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Getting Excited, Are You?

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44B

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Well, if you have kept track these last few days here, I am new to the Triumph world. I posted a intro in the new comers area if you wish to catch up. Today was an exciting day for me. Last night I found a 1974 TR6 for sale on eBay that was only 70 miles away so I sent a message to the owner and asked if I could come check it out. He call this morning and said, come on down. Now if you don’t know, I am so new, this was the first time that I have seen a TR6. Upon arrival, my expectations were right on. I was drawn to this car by its physical stance and sexy body contouring, but was really surprised on its size. I say that because I never have sat in one and just didn’t know, but turns out, I like it more than I expected. I did not however get the chance to drive it. Overwhelmed by my excitement, I failed to inform the seller that I wasn’t a buyer, so I didn’t impose on him the question of a test drive. I really felt bad for doing that, but felt even worse for the situation that the seller was in. He bought the car last December, and really didn’t know what he had gotten him self into. To top all that off, he probably was asking $2K - $3k over on a reasonable price for the condition it was in. I don’t want to air his dirty laundry any more I just want to inform all that My experience was awesome considering the situation and I hope the best for him. So let me cut to the chase and ask all that read this for help in answering a few some what broad questions I have to help me decide for sure if the TR^ is right for me.

• Not to sure yet in the years of which model did not have the black bumpers
• What would $15k get me in today’s market?
• What can I expect for the driving experience?
• How versatile are component upgrades? I.e.; brakes, suspension, engine
• What would be the most common thing to expect to go wrong?

After today, I am two step closer to getting one of these beauties, and I will say the welcome and support of all you guys makes it that much more soothing in this venture that I find myself in. Thanks for your Help

-44B
 
Lots of good info at https://www.vtr.org/buyers-guide/index.shtml

As I recall, the black bumpers started in late 1974, on cars intended to be sold as 1975 models.

Prices vary widely (seems like a lot of dealers are trying to find suckers wanting to invest in cars instead of the stock market) but IMO 15k should get you a nice, drivable car with overdrive. Not a show car; probably a "10 foot" paint job and a few rust bubbles; but something you can drive and enjoy immediately. Overdrive is definitely recommended unless you want to only drive in parades.

But looking at your avatar, I think you might be even happier with a sidescreen Triumph (TR2 or TR3). Think old Harley with twice as many wheels and cylinders! If you need a manicure, just hang your arm down and drag your fingernails on the pavement :laugh:
 
The overriders started in '74 with a standard height bumper and parking lights in the front valance. Mid '74, the bumper height was raised and the parking lights were fitted into it.
I would join a local Triumph Club. Between here and a club, you should be talking Triumph soon, and maybe find someone who would join you when looking at prospective cars.
 
First thing we need to do is get you IN one to try it on for size.

When we chatted the other night, I don't think I said it, but whenever you want to go check one out, I'm at the ready; you have my phone number.

Oh, and the Nashville club's president has a 6; we need to get with him and see if he'll give you a sampling... :wink:
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] I was drawn to this car by its physical stance and sexy body contouring, but was really surprised on its size. I say that because I never have sat in one and just didn’t know, but turns out, I like it more than I expected. I did not however get the chance to drive it. [/QUOTE]

44B - welcome to BCF!

Reading your post, I think we've all had some similar feelings. We hear about "it", we read about "it", we see "it" from afar, we fall in love with "it".

But we haven't even touched "it" yet!

Happens to everyone. But follow Mickey's advice: find a few, inspect a few, ride in a few, and ask current owners (not sellers) what to look (out) for.

And always (?) get suspicious when you see one for sale that's "clean as a whistle and fully restored", but that the seller has only owned for a few months. May be fine - or may be a major disaster for you.

And Mickey - aren't you supposed to be at a sunrise service about now? :smile:

Tom
 
And I'd argue that $15K and some patience can get you a very nice car, probably better than a 10-footer. If you are convinced you want one, take the time to learn about the pros and cons of the car, and take up the advice others have said hear and meet some local TR club members - they can help the best to steer you to the right car.

Randy
 
44B,
I had always wanted a LBC from back in HS when my friends had them and I got to drive my Dad's 64 Impala with the powerglide. In college, there were more LBC's on campus, and I had inherited my Grandpa's 52 Buick which I repainted to make it even more independent.

When I finally got the chance to make a Triumph purchase, I could not get the cut down doors out of my mind, and I ended up with Fagin, a 1962 TR3B. Keep looking and check out a number of cars. I was lucky to know a dealer of British Cars, and even if I paid a bit too much, I am happy with what I have now. Keep us posted on your shopping experiences...
 

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Oh man, Randall and Dave's pictures sure make me want my old TR3 back!

44B: Whatever you do regarding TR6s, be sure to fully look at the frame area around the rear trailing arms...especially in the "cruciform" area. This is an area that can rust heavily and require complex reapairs. Talk to some of Mickey's pals and have them identify this area of the car.
Also, you need to look for excess crankshaft thrust (fore-and-aft "play" of the crank).

None of this stuff may be dealbreakers for you, as long as you know what you're getting.
I agree that for $15K you coould get a very decent TR6 around here.

G'luck!
 
• Not to sure yet in the years of which model did not have the black bumpers <span style="font-style: italic"> been answered </span>
• What would $15k get me in today’s market? <span style="font-style: italic"> a very good car both cosmetically and mechanically, there are a lot of TR6s around be patient and you can get a really good one </span>
• What can I expect for the driving experience? <span style="font-style: italic"> This is somewhat subjective, but it sounds like you have only driven modern cars, I think you will find the TR to be very small nimble and responsive, also great cars to cruise in on a nice day</span>
• How versatile are component upgrades? I.e.; brakes, suspension, engine <span style="font-style: italic"> You can get all sorts of upgrades to engine and suspension, you can get everything from upgraded suspension bushings to tube shock kits and adjustable suspention mounts for the rear, and everything from lots of different cam hrinds to performance exhausts to superchargers for the motor </span>
• What would be the most common thing to expect to go wrong? <span style="font-style: italic"> as mentioned the crank float can be an issue, and the rear suspension has lots of parts that can wear out, like any car try everything to see if it works keep an eye on the guages when you drive it </span>
 
aeronca65t said:
Oh man, Randall and Dave's pictures sure make me want my old TR3 back!
Click to expand...
Same here, having watched my last restorable 3A leave its 35-year rest in my mom's garage for a new home with someone who actually has time and such to restore it! On the other hand, Dave's picture makes me long for my grandfather's '51 Buick Special...which the family sold off in 1962 after he died. For some reason, they couldn't envision keeping it around for a then-nine-year-old car guy!
 
And you meet such interesting people in a TR. This tribal police officer was very pleasant and even willing to pose for a photo but for the life of me I could not get a smile out of him:

Zuni.JPG



BTW -- I think those black TR6 bumpers can be removed w/o much trouble for a cleaner look.

$15K can buy a very nice 6... or a lot of heartache. Be patience and use the resources here and in your local club (which you should join now, nit wait until you have the car).

<span style="font-style: italic">PS: It was a broken ignition wire</span>
 
Did the guy in Knoxville sell his collection? There was a lot of potential there. It was listed on the VTR site for a long time.
 
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