1972 Triumph Supercharged TR6! 5 Speed! 40 Year Mainten

1972 Triumph TR-6

The Triumph TR6 first appeared in late 1968 (as a 1969 model) as the "new" Triumph. It really wasn't a new car though as its frame, suspension, and engine were carried over from earlier Triumph models. This did not stop the public from perceiving it as revolutionary and it was instantly recognized as an iconic (and highly desirable) British sports car. The lines of the car are unmistakably Triumph but leaner and more muscular. Fifty years after its introduction, most car enthusiasts describe the TR6 as a timeless British roadster with robust and reliable performance.

Connoisseurs of the US import version of the Triumph TR6 know that the car was built with two significant design limitations: (1) a 4 speed gear box which loudly "whined" at speeds in excess of 50 mph; and (2) a carbuerated (non petrol injected) engine that produced approximately 105 horsepower. Having previously owned a TR6 and having personally experienced both of these limitations, I searched long and hard for a car that did not have them. Fortunately, I found such a car in my backyard (almost) which was owned by a local enthusiast. Thus, after a little negotiation, I was able to acquire a TR6 that was equipped with: (1) a HVDA conversion kit attached to a 5 speed Toyota transmission (giving it a fast, "no whine" transmission); and (2) a powerful supercharger which pushes the horsepower up to roughly 140 (maybe more). These two additions make this particular TR6 a joy to drive at 70+ mph and enable it to freely cruise along at even the most daring of freeway speeds.

In addition to these enhancements, this particular car was sold with a 40+ year maintenance history. The car's maintenance history proved to me that the car was originally a California car, had been routinely maintained for an extremely long period of time and that it was not some rusted relic, left in a garage to rot. In perusing the maintenance records that came with the car, I discovered the following maintenance highlights:

11-30-1976 Master cylinder replaced at San Jose British Motor Cars in San Jose, CA

08-10-1978 Repair to third member of frame by by Precision Frame in San Jose, CA

07-19-1979 Rear differential supports replaced by Sunnyvale British Motor Cars in Sunnyvale, CA

04-14-1979 Car registered to Ludwig C. in Sunnyvale, CA

08-10-1981 Car checked for overheating by Manarello Imports in Palo Alto, California

10-19-1983 Brakes repaired by Centralmont Sports & Foreign Auto in Fremont, CA

10-03-1984 Car sold by Mr. Ludwig A. to Mr. James Y. for $4,000

06-06-1985 Clutch master cylinder replaced for Mr. Jim Y. by Di-Greg Foreign Car Service in Vallejo, CA

07-06-1986 Car registered to Mr. Robert S.

08-18-1986 Major service performed by Di-Greg Foreign Car Service in Vallejo, CA

09-04-1990 Car sold by Mr. Robert S. to the Craig L. of GBDC

09-26-1990 Shocks and windshield rubber replaced by Triumph Specialty in San Jose, CA

05-13-1991 Starter rebuilt by Triumph Specialty in San Jose, CA

11-27-2007 Car sold by Mr. Tom B. of CA to Mr. Larry D. in Houston, TX. Ebay advert for this sale

states: "Recent paint, top, interior, tire, rotors, brakes, front suspension, dashpad, walnut dash ... rebuilt engine has less than 500 miles ... California car, no rust."

05-11-2009 Purchased 1985 Toyota Supra Transmission in Thrall, TX

05-31-2008 Standard Performance Supercharger sourced and installed (Eaton M62 blower with SU HD8 carb)

07-23-2009 HDVA transmission conversion installed by the TR Shop in Cypress, TX

08-04-2009 Turbo Tube Muffler installed by Ripley's Muffler and Brake in Houston, TX

Unknown Date Wizard aluminum radiator installed

Unknown Date Metal cooling fan shroud

Unknown Date Walnut dash installed

Unknown Date Soundproofing installed under carpet

This is not an exhaustive list of the maintenance items performed and there are some receipts missing however, all in all, the car has a well documented history showing that routine maintenance was regularly performed on this car.

After acquiring the instant car, I began an intensive mechanical refurbishment. My objectives were to ensure that the car was: (1) free of mechanical defect; (2) and ready for another 50 years of driving pleasure. In order to achieve these goals, I spent roughly $6,000 repairing and/or replacing the following items:

Removed engine and transmission for complete reseal (all new gaskets and seals);Painted block;Painted exhaust manifold;Painted valve cover gasket;Cleaned engine bay;Installed new timing chain;Installed new timing chain tensioner;Replaced master cylinder;Repainted brake booster;Replaced oil pressure warning switch;Replaced thermostat;Replaced all brake hoses;Replaced fuel pump;Rebuilt steering column bracket;Installed new shocks;Rebuilt front suspension and installed new bushings;Replaced motor mounts;Replaced transmission mount;Repaired accelerator shaft bracket;Replaced accelerator shaft bushings;Replaced shift boot;Replaced facia of center console;Replaced rear transmission seal;Replaced all fluids (transmission and oil);Replaced oil filter (spin on oil filter previously installed);Replaced fuel filter;Recovered seats (Bentley diamond pattern with Damson piping);Installed a new Robbins vinyl top;Replaced speedometer;Replaced boost gauge.

The majority of all parts were sourced from Moss Motors and all work was performed by my personal mechanic (thanks Buddy!). The mechanical work is exemplary and the car is in very, very good mechanical condition. Having said this, the switches for the wipers and the window washer are inoperable and need to be replaced. Further, the speedometer is not original to the car, the exact mileage is not known and the car must be sold as "true miles unknown."

Placing aside these minor defects, the car's cosmetic condition is very good. The car is rust free and the frame is solid with no signs of any significant damage. Further, based on my visual inspection, there are no cracks in the welds of the frame and there is no need to replace or repair any portion of the frame or the body shell.

The car's paint is driver level paint and, for recreational driving purposes, it does not need to be repainted. However, if you want concourse level paint then this car is not the one for you as there are multiple blemishes in the paint, i.e., small scratches on the fenders (no dents though). Further, some of the car's body seals need to be replaced, e.g., windscreen frame seal, windshield seal, etc. Based on what I can see, I do not see any signs of body filler and I believe the original panels are intact. The paint has been professionally waxed and buffed (by me!) and it glistens nicely. I store the car in a climate controlled garage and keep it under a cover which greatly assists in keeping the car's polish. A fitted car cover is included in the sale.

The car will be sold with the following additional items:

Full tonneau cover (covers full cockpit);Half-tonneau cover (covers convertible top and frame);Car cover (covers entire car when stored);40+ years of maintenance records; andMiscellaneous box of spare parts

In conclusion, the instant TR is the perfect enthusiast's car with the difficult (and expensive!) work completed. The car needs some slight cosmetic improvements and has room for individual personalization. Best of all, the car is in buy it, drive it, enjoy it condition! If you are interested in acquiring this highly optioned piece of British roadster history then please contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059.

Looks & runs great.

Records available.

Must see.

No accidents.

Well maintained.

Very clean interior.

Runs & drives great.