976, with approximately 94,600 built — making it the most popular TR. Styled by Karmann, the TR6 featured muscular lines, a 2,498 cc inline-six with fuel injection (UK) or twin carburettors (US), producing 150 bhp (UK PI) or 104 bhp (US carb). It remains one of the most popular and affordable classic six-cylinder sports cars.
What to Look For
| Chassis | Ladder-frame chassis. Check outriggers, crossmembers, rear spring mounts, and the area around the differential mounting. Surface rust is acceptable; structural corrosion is not. |
| Body | Check sills (structural), rear wheel arches, door bottoms, front valance, and floor pans. Replacement panels are readily available. |
| Engine (Carb) | Twin-carb US-spec engines are simpler and easier to maintain. Check oil pressure (50+ psi cold), timing chain tension, and listen for worn bearings. |
| Engine (PI) | UK fuel-injected cars produce more power but the Lucas PI system can be troublesome. Many have been converted to carburettors. An original working PI system adds value. |
| Rear Suspension | Independent rear with trailing arms. Check trailing arm bushes and half-shaft universal joints. Worn bushes cause vague handling and tyre wear. |
| Front Trunnions | Same greasing requirement as all TRs. Check for wear. |
| Gearbox | Four-speed with optional overdrive. Overdrive is highly desirable. Check for worn synchros on 2nd gear. |
| Diff | Listen for differential whine. Check for oil leaks at the pinion seal. |
Parts Availability
Excellent — the TR6 is the best-supported TR. Moss Motors, Rimmer Bros, TRF, and others carry everything. Very affordable to maintain.
What a Good One Should Feel Like
Muscular and engaging. The six-cylinder engine should pull strongly with a wonderful exhaust note. PI cars feel noticeably more powerful. The steering should be direct with good feel. The ride is firm but the IRS handles bumps well. With overdrive the TR6 is an excellent long-distance tourer. It should feel substantial and quick — a proper sports car with real presence.
Price Guide (Approximate, 2026)
| US Carb — Project | $12,000 – $22,000 |
| US Carb — Good Driver | $28,000 – $40,000 |
| US Carb — Excellent | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| UK PI — Good Driver | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| UK PI — Excellent | $55,000 – $80,000 |
UK PI cars with working injection command a significant premium. Early chrome bumper cars are more desirable than late rubber bumper examples. Overdrive is nearly essential.