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General TR Looking at TRs

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LNL

Freshman Member
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I have currently been mulling over purchasing an MG or a TR6, having always loved the look, the lines, the absolute originality of design.

Call it a mid-life crisis, bucket list item, or just plain desire but the thought has been with me for a long time.


What I wish to know, if you can assist, is what would I be looking for while inspecting one of these fine cars?


Do they come with disc brakes, or drums?


If drum brakes, is there any 'kit' or the ability to transfer the braking system over to disc?


Not sure which models have the overdrive(unless they state it), so that to brings about a want in the car.


Some do not come with the wire rims; so would be curious as to what wire rims would be the best for them, as well as what tires would be the preferred make and size to have the performance a vehicle like these deserves.


I am also a true Canadian driver, which means all seasons. so winter tires; what would be recommended for these vehicles?


As you can tell, I am literally studying what is required, what to look for, what I should be listening for on a test drive, etc.


I have looked at a few, and wonder if you could give some information as to the overdrive asked about, and any other help, if it is at all possible.


I would be extremely appreciative of your assistance, and thank you.


My list, with what info I have, is here:


1975 Triumph TR6 (Overdrive?)


1971 Triumph GT6 MARK3 6 Cylinder Overdrive?


Hopefully you can assist this rookie, and again thank you.




Most respectively,

LNL
 
LNL - welcome to BCF. First off, you need to meet one of our long-time members, John-Peter. ("JPSmit").

He knows a few things about cars. (understatement of the century ...)

J-P - what say you on LNL's questions!

I'd also suggest you scan the Triumph and MG forums here, arrange some "test drives" in Toronto area member cars, and get personal feedback.

Tom M.
 
I'll chime in until you get some info from a real expert. Having owned both MG's and TR6's, I would recommend against owning one as a daily driver in Canada...or just about anywhere. Both are best used as weekend cruisers for fun. I did use a MGBGT a MGB and a Midget for daily drivers when I was young but have since been spoiled. Both come with disc brakes on front and drums on rear. Not sure about conversions that might be available. I've never had a LBC with overdrive but would think it would be very valuable for a daily driver on highways. Changing from disc to wire wheels is a somewhat involved job on MG's, not as much on TR's. For a driver I would stay away from wire wheels due to the additional effort required to keep them tuned and balanced. As for snow tires...see above comment...although I drove all of my MG's without snow tires in any kind of weather, including snow and they performed quite well with appropriate care. I brought my first born home in the GT and used it as the family car until he outgrew the little "back seat". (Car seats were not the size that they are now.)
As for what to look for: rust, rust and...rust. With enough careful searching you can get a car already "fixed" cheaper than you can buy one and restore it but be prepared to work on either. The newest of these cars are 35 years old. I don't know your age and how badly you want a classic, but for a daily driver with the sport car feel, buy a Miata. But if you just want the true roadster feel either the MG or TR are great fun. MG will cost you a little less for a good example while the TR is a little more well mannered on the road, in my humble opinion. Welcome and good luck with the hunt...the hunt is the best part.
 
If you want to see some great examples of both cars (any many more), there will be approximately 1200 British Cars on display at the Toronto Triumph Clubs 32 Annual British Car Day that takes place on Sunday, September 20th. It will be a good opportunity as well to talk to the owners of these cars and ask the questions that you want answered. I know that there will be over 100 TR6's on the field alone...

https://www.torontotriumph.com/BCD/

Cheers
David Tushingham
Grand Marshall
British Car Day
 
Truly appreciate all of this, and love the idea of the SHOW!
Thanks to all for the info.

LNL
 
And if you go, make a point of meeting David Tushingham... he'll probably be busy, but it'll be worth the effort.
 
Thanks Ken, Even if I am busy, I would be happy to meet with LNL and talk TR's and introduce him/her to a few TR6/GT6 owners as well as introduce you to the President of the MG Car Club of Toronto who can better answer your MG queries.

Ask for me at the Registration Area or at the Toronto Triumph Club Membership Tent. They will be able to find me as I will have a radio on.

Cheers
Tush
 
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