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The DARK side

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Rut

Rut

Obi Wan
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I'm going to look at a '71 TR6 today as a potential stable mate for my Bugeye. I grew up a Triumph guy with TR3s, 4As, and 6s and know they don't handle anywhere close to a Spridget, but I'm looking for an everyday driver with roll up windows, etc. Can anyone offer insight into TR6 ownership since it's been 40 years?
Rut
 
I remember the Road & Track reviews when they were new. The statement that comes to mind was "the classic British Sports Car, and all that that entails.

RUN!
 
A number of my friends have TR6s. Nice cars really. A bit tight side-to-side (much narrower than, say, a MGB). The big six is nice, but really no more powerful than the big 4 in a TR3/4. Try and find one with overdrive.

Rust is always a concern, though no more than any other British sports car of the period.
 
I love TR6 lines - keep us posted. Though I am bound to remind you that my Midget does have roll up windows - and a trunk! :grin:
 
Frame rust is an issue. But complete new frames while not cheap are available. Put it up on a lift and inspect.
 
Frame rust is definitely an issue, particularly in the area known as the "T-shirt", the cruciform that holds the differential in place. Here's a good basic buyer's guide: https://www.6-pack.org/j15/index.php/buyers-guide If I were going to buy one, I'd budget in the cost of one of those four-outlet exhausts tha make such a glorious sound.
 
Got a picture of part of the frame.
Rut
 

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looks good....other things to check....axle u-joints...there are 6....free play in the rear wheel hubs....the dreaded end play bearings in the engine....check door gaps....difficult to fix....good luck...Scott in CA
 
Wow! That looks really good! Strange that TR6's are entering the lives of Sprite owners. My neighbor a few houses down stopped by a few nights ago, seeing I was working on my BE. He has a TR6 in the garage that he has owned for 30 years and his next door neighbor has another in the garage. After looking at his car (needs some work to get it on the road), we all decided to go up to the British Car show in Dixon on May 18 to get some inspiration. I know of another Sunbeam Alpine around the block. Great way to meet your neighbors!
Paul
 
Guys,
Thanks for your input! Looked at the car and drove it for 15 to 20 min and was ready to take it back in 5. I forgot how small they are on the inside and this one needed a lot of work. The owner painted it in Ferrari red lacquer clear coat and while shiny the only area that received prep work was the outside. It needs a new interior, exhaust system, the tranny shifted well, but whined, brakes were terrible, very sloppy suspension and it literally wallowed. Not a pleasant driving experience and too many things for me to make right. I wanted something to drive while I finished my Bugeye, but this was not the car.
Rut
 
Sounds like that Viper red POS that was in Mobile about two years ago. Do like us and think about a Z3. Kelly and I are thinking the unthinkable....selling her Midget....
 
$8750 asking, so not bad at all. Billy, I remember the red TR in Mobile...I think someone called it a shined up tur*! My wife if thinking Z3, Porsche, BMW 3 series with hard top convertible, etc. Who knows!
Rut
 
They (TR6) are surprisingly small inside -- legacy of the original TR3 on which it was based. I had a TR4 briefly, and the Bugeye feels a bit roomier.

If you want to stay vintage and a bit larger, MGB is a great choice. I really wish I could have afforded to keep my old one. Lots of room and cheap, and the engine is a 120% version of your Bugeye motor -- or at least it looks like it. The late 60s/early 70s chrome bumper cars are usually very inexpensive and are solid little cars.
 
OT: there are some smoking deals out there for 2013 Fiat Abarths.....just saying.....speaking of the Dark Side stuff.
The dang thing is a hoot. Most fun I've had with a car in years. Test drive one and check out the deals.
Lots of room inside and they even have a cabriolet version. Lots of hot rod stuff available too.
Here is a pic next to the Sprite for size comparison. People seem to get a kick out of it. The friends I have let drive it
are shocked. Wicked, cute little thing. Reminds of the Sprite in many ways.:cool-new:
 

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Drew,
I looked at Bs for awhile and like their looks, but something about them just didn't do it for me. I didn't fit in them as well as a Spridget which really surprised me. I may have to get a big ole Lotus Élan!
Rut
 
David,
Funny thing, I just drove by the Fiat dealership!
Rut
 
Rut said:
David,
Funny thing, I just drove by the Fiat dealership!
Rut
Click to expand...

If you just start one up.....the sound is like a drug.
The torque is quick and flat all the way to redline.
Handles better than our MGB...IMHO.
34 mpg.
:-)
 
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