Triumph TR6
| Triumph TR6 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Triumph Motor Company |
| Production | 1968–1976 |
| Assembly | Coventry, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Roadster |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2,498 cc (2.5 L) I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual[1] all synchromesh[2] with optional overdrive[3] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,235 mm (88.0 in)[1] |
| Length | 3,950 mm (155.5 in)[1] |
| Width | 1,550 mm (61.0 in)[1] |
| Height | 1,270 mm (50.0 in)[1] |
| Kerb weight | 1,130 kg (2,491 lb)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Triumph TR250 (United States and Canada) Triumph TR5 (rest of the world) |
| Successor | Triumph TR7 |
The Triumph TR6 (1968–76) is a British six-cylinder sports car and the best-seller of the TR range built by Triumph when production ended in July 1976. This record was then surpassed by the TR7. Of the 94,619 TR6s produced, 86,249 were exported; only 8,370 were sold in the UK.[4]
The bodywork closely resembled that of the previous model, the Triumph TR5, but the front and back ends were squared off, reportedly based on a consultancy contract involving Karmann. This is referred to as a Kamm tail, which was very common during 1970s era of cars and a feature on most Triumphs. The body shape was similar to the TR4/TR5 except for the rear and front.[5]
All TR6 sports cars featured inline six-cylinder engines. For the US market the engine was carburetted, as had been the US-only TR250 engine. Like the TR5, the TR6 was fuel-injected for other world markets including the United Kingdom, hence the TR6PI (petrol-injection) designation. The Lucas mechanical fuel injection system helped the home-market TR6 produce 150 bhp (110 kW) (145 hp DIN) at model introduction. Later, the non-US TR6 variant was detuned to 125 bhp (93 kW) for it to be easier to drive,[citation needed] while the US variant continued to be carburetted with a mere (but more reliable[citation needed]) 104 hp (78 kW).
The TR6 featured a four-speed manual transmission. An optional overdrive unit was a desirable feature because it gave drivers close gearing for aggressive driving with an electrically switched overdrive which could operate on second, third, and fourth gears on early models and third and fourth on later models because of constant gearbox failures in second at high revs. Both provided "long legs" for open motorways. TR6 also featured semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension, rack and pinion steering, 15-inch (380 mm) wheels and tires, pile carpet on floors and trunk/boot, bucket seats, and a full complement of instrumentation. Braking was accomplished by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. A factory steel hardtop was optional, requiring two people to fit it. TR6 construction was fundamentally old-fashioned: the body was bolted onto a frame instead of the two being integrated into a unibody structure; the TR6 dashboard was wooden (plywood with veneer). Other factory options included a rear anti-roll bar and a limited-slip differential.
The UK version TR6PI could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and had a top speed of 120 mph (190 km/h) according to Autocar magazine.[6]
As of Q1 2016, approximately 3400 licensed and 1300 SORN TR6s were registered with the DVLA in the UK.[7]
Some[who?] say that the car is one of Leyland's best achievements, but a number of issues were present and remain because of poor design. These issues include a low level radiator top-up bottle and a poor hand-brake. As is the case with other cars of the era, the TR6 can suffer from rust issues, although surviving examples tend to be well-cared for. The TR6 can be prone to overheating. Many owners fit an aftermarket electric radiator fan to supplement or replace the original engine-driven fan. Also the Leyland factory option of an oil cooler existed. Parts and services to support ownership of a TR6 are readily available and a number of classic car owners' clubs cater for the model.
Gallery
- Triumph TR6 Gallery
-
The 2.5-l inline 6 engine of a TR6 (carbureted engine) -
TR6 left-hand drive interior -
TR6 side view -
TR6 rear quarter view
References
- ^ a b c d e f "1969 Triumph TR6". carfolio.com. Retrieved 1 January 2008.
- ^ "Autotest: Triumph TR6 PI". Autocar. 130. Vol. (nbr3818). 17 April 1969. pp. 2–6.
- ^ "British Motor Heritage Limited". Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- ^ vtr.org. "A History of the TR6". Retrieved 11 October 2010.
- ^ "Autotest: Triumph TR6 PI". Autocar. 130. Vol. (nbr3818). 17 April 1969. pp. 2–6 "... so Karmann Ghia were consulted for a quick rejuvenating process, and the result is a kind of smoothed out TR with fashionable and effective use of matte black for the radiator grill and undercut tail panel".
- ^ Autocar, full road test 1969
- ^ "How Many Left web site". www.howmanyleft.co.uk. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
External links
