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Is this car really rare?

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cooptr6

cooptr6

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I posted this question on 6-pack and got a couple of replys. But a friend and I keep going around and around about how rare the car is and a " BOXoROCKS" put the question back in my head, so I would like to hear what others think.
It is a 1969 TR6 CC25233LO, with a 1973(?) engine, and wire wheels.
I plan on doing a body off restoration, but do not plan on keeping the car 100% orginal. I don't like the Damson color and plan on paint it BRG, changing the interior from black to biscuit, adding A/C (I live in Houston), increasing HP, strengthing the frame, and some other minor things. For the most part, except for the color & Interior the car could be change back to look orginal with little work.
The car needs a lot of work; both floors, both stills, rear panel, battery box, interior, paint. But I plan no doing this right, so tell me what you think.
So am I wrong? Should I sell / trade it to someone who will go 100% orginal? Or just keep doing what I planned?
 
Coop:

We've talked a bit about our cars on the 6-Pack, and I'm sure you will get all kinds of opinions on this.

I don't see yours as being any more rare than other TR6. Of course, the volume of '69's made was probably a bit less than in subsequent years... If it had an engine block that could in some way be traced back to being original, that would most likely add to the "rarity".

After plenty of agony, I'm changing my '72 TR6 from Jasmine to Laurel Green (the '72 version of BRG). My plan is to hold onto this thing for a long time, so I'll do it up the way I want to. The engine block on mine (from a '69) was cracked beyonod repair, so there's no "engine matching" on this thing!

Good luck!
 
Hello Coop!

The answer to your question depends on many factors, but I think BUDGET is a significant one!

Question #1: How much is your restoration budget?

After that question has been answered, the rest of your inquiries will fall into place. You can purchase a very, very nicely restored TR6 that needs basically nothing for about $12,000-$15,000. If you're lucky, you'll find one in your favorite color.

So, if your current resto budget is more than that, sell the car and buy a nicely restored one for the same price, maybe less.

Good luck, let us know what you do.
 
I would be reluctant to describe any TR (with the exception of the 'long door' TR2s) as rare. So long as you can pick up a nice one on eBay for less than the price of a new Korean sedan I think 'rare' is not applicable. Yes, there are specific cars which have some historic significance or incredibly low miles that should also be preserved.

Beyond that, as it has often been said, it's your car to do with as you like.

I personally prefer to see a well maintained and not overly restored original. It sounds like you are going with Triumph colors which is a plus -- and hopefully will do a total respray. I don't much like to see a nice paint job spoiled by a Krylon flat black engine compartment... but there again... it's their car.
 
You just got the greatest advice by VAGT6 and Geo you could get. If you are going to be paying someone else to do just the bits and pieces you described and money is no object, go for it and get it exactly like you want it. Otherwise you need to know you will have much more in it than you can buy a real good driver and still do all the power mods much much cheaper. Replacing rusty bits always leads to other things and I guess that's why some many of these cars turn up as parts cars. Wayne
 
Coop,
There is no such thing as a rare TR6. They were a mass produced, fun car that was made for the American market, where most of them were sold. I had the bug really bad, found a totally solid 73 (zero rust or frame rot), changed EVERYTHING on it to make it a 2002. Modified the engine somewhat, improved the suspension, and 30+thou later, I have that 15 thousand car they talked about above. I could have bought a loaded Miata for less and had no trouble whatsoever (plus air) and not have to lug a complete tool kit and spares on any trip over 25 miles. But, I love my TR6 and wouldn't trade it for the world (make me an offer?).
Yagottalovem.

Bill
 
Hmmmmm. I think I have misundersood the question. The advise so far about the expense of restoring the car is good. If you just want a TR6 get a better one. If you are a TR6 aficienado, who has had or has many, the 69 TR6 is the one to own. One year only for steering wheel, seats, ignition, fender beading,wheels and hub caps, windscreen frame color, chrome valve cover,non reclining seats and various other bits. Your car is the 230th carb TR6 car made. With overdrive as standard, it is even rarer. The car is not for everyone, but a collector will pay a premium, espiecially, for your low # car. Is it worth it to you to restore?,Depends on where you want to be in the TR6 fraternity. To me a split-window vette is just an old vette,whose top won't go down.
 
I thank you ALL for a those words of advice. I really enjoyed reading what you had to say.
I should add that this was purchase as a project to be done over a long time. Right now, my budget is very little, but 3-4 years from now it will be very high. I work as an Air Traffic Controller and wanted a car as a way to have something to do, and help me relax. My last TR6 work great for this, it was the car I should of never sold. This car is replacing that one, but I hope to make even better.

If I keep this car, it will be done just the way it is in my head now. Thanks
 
[ QUOTE ]

the 69 TR6 is the one to own.

Your car is the 230th carb TR6 car made. With overdrive as standard, it is even rarer. The car is not for everyone, but a collector will pay a premium, espiecially, for your low # car. Is it worth it to you to restore?,Depends on where you want to be in the TR6 fraternity.

[/ QUOTE ]


I argree the 69 is the one to own, and luckly I fell across this car.

If there is someone out there who would like to trade TR6's, I would think about it, but I want a car to restore, not a $9000.00 drive today car. But I don't know of anyone who would want to do that, or how to find them.

My main goal is to have a very, very nice TR6, that I will love to drive every day if I want and be comfortable in it.
 
Coop:

what have you discovered about A/C? Any leads on cost, etc?

I've toyed with the idea, but don't know if it's worth it. Here in Central California, summer days get over 100 frequently. While I wouldn't expect it to be able to handle the real high stuff, taking the edge off of the heat would sure extend the driving season...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Coop:

what have you discovered about A/C? Any leads on cost, etc?

I've toyed with the idea, but don't know if it's worth it. Here in Central California, summer days get over 100 frequently. While I wouldn't expect it to be able to handle the real high stuff, taking the edge off of the heat would sure extend the driving season...

[/ QUOTE ]

Not enought to give any good information, but because this car will be a long term project, and I hope to have it on a rotissorie, so that I can measure and play with it. There is a guy in Austin and he also is trying to get it do, go to the Austin Triumph club web site and you can read what he has so far.
I am 6'2" so I don't want an under dash system like what dealers offered, so it will be some work.
 
I agree with Bill that the car cannot be considered rare: even if there are some features unique to that year if you have a 73 block in it and other changes to the specifications then it isn't a proper '69 any more.
If you had a '73 car with the earlier seats and other features that wouldn't be anything special either.
For most Triumphs the value of the car is determined by its condition; if its in really nice condition then originality and relative rarity may add to its value.
Just an opinion, Simon.
 
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