The Last Great British Roadster was designed by an Italian and a German

The Triumph TR6 is arguably the last great British Roadster. Here's how it came to be
Support the channel!
☕ www.buymeacoff...
Disclaimer
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."
I do NOT own some or all of the video and photo materials used in this video. In the case of copyright issues, please contact me at [e-mail] for any further action.

[@gholzworth]

I'm on my second TR-6, a 1971 model, and it's my daily driver!, yes, really. It's more fun to drive than one can imagine, drives like a big go-cart, and is perhaps the prettiest roadster with the top down that ever took to the road. And best of all, parts are readily available and very affordable. Get one. You won't regret it.

[@if6was929]

The first new car that I bought was a '73 TR6, my previous car was a used '67 MGB that I bought in '71, the TR6 was a lot faster and more comfortable. I loved the TR6 but foolishly traded it for a '71 Porsche 914, which drove like a go-cart, lots of fun. The 914 had a design fault where the injection system could leak and if the engine was hot you had a fire, this happened to my car, it was a total loss. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the TR6.

[@nicholasurfe9568]

Campaigned three 74's, 73 parts car in the 70s thru 80s. Coolest looking car ever. EVER. Bmw Z3 now which outperforms but does not come close to the beauty of a TR-6

[@Wileylikethehawk]

As a former MGB driver, we all wanted to have a TR6. That’s what the cool kids drove.

[@earllsimmins9373]

I loved my TR4 I could watch the road both ahead and below.

[@drewnelson3149]

@@if6was929 I had a 73 as well. What I mostly remember is breaking differential mounts, replacing front wheel bearings and trying to find 15" tires. Oh, and using a dipstick as a gas gauge. Still loved that car.

[@markgroves5592]

I was a young airman stationed in San Antonio from 72-76. My first car was a Datsun 510 sedan which I sold to buy a 72 TR6 in 1974 from an Air Force nurse who was pregnant. I bought it for $3000 and drove it for 3 years before selling it for $3500. It was a joy to drive and the driving position was perfect. I even drove it all the way from San Antonio to my parent's home near Durango CO without ever putting the top up. As long as I was going at least 60 I stayed dry even in the rain showers I encountered through New Mexico. Great memories refueled by a superb story told in this video.

[@joesutherland225]

To bad you don't have that 510 today especially if it was a 2 door.😊

[@alecsandymayo]

I had two 2-door 510s. Great little cars, rear wheel drive with fully independent rear suspension. Rusted far too easily on the heavily salted Canadian winter roads though.

[@joesutherland225]

@@alecsandymayo yup .I had a screamer 510 in about 1980.rust was a problem in Vancouver too .2 liter 5sp turbo.humiliated some way more expensive sports cars on the old Squamish hwy before the improvements were made .

[@joesutherland225]

@@markgroves5592 like rebuilding trannies and diffs most tr6 owners know what I mean. Owned a few triumphs first one was a 69 gt6 with od wish I had it now lol

[@mikeofallon]

Have had 3 over the years. My first, BRG w painted wires, I bought w 25k miles, sold 2 years later w 75k miles, losing $600 in depreciation and made only a couple of mechanical repairs myself. It never broke down. Commuted from Chicago sw burbs to N side of Milwaukee for most of a year -- whenever it looked like rain I left the top down and never got wet even in heavy rain - tho I had the option to stop under an overpass to put the top up.

[@gregbartlett5818]

Back in NZ, I owned a stunning red 1973 (fuel injection, electric overdrive on 3rd and 4th) TR6 with chrome wire wheels (w/- the knock off winghubs) - I was in my late 20's (1980). I fitted it with a Pioneer cassette stereo (remember those) and power amp, which was state of the art back then. Russ Abbott raced TR6's so one of the first things I did (given the horrible suspension - it didn't handle all that well) was ask Abbott Racing to improve the handling and ride. They fitted adjustable Koni's all around using a triangular frame at each wheel (as they did for their race cars). I insisted it had to be done so unless you got down and looked you wouldn't know this mod had been done. The engine was also blue printed to give me another 30-40 HP. Huge success. The handling and ride quality was transformed as was general performance. (190 HP versus 150 HP). Had it for 4 years and every drive was an occasion. Just startin g the engine was an event. The rorty exhaust noise was beautiful to my ears. It was extremely reliable as I recall and in any case simple (i.e. pretty basic) to fix. I'd buy one again - there's nothing like driving a twisting NZ road with Peter Gabriel's 'So' album blasting through speakers right behind your ears and the wind in your hair. Unfortunately less hair to blow about, more traffic (even on the side roads) and the advent of speed cameras these days probably means any attempt to relive that experience would end up in a loss of license and a heavy fine. Hmmm...has life really improved? 😏

[@hed1117]

"rorty exhaust noise" 😎👍🏼

[@rogerdodrill4733]

I doubt it,older is not improved cause abilities & health decline

[@racketman2u]

The Auckland-based Triumph Car Club was a fun club, very race oriented with a couple of very quick Vitesses as well, although the Triumph drive train being what it is, they went through diff stub axles at quite a rate! I was in Tauranga and being a new TR6 owner used to join them at Baypark, but just to watch the racing. I later raced mine, but in stock form (you are right about the terrible suspension, wish I'd modded mine).

[@lostcat9lives322]

Everyone else bought a Datsun 240.

[@edwardhammond5582]

Still running the damson ’71 TR6, with overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th, I owned in my 20s back in Auckland, although in Berkshire England now. The country roads here aren’t quite as fast but the car feels like it was made for them. I had a girlfriend in Wellington, and Turangi was a convenient fuel stop on Friday nights on my way south and again heading North on Sunday afternoons. Peter Gabriel’s So was magic but also memorable was a TR6 that used to race at Pukekohe, driven by a pretty young lady, called Linda, whose love of ZZ Top was always evident as she entered the pits.

[@AlskinsX1-9]

I have a 1973 Triumph TR6 that I restored and own for 20 years now. I will never sell it. It's a keeper!

[@pennylane8859]

Bertone X1/9 ??

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

When I was a young man finally with enough money in my pocket to buy a new car, I came to the point where I had to make up my mind on buying either a TR6 or a Datsun 240Z. I loved both cars. I had a motorhead buddy whom specialized in British cars. He was making a GREAT living doing that! You want to know what he told me? He said "Buy the Z." I ended up owning nine Z cars over the years. I haven't seen a TR6 on the road here in Long Beach, California in over 10 years. I still love the look of those Triumph's.

[@andrewbaird509]

A client of mine bought a new TR6 it was so unreliable he bought a 240Z

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

@@andrewbaird509 Yup...

[@Magcheck]

I've had my '72 TR-6 for 51 years. Bought it off the showroom floor right after I was discharged from the Army. My wife insisted that I install a roll bar and luggage rack on the trunk lid. It's still my weekend driver. We've been through our ups and downs together over the years and I've bloodied my knuckles more than a few times wrenching under the hood. But the engine is quite straight forward and strong. Nothing you can't do if you can read a manual and don't mind getting your hands a little greasy. But the old girl still gives me quite a thrill driving it on twisty roads or highway. The exhaust sounds great and I recently replaced the steering rack and again it handles like I'm back in 1972. It is simply an honest dudes car and always has been, rattles, squeaks and all. Oh, and original, never painted, emerald green paint, Dayton wire wheels with factory hardtop)

[@TallColdGlass]

Sounds like fun, dude - both the driving and the wrenching. I've had an eye out for one of these or a 240Z for the past few years. I'm 58, so I better get on with it.

[@michaelwright3170]

I had my 72 TR6 PI for 32 years, had many a great road trip, never let me down always got home, great memories.

[@triumphtr6551]

Still have my 1976 British Racing Green, tan interior Triumph TR6 for over 39 years now. It is a great cool looking roadster!

[@guidodemaio7632]

I ordered a 1970 TR6 when I was in the military just like the one in the picture above brand new, I loved it.

[@balesjo]

I had a college roommate around 1981 that owned a TR-6. He was always throwing me the keys and saying, take it for the afternoon. Now, we were in school at the University of Arkansas in the Boston Mountains of northwest Arkansas. I'd get away from town, with the top down, and go driving through winding hills. That car was a blast to drive. Just pure fun on wheels. I've always wished I would have gotten a completely restored TR-6 during my working years as a second car. I was never mechanically inclined but would have been willing to learn in order to have that car!

[@denisdavidson5622]

After my TR4 in 1972 I bought a low mileage 2 owner 1969 TR6 UK spec with Pi system, it felt so fast after the TR4. I remember doing a Sprint race in it and achieved 15.37 seconds for the standing quarter mile, that was an E Type Jag time! 51 years on I still own the same car as I couldn't bear to part with it. It doesn't get used much these days, but I still get a buzz when I do get around to taking it out for a drive. It surprises me it hasn't gone up in price like so many other British Sports cars have like the E Type and the Healy 3000 etc.

[@1badhaircut]

E types were nightmares. My TR-4 was a joy. E-types only made you happy to sell - then to rid of

[@gar6446]

The Triumph badge was sacrificed by BL, who had Jag, Daimler Rover. Land Rover MG and others in their ownership. The TR7 was not good, and then the Triumph badge was put on little Hondas, which finished the marque off completely. It's shame really, ironic that BL did the same to MG after putting the MG badge on boring boxes and no replacing the MGB until the last MGF was produced too late. Had Ford not bought Jaguar Land Rover, that too would have disappeared

[@racketman2u]

@@gar6446 The best MG was the Midget, which was really an Austin Healey Sprite!

[@nigelduckworth4419]

They are still reasonably expensive for a good one these days.

[@stevenseward3330]

The TR-6 was my dream car as a High school student, though they were out of production just as I got my license and certainly unaffordable for a student in High School. I finally got my first 73 in 1990, and have owned one ever since. This video is spot on. It's not Fast, it has some typical British tendencies', but it never fails to put a smile on my face! Excellent video!

[@gyrene_asea4133]

Way back in the old days as a High School Student in California I remember seeing my first (red on a cloudy winter's day in 1974(?) TR-6) that so imprinted me. I have never forgotten that vision in aspirational testosterone. Might have caused me to join the Marines! Such a car to look at... My particular school had a bunch of kids whose parents had WAAYY TOO MUCH MONEY, and thus the high tech wonder cars like Jensen Healy Interceptors were much cooler, but that TR-6 just never let me go. Smiles for the memories.

[@willtopower2158]

I bought my GT6 new in 1972 and still have it. Whenever I drive it I have what I call a "state change". For me there is no other car like it, it brings back so many memories from over the years, and yes it still brings a smile to my face!

[@carolann5338]

I had a long time ago ..... a Triumph T R 7 1977... it was my pride and joy.....!!!! It was dark blue.......enjoyed that car so much.....!!!!I still miss this car today..........!!!!

[@boston7704]

That Italia is a stunning car - never knew about it!

[@brunobandiera2062]

I bought a 1972 TR-6 in 1976, just loved it ! Bags of torque and that marvelous exhaust note cruising down the highway. Drove it five years and then sold it for more than I had paid for it, figuring I made out really well.... forty years on and still mentally kicking myself in the ass for that dumb decision.

[@bigcity2085]

Yup. Forty years ago I sold my 1968 Triumph T-120 twin carb 650 Bonneville...and I still kick myself, and I will always miss it. What was wrong with us ? Besides the fact we were young and dumb.

[@mgman6000]

I had a 72 TR6 and was talked into selling it to get a land cruiser to go 4 wheeling with a buddy of mine still regret that decision

[@bigcity2085]

Update: a 1983 Honda cx-650 just landed in my lap : so I've moved on, four decades later, to something 15 yrs. newer ! Never had electric start before, or disc brakes, and I've got 18 more H.P. Being behind the times is awesome, when old stuff is still new to you(me). I know; you can never go back...but you can go...somewhere.

[@brunobandiera2062]

Very similar, I swapped for a '71 Jeep Wagoneer with a Buick V8 , 3 on the tree, HD everything , as a "family" car for camping and playing silly buggers out in the bush... that was kinda fun, too, in a different way.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

​@@bigcity2085 & didn't understand inflation " sold for more than I paid" is not bright most likely didn't even break even. Like to tell about my bought & sold record all more $ when sold, but it just makes me sad nowadays. If kept from 70's til now would be more than 1 million in bank

[@andycasiello7177]

I'm on my second TR6 as well. My first was, 1972 model, during my college years in the early 1980s. That one, unfortunately, got run into, and destroyed, while it was parked outside my college apartment. It took me until 2007 to buy my second TR6, a 1976 model. This was a real project car. After many 100s of hours of time, and a complete restoration, it is now back on the road, and it's just about a completely brand new, 1976 TR6. Gorgeous, and drives like a dream. Thanks for the video! I loved it. And very well presented!

[@brinjoness3386]

nice 1 man

[@MorningNapalm]

I always loved the TR6, such a beautiful car. Thanks for the video.

[@Timothy2963]

I've owned two TR6's, both 150BHP RHD Australian delivered cars. I bought the first when I was eighteen and the second when I was 55. The first car was a dream but I drove it like a demon! The second was a concours model which I drove like an old man (most of the time😇). They are great cars but do take a lot of effort to set up when they are the fuel injected type. Moss Motors in the UK are a great source of parts and advice. My second car is being loved by a new owner as I'm too old these days to justify owning such a sporty car. A Jaguar MK2 3.4L MOD is my new treat and it's quite 'sporty'!😉

[@ulbruce]

I'll be 71 in two weeks and own my 4th TR6, and this one is by far the fastest and best handling...

[@RO-cf3lz]

I purchased a new 1972 TR-6 in U.S. for $3950. They came without radios because of European AM were incompatible. Back then, there was no FM.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

There was FM broadcast, not many mobile receivers at first

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

@@rogerdodrill4733There was plenty of FM. FM Stereo was started in 1962, mono before that.

[@scottybard]

I had a 1972 TR6 with a luggage rack and enjoyed it for several years. I was going down the road one night just after dark and I guy was trying to pass in the oncoming traffic. with two sets of headlights coming straight at me, I had to go into the ditch on the right shoulder and imagined that I would not survive this high speed maneuver. I held onto the big steering wheel for dear life and the car, true to its innovative independent suspension, rode like I jackrabbit through the bush and I came back up onto the blacktop without a scratch. I was so pissed at that guy that I turned the car around to try to chase him down, but alas, I gave up after a while and felt lucky to be alive. I've owned two more TR's since that time and loved each of them just as much as the first. I finally had to give up my sports car passion when our first child came along. I fleetingly dream of those times gone by from time to time with fondness of the past and envy of my youth.

[@JesHendell]

I bought my TR6 used but it had the red wall tires and wire wheels. I put a lot of work into it and a new paint job. I even got a hold of a inner bonnet with a driver opening so I could keep the heat on in the winter and the top down, even in the snow. It was my favorite car. I'd also owned an Opal GT before it and I can't tell which was the better chick magnet.😎

[@bryansmith1920]

I'm a 70yr old Brit, Motor Mechanic in my day, meant you were a fully qualified Engineer, Even down to understanding. Grades of Petrol, The actual, power output of different, fuels, Petrol, Diesel, Paraffin, now known as Av Gas, I have over my years, Re-conditioned, Engines and Gearboxes, Triumphs 3 main bearing cranks, were their failure, It would power a car around the world, But at slow RPM, and a Triumph Engines Rumble was legendary, But the Sixes, Triumph Vitesse, first the 1600cc but then the 2000cc, and the step up of Twin Carburettors, the next step the 2500cc straight 6, Somewhere in there Triumph took the Rover V8(I think a Pontiac engine)cut it in half to make a 4 cyld but gave it 4 valves per cylinder, Exciting days, With American racers still using V8's and Europeans, using 4 cyld 1500cc

[@davidkellogg9176]

‘ello Brian, Liked your reflection on those days gone by and in particular the level of your training. Thought to weigh in on the matter of the origin of the Rover V8 engine. It began life as a Buick 315 cubic inch V8 and rights to the engine were purchased by Rover leading to the engine you mention. Kind Regards, David

[@radsk8rbigollies594]

I always loved the triumph roadsters. My dad had a TR3 (before I was born) and I loved hearing how low to the ground, how good looking and how fun it was to drive. That Italia model looks beautiful. Nice video!

[@guypehaim1080]

Yeah, it sat low enough that the passenger could reach out and pick up a beer can off the road.

[@BuffaloMountainFilms]

Bought a new TR-6 off the showroom floor of the British-Leyland dealer in suburban St. Louis in 1976. It was a rare model that had factory air conditioning, which would provide cool riding in the often humid-days with the Mississippi River. On a trip to Florida, the AC condenser seized. I had to cut the gelt to it to nurse the car into Tampa, where the B-L dealer said: "I hope I will have to check check the condenser because it depended on what was available when the car came down the assembly line. The mechanic took the unit out, turned it over, and laughed. "This is a Mustang condenser and there's a Ford dealer right across the street." He came back with the condenser and had me back on the road in less than an hour." Drove the car until 1981 and sold it to an former girlfriend who later moved to Los Angeles with it. While liviing in Washington in the 1980s, my wife and I bought a '74 TR-6 and drove it for several years before selling it just before we left the area. Like most B-L cars, iboth had some mechanical problems but they were fun cars/ We now have a 2009 John Cooper Works Mini convertible. it's fun, faster and better handling and brings back memories, even though it is now made by BMW. Good wrap up of the TR.

[@lordemed1]

My first car in 1971- a 1969 TR6, red... i could sit in the driver's seat with a wrench and a screwdriver and take the whole car apart. Will always remember driving to Boston from Phila on Rt 95- northeast CT, 1 a.m., the rear differential literally fell off the car..haha..but the TR6 had the best dashboard- solid piece of walnut with black anodize dials. 😍

[@AlbertArmstrong-o2x]

I also owned a TR6, in 1972. Had it for about six months. Miss it to this day, am proud to have owned it. I go nuts whenever I see one!

[@gfgdc1]

Very nicely done video! I owned a couple TR-6's and know them mechanically through and through, after rebuilding one and then turbocharging a 1973 TR-6 with 6 lbs. of boost and water/methanol injection, sans smog. I also added the split rear end that provided instant 1,000 rpms for no turbo lag. Super fun and faster than a 240Z. Great memories in that car!

[@robertkorstian2293]

I had a '71 TR 6 in college. Drove it for 10 years, and I still have great memories of this car, it was British Racing Green with a black top, only sold it because you couldn't get parts anymore, I wish that I had it now ❤❤❤❤

[@assininecomment1630]

Haven't watched anything on your channel before. From the perspective of a consumer and not a producer, I'm a fairly fussy bastard when it comes to car enthusiast videos... You definitely need to be told, *very nice work, fella!* 👏🙂 This video was _much_ better than many other 'retro model revisitation' vids I've seen. _Genuine_ enthusiasm without drowning us in giddy hyperbole; natural spoken/narration style; good historic/background research for a range of curious viewers; enough detail to help paint a good picture of the topic vehicle. The only vids noticeably better, are long established and have seriously big production teams *and* budgets. (Tbh, plenty of high profile channels do a crappy job - failing in one or more of the areas you do well.) Subscribed, and keen to watch some more cool stuff.

[@pcar928fan]

When I was growing up we had two TR6 and one TR250! I loved those cars so much! My first car was a 2 year old 1980 Spitfire. I loved my Spitfire, but always dreamed of a TR6!

[@billmoeller8897]

Had a 1969 TR 6, great car. Now it belongs to my son. Hope he can get it back on the road again.

[@johnswofford599]

My very first car was a 1972 TR6 in dark blue. I didn't have it very long as I had maintenance problems with the hydraulic clutch. But while I had it I loved it.

[@donb782]

Bought a used 66 TR4A when I got home from Vietnam. Drove it as my daily driver for years. Finally became too unreliable to depend on. I eventually sold it. After the kids were grown and gone and being a slow learner I wound up buying a 74 TR6. Lucas was no better in 74 tan they were in 66 and I had multiple electrical issues. Still it was great fun to drive. I had to sell it when we moved out of state. Still miss it

[@mikekruly9097]

I have a 76 TR6 Love it's quirks. Handles like a dream.Just love it! To quote James May, It's so blokes can have a tool box.

[@KaiPonte]

I only vaguely remember my dad's TR6. I think we saw the movie, Jaws, at the drive-in while sitting in this car. Cool video!

[@mjordan812]

Stationed in northern Italy '68-'71. Had a '60 TR4. Loved the car. Back in Italy in '75 and wanted a TR6 - but that never happened. Alas. Now I want one. Again.

[@ChasGale]

Thanks for this. I bought my TR6 new in 1976, the last year they were produced. I sold it in 2012 for what I paid for it. It was always garaged and had only 90k on it, but it needed restoration and I had not the will, and I moved to NYC... I still miss that car.

[@scottmalen9634]

got my TR6 as a graduation present in 1974. I had it for 1yr 6months and it was stolen. I never saw it again! Unfortunately i have never had the opportunity to get another.

[@arj24z06]

Good history lesson on the Triumph and the TR6. I owned 3 early models in the early 70’s it was a fun car to drive and got me hooked on sports cars to this day.

[@ericheine2414]

I've done four TR6. 205 70 R15 on the all fours. Koni adjustable socks on the front- the number two setting. 3/4 valving on the rear Armstrong shocks. Electronic ignition, 28 PSI in the front tires, 32 psi in the rear tires. Use the standard clutch not a performance clutch. Now fly it low and fast. Like a Cessna- with finesse.

[@TheJhtlag]

This makes my eyes water. My brother had a TR4A IRS loved it and yes that was pure buck-board fun, in retrospect, that really was the sweet spot for fun. Magically a small dealership nearby had several used - this in '74 - TR250s for sale and I bought one loved it to death, coincidentally had a group of friends at Virginia Tech who had: 1) TR3A 2) MGBTD, 3) MGB 4) AH Sprite (or was it an mg midget, I forget) 5) Porsche 914 Literally working on cars under the shade tree. The Porsche 914 guy ended up buying a Lotus John Player Special, let me drive it once, wow! Wasn't a poseur either, ME grad student, had the Porsche engine completely disassembled in my friends house much to their disgruntlement. Went on to work at the Michelin plant in SC. Anyway, I digress and apologies for letting me reminisce, The TRs did have some track success in the US SCCA, a guy name Bob Tullius was a local/regional legend beating all the Corvettes in his at places like Summit Point in WV. Loved the look of the Michelotti design, basically in the middle of conversion, one year to change to straight 6, the next for the TR6 body. I've heard a version of this that the TR8 was also a "got it right" version before going out of business - with the V8 of course. One thing you can see on the TR6 is that new safety standards required them to have 5 mile per hour bumpers which in my humble opinion was kind of a disaster for the looks of the car, at least because it had to be an afterthought. Also other safety features, eg, the steering wheel column was a steel rod aimed at your chest. So yeah, probably quite a lot of generational redesign required to keep up with a changing world along with unibody designs etc. basically a lot of elements that were adverse to buildings more convertibles. Oh well, I'm still here, feel sorry for the convertibles you see nowadays where you can barely see the guy's head sticking out above the cockpit for safety reasons, can't rest your arm on the door, feel the wind in your hair.

[@jeffk2278]

Bought a new one in 1975. Everyone thought I was crazy as the electrical system was supposed to be terrible. I had it for about 10 years and really had no problems with it. I did follow the maintenance schedule closely but did drive it across country three times. The video mentions it being small, but it had a lot of leg room and at 6' 4" I was pretty comfortable in it. I have tried to attach a photo of it from 1985.

[@nigelduckworth4419]

I had an MGB followed by a TR6 from 1969 to 1976. They were chalk and cheese. The MG was wholly reliable, the TR pretty hopeless, mostly because the latter would start first time but, if not, might not start for 30 minutes by which time I was late for work! However, the TR here in the UK was a rocket ship compared with the MG, even though the MG was pretty quick by reference to the average saloon. The TR and Triumph 2.5 PI were the first cars to have Lucas mechanical petrol injection fitted as standard in England, and boy was it temperamental-- see starting problems above, But I had to spend about £200 per month in todays money having to have the injection recalibrated by Lucas themselves in Manchester UK. However, the injection version with 143 bhp was only marginally slower on acceleration than the supercars of the day. 8.3 to 60, so all is forgiven. Fabulous machine. Not a daily driver.

[@PatrickLacy]

When I was a teenager I had a summer job with a local new car dealership doing oil changes, etc. There were two on the lot that arrived in trades. Upon their resale I was assigned to give them a good inspection which included a test drive. They were so much fun! I'll never forget how much I liked driving them!

[@jupeterczech1340]

ACE! 👍 Tears in my eyes, a former 1961 TR3A owner! Unfortunately, sold for central heating in first house in 1969. MUST now source a TR6 🤔 Thank yooo! 👍🤗🇬🇧

[@adoreslaurel]

Amazing engine, wet sleeve and a variation used in the Ferguson Tractor.

[@Caligari...]

I had a 1973 TR-6 in 1977, i loved this car .

[@anthonygray333]

I have a 69. Wanted one forever and got it about 5 years ago. It was sitting since 1991 so it needed some love but it is a complete hoot.

[@guypehaim1080]

I always liked the TR3A. It was a very good basic roadster and it was fun to drive with verve. I also liked the Triumph Spitfire. It had a very low seating position and you could throw it around with confidence. With its flip-up front sheet metal it was very easy to work on. You could sit on one of the front wheels and do a complete tune-up. You could drive the car at twice the rated speed in the corners.

[@MB5rider81]

The 3 is a cool little car. Like one foot in the way-WAY old school,. And one foot in the far-out 50's.. crazy carburetor setup.. crazy skinny tires.. smells like a train under the hood. Working on it felt like giving Audrey Hepburn a backrub

[@nzinaz]

I bought a 1954 TR2 from a friend in 1968 and put many miles on it. It was a joy to drive and I dearly wish I'd kept it. 😢 The only problem it ever gave me was having to replace thermostats.😅 I finally concluded 🇬🇧 engineers simply didn't design it for life in the desert 😎 💖🥰 (☀️is hard on rubber too)

[@TheAzmountaineer]

My first car in 1971 was a TR3. It was a great car for a kid to learn how cars work and how to fix them. It really only had two weaknesses 1) Lucas - nuff said. 2) weak metal in the transmission - or maybe I was hard on them. I tore the cluster gear out of three different transmissions, and I tried to be gentle after the first one. I was looking for a TR4 transmission (fully synchronized) when a friend offered me cash and I let it go.

[@michaelcrafter8994]

Mate, a lot of work went into this one - Well done to you for all of that behind the scenes - Really enjoyed every minute of it. Classis car I hope to also acquire one day. Never give up on your dreams. Thanks for showing us all. 🙂

[@mmi16]

Have been a Triumphista since there was a TR-3 dealer right next to my elementary school. TR-3 grabbed my imagination. As I grew I bought a TR-4a IRS then a TR-250 subsequently a TR-6 and finally a TR-7 Convertible that I have to this day. Autocrossed the TR-7 for a number of years winning local championships in class, before I migrated to open wheel road racing with SCCA.

[@bsant54]

Got rid of the SU carbs on my TR-6 and replaced with Weber carbs. V. fast. Also, lowered the suspension. Great handling and speed. Alas, I own no more. Fun, fun car it was.

[@JMacZ911]

Had 69 and 72. There 69 was navy blue with wire wheels. The 72 was red with the dish wheels with trim rings. They were both great little cars that taught me quite a bout about automotive repair and mechanics. Up-graded the 69 a bit: Abarth exhaust with chromed quad tips, Lucas electronic ignition system, wire headlamp covers, roll bar and removed the bumpers. The ignition system was a CD type system that got rid of points. The problem was they went south annually, so I always kept an extra in the trunk and could change one out in about 20 minutes on a dark night. Lucas, the evil Prince of Darkness. Those changes gave it a nice look. When Group 44 with Paul Newman started racing them, I added a set of Weber carbs. But then started having transmission issues. Apparently it was a little too much power/torque for second and third gears. I rebuilt the transmission twice but fortunately they were quite easy to remove. As I said I learned a lot about so-called British engineering well before the preponderance of KZbin 'how-to' videos. The 72 was kept bone stock and my wife loved driving it. Sold them both when he had kids.

[@gerarddion4859]

Very nice video! The TR-6, IMO, was one of the most beautiful and finest examples of classic, affordable British sports cars

[@davidhunternyc1]

My father owned a TR4 and TR7. They were both lemons. I liked riding around in them though, when they were running. I did not know about the Italia. That thing was gorgeous. Bellisimo!

[@NAjustlikeatrumptroll]

Bought a red TR3A when I was 21. The old-style girder chassis was tough. I drove it across Australia, including 1000 miles of dirt road, with no problems. However the narrowness of the chassis made the car extremely twitchy on corners. Michelin tyres helped to improve the grip, but eventually I overdid it on a country road and wrote the car off.

[@Mark.G475]

Cool! What year did you buy one? Cheers from Milwaukee 🍻

[@NAjustlikeatrumptroll]

@@Mark.G475 It was a 1961 model and I bought it in 1962. In Melbourne we had the Triumph Sports Owners Association, which organised trips, charity runs, and timed events at a raceway.

[@timothyknight2236]

Great video....I have a 73 Carmine red TR6; it's my second TR6......absolutely a ball to drive and makes all of the appropriate hairy chested British sounds.

[@geondy2]

I had a 1960 TR-3A/ 1964 TR-4A / My 1968 TR-250 was my Favorite. Bought the TR-250 in 1972, had to let it go when 3children in the family made it no longer practical and the gas crunch in California. Years later I purchased around 1984, I found this 1972 TR-6 in a farmers field, got it for $175.00. In bad shape and missing the rear diff. Over the next several years I did a frame up restoration, which included rebuilding the engine. I drove it back and forth to work for 10 years, about 50 thousand miles. Was starting to burn oil, sat in the garage for several more years until I eventually sold it. I was having much more fun driving our 1992 Toyota Supra which I purchased for my wife.

[@bsimpson6204]

Such a great looking car with those big wheels, I've had two MX5's and wish they had the same big wheel look.

[@stigjr2410]

I had five different tr-6s, and one tr-250 and a Stag. I love Triumphs. Today I drive a 2022 supra, but my heart is with the tr-6.

[@billrbca]

good video with a logical discussion of the arc of British car of the period

[@Carlito_Sway]

When my dad turned 50, my mom bought him his dream car as a gift- a 72 TR6. I was 12- we found a white TR6 in southern Indiana that had been sitting in a barn and trailered it to our garage. We restored the entire car from the ground up. I remember knocking old wasp nests and decades of crud off of the frame. We refinished the exterior in emerald green with a tan interior, completely rebuilt the engine (twice- it was a learning experience 😆), and otherwise kept it pretty much stock (apart from a cylinder rebore). It was a gem of a car, an incredible way for a kid to learn how to work on cars. Eventually my dad sold it to a fella in Denmark, I believe- I hope it is still bringing as much joy to its current owners!

[@LibertyWines]

When my father had had enough with MGBS for being underpowered, he purchased a '71 TR6 in the late 70s. Great car to learn to drive on an occasionally drive to high school. Great torque & very exhilarating 3rd gear ~ everything else has been well said below & here. Worth getting a hold of one as they are rugged. I have TRs but not yet a 6 which I will remedy as I am curious where values are heading with the waning baby boom generation's ownership & TR6 enjoyment. Great review by the very, very talented Giovanni Michelotti's TR work & the Italian tie.

[@pvasiliou3948]

It's always been my favorite looking car. Low, topless, big wheels, six-cylinder engine (torque), British, unique, I could go on and on...great video. One slight negative comment: It's "Jag-you-are", not "Jagwire". Keep these coming, please!

[@fv1291]

TRs are a beautiful timeless classic with those red walls.

[@terencegamble4548]

I had a TR4A and a TR6 - great cars in their time. Your video really did justice to the marque. Very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@blanchae]

I had a TR4A and TR6 also.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

Was the 4A quicker than the 6?

[@blanchae]

@@IncogNito-gg6uh The TR4a had a massey ferguson 4 cylinder tractor engine with dual carbs. If felt like you were going fast but you were just keeping up with traffic. The TR6 was very much faster with its 2.5L 6 cylinder.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

@@blanchae Thanks! I never knew for sure. Back in 1971 the TR6 was my dream car (still is!). I had a co-worker who had a 4A he swore was quicker. He and another co-worker who had an Opel GT were always arguing which of those two were quicker. I don't know if they ever settled that!

[@steveadams6010]

I owned a TR6 and it was the last year of the solid chrome bumper style. It had overdrive and I later installed a factory correct air conditioner in it. It was a pleasure to drive. Additionally, I had the heads ground a little bit and the compression pulled up for a few more horsepower. In all it was a great car with a lot of oversteer built into it. I remember my first day driving it was nothing more than a series of s turns down the road. Loss of a job forced me to sell and to this day I wish I had it back. I found everything on this video to be spot-on. Great video-even better car.

[@johnhiggs325]

Out of all of the cars I’ve own over the decades, my little TR4 was my favorite.

[@markcook3570]

I own a TR-250, the TR -4 body style looks so good in todays traffic. In a land full of Pick-ups, minivans and SUVS it reeks charm and a flair. With a few mods from Moss Motors they are quite dependable and a blast to drive. What I also love Is the sensation of speed without having to be speedy. PEACE OUT...

[@kennethjackson7574]

@@markcook3570Never owned one, but I also like the TR250. TR4 styling with what would become the TR6 engine.

[@markcook3570]

@@kennethjackson7574 Exactly best of both worlds I had a speed shop hook my car up suspension wise and engine wise but 150 horse at the rear wheels thing handles like a go cart

[@kennethjackson7574]

@@markcook3570 Around 55 years ago I had a cool go kart. From the top down: top of the driver’s head, top of steering wheel, top of the seats, top of the VW fan shroud. It had been a Beetle that had rolled over. I took the body off, then had myself an off-road go kart!

[@daveridgeway2639]

Hi Bart, nice car, nice video! I am 63 years old. My late father had a 1958 British racing green TR3 back when I was a small child, and he loved it! I had a female elementary school teacher who had a white 1971 TR6 and she loved it! Please reply. Dave...

[@Twolife]

I know of two TR7s, but they were troubled cars. A TR6 is a great-looking car! I had a 69 Fiat 124 Spider, which had a twin-cam aluminum head, Weber 2-barrel carb, 5-speed trans, four-wheel disc brakes, and a magnet-controlled radiator fan. Friends had a Midget MG and a Triumph Spitfire. The '70s were a fun time for those cars! Oh, I paid $800 for that Spider.

[@DaveNarn]

Very good review of the TRs. I had a Herald. With it’s simplified single dashboard gauge I thought of its as my English Volkswagen. Very reliable. Of course it was all spitfire running gear with just a longer drive line. I had three spits, all daily drivers. Spitfire-4, ’67 Mrk-3 and a 1500.

[@stevenslater2669]

My cousin traded his 1958 Olds 98 convertible for one of the first TR4s in Philadelphia. I got to drive it a lot because Dave was gone most of the summer on National Guard active duty. He asked if I would mind taking the Triumph out occasionally. Would I! By the second year, the roll up windows didn’t. Dave bought a tonneau.cover, nursed the windows done and the car was a roadster until the weather turned cold. Then the tonneau cover came off, the windows nursed up, and weren’t rolled down until the following spring. Dave loved that car. After graduation Dave and a buddy took the Triumph on a loop around the United States. 9,000 miles in about a month, without so much as a flat tire - until the final night, actually 03:00 in Ohio. Dave’s buddy was driving and he hit a big ol’ farm dog. Destroyed the front end. It looked like he had hit a wall. Dave traded in the TR for a new Austin Healy 3000. He lost track of how many mufflers he ripped off that thing!

[@ronnronn55]

Great that you are doing British sports cars and British motorcycles. They both come out of the same psychology and many people are attracted to both. Thanks, Ronn

[@howardsimpson489]

This same British psychology made the Triumph Mayflower. Very stylish and the most gutless post war car made. Even worse than the sidevalve Morris Minor. My 1935 Ford 8 Model Y ran rings around them for half the price. The Triumph bikes had the same characteristics as most British vehicles, large puddles of oil and Lucas Electrics.

[@flattire707]

My first car was a TR4. I loved my two Triumph TR4s.

[@scottwolf8633]

My father drove the TR 4. My first car was a '71 MGB GT. In NW CT both handled the winding roads that evolved from cow paths with the amazing ability to take whatever curves came at me.

[@carlosc3768]

Brilliant video Bart, great content and the back up footage editing is first class. Thank you...

[@edwesby5752]

I bought a 1974 TR-6 in August 1974, brand new, and kept it for 25 years. I drove it over 140,000 miles all across the US, at least 4 trips from Maryland across the US on Interstates 10, 40, 70, 80, and 90. Drove it up Pikes Peak in Colorado, around the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and through Yellowstone National Park . I loved the looks of the car and still do. Wish someone would make a current car with the same body style. Over the 25 years I repaired or replaced many many parts on the car but it never gave me the problems that people always spoke about British cars. I even drove it across the US with the timing improperly adjusted and it still performed up to expectations. One thing is I wish that I had known before I ordered the car all of the options that were available for the car. I eventually got an electronic overdrive transmission (which I installed); bought a factory hardtop from a used car lot (right off another TR-6); and exchanged the standard wheels for wire wheels. The Roadster Factory in Pa. and I did a lot of business over the years and I made a lot of visits to salvage/junk yards to get second hand parts. I sold the TR-6 in 1999 for $5k which is about what I paid for it brand new.

[@ThomasButryn]

I had a1967 Triumph MK3 in high school. Awesome cars!!! Fun!

[@hmr171]

The 396th TR6 imported to N. America is in my garage. I restored it in the early 2000's. I then got interested in more powerful cars and sadly it hasn't ran in 10 years. One of these days, I'll get it on the road again.

[@tomsmith5216]

I had a 57 TR3. Damn I miss that car. Absolutely the most fun l've had in any car, including my 2 Porsches. The closest to that is my current BMW Z3. Not huge power numbers, but great fun to drive. I also would not turn down a TR250/TR6...

[@2904bennett]

I bought my 1973 TR6 in 1976 when I was twenty years old. I loved that car. It was a classic.

[@pauloconnor7951]

my first 104 MPH was driving my Boss's TR6. Yes the 240Z are more awesome and just sorted !!! Great video Bart !!!

[@Joevacs]

Good video. I had a '74 TR-6 in highschool and sold it afterwards when I needed more room. I always wanted to get another one . I was surprised that you didn't mention the Spitfire as you made many references to Michelloti. He himself even said that the Spitfire was his favorite of all the cars he designed. I have a Spitfire now and love it as much as the TR-6.

[@brucemcintosh5898]

I had a 74 Spit when I was in my teens in about 1976. I wanted a TR6 but couldn't afford one!

[@stephenhall3515]

A very fair, knowledgeable, contextual overview of a car which really did, as you say, create a class of its own.

[@winfielddixon5166]

I learned to drive on my father's 1971 TR 6. Funnest car I've ever driven, and I've owned a Vette Grand Sport.

[@elkabongg2716]

One of my favourite cars of the many I have owned. I loved the open top, it was relatively comfortable to drive at speed. Not as nimble as a Midget or Lotus, the handling had character, but I loved that so smooth straight six torquey engine and its exhaust note somewhere between a rasp and melodic hum.

[@GARDENER42]

The TR6 really was the last, best looking, affordable sports car produced in the UK. My late mother owned a 1937 Triumph Gloria (which led her to several 'disagreements' with her father...). Nearest I came was owning a 1969 MG Midget in the late 1970s - rust held together by tape & hope.

[@steveb4012]

I loved these growing up in the UK. I could never afford one though sadly. Some of those cars you mention were common sights for us. A Healy 3 litre always made the heart quicken. My Dad's Bosd had an E Type V12 which I got to ride in, it was so fast .

[@lewisg1736]

I just loved my 72 TR-6. The similarity between the dash on the TR-6 and the Fiat 124 makes sense if the TR-6 design came from Italy. The torque on the TR-6 was wonderful and changing out the carburetors (from the SUs) added a horsepower boost.

[@Mrch33ky]

I knew a fellow once owned a TR6. He never drove it. It was just eye candy for the driveway. I imagine you lot can relate.

[@SteveDentonClassics]

One of the best British sports cars ever made, but I would say that, I have one. Great video Bart 👍

[@maxbrazil3712]

Italian styling, German engineering, with British oil leaks and faulty electrical.

[@Philcopson]

What "German engineering" ?

[@jfv65]

​@@PhilcopsonKarmann built prototype body ?

[@Philcopson]

@@jfv65 "German engineering" implies it has German-designed mechanicals - engine/drivetrain/suspension. A few skin panels to update the TR4/5 shell don't really count. Anyway - I'm sure "maxbrazil" was only being humorous about British oil-leaks and electrics, so I'll give him a pass.

[@peterliemareff8894]

Spot on

[@peterliemareff8894]

But it was fun to drive

[@rich_t]

I miss my '75 pimento red TR6. What a fun little car.

[@bigdogpete43]

I had a 1976 for years. I lived in Colorado and had to adjust those freaking Strombergs every time I changed 1000' elevation. Which was everytime I went to town lol.

[@HuberHeinrichHuber]

Bin ich 1978 gefahren . Tacho Km/h 230 😊. Das war dazumal ziemlich schnell 😊!

[@borrego9241]

Interesting and nostalgic. I had a half dozen Triumphs many years ago. My first, a '62 Herald convertible was $25. It was pink! . . and I was 10 years old. The last was a '69 TR6. I didn't get the impression at the time that the Datsun 240Z was any direct competition for the TR6. They appealed to a bit different demographic - older, and more female buyers. What sounds counterintuitive today, was quite plain back then: Automotive technologies had moved miles past Triumph. In 1969, that stark reality came in the form of the new Porsche 914. It was the same money as a TR6, same weight class, also had a removable top, and it directly competed for the same buyers. It was also compared in the magazines of the day. Side by side, the more 'classic' TR6 design with it's 25 year old suspension design, archaic iron driveline and antique body-on-frame carcass seemed like yesterdays answers for tomorrows questions. The TR6 platform was such a wet noodle, if you opened a door before jacking up a corner, you couldnt close it, and you risked paint chips where panel gaps closed. You had to 'oil' the carbs and it still had a generator designed in the 50's. On the other hand, the Porsche 914 had modern brakes and strut-damper suspension interchangeable with the 911, it was a relatively stiff envelope, was a mid-engine configuration, had a 5-speed OD transmission, wider track, 3 times the luggage space, the top actually kept rain out, and it had the cache of the Porsche name. 914s are what killed the Triumph TR6 on the road, track and in the market. Simply put, in 1969 young sports-roadster buyers had little interest in yet another classic. Buyers wanted the future and Porsche gave it to them at a very attractive price. In many ways the opposite sentiment is true of classic designs today, for reasons that weren't factors in 1969. So looking through today's lens can somewhat distort yesterday's picture. Other than the TR6s hideous rear suspension that unsettled horribly in corners with ruts or bumps, I generally loved mine for it's beautiful exhaust note with the top down cruising SoCal's canyons under the stars. Paul Newman locally raced a D-Production TR6. He was a sucker for uncommon things. His car wasn't particularly competitive, but he was a Gem of a human being to race with. Thanks for keeping the history alive 👀

[@rogerdodrill4733]

But 914 Porsche looks like shit

[@KarlBergerson]

Many many years ago I got my 1st car, a TR3 for $525. Fun, fun, fun. Eventually got a couple of Austin Healy 3000, last one in 67. Just beautiful. I couldn't afford the E type Jag.

[@kenster865]

I fell in love with the TR6 back in the early 70's and bought a well-used '69 TR6 around '71-'72. I had nothing but trouble with that car and it literally spent more time in the shop than on the road. I sold the TR6 around '74 and missed the open-top roadster experience for decades. Finally, at 69, I bought a new 2020 Mazda Miata. I would have preferred to find a clean, restored TR6 but remembering all the hassles I had drove me to the Miata. I'm sorry but it was a smart decision. The newer 4th Gen Miata's are just incredibly reliable and pretty quick, too. The top goes up or down in about 6-8 seconds. I still long for another TR6 but the fear of reliability issues haunts me. Reading below, it seems that some cats have been really, really fortunate to find reliable, used TR6's... God bless you guys but I'll stick to my Miata for now. It's the safer bet, sad to say.

[@chucktaylor9190]

I had a 1975 TR6. great car.

[@rogerdodrill4733]

Great looking til the crow bar