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What Triumph to buy as a first?

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I was kidding... :wink:

Each has its own character. I started with a TR3, then got the MGB for the wife, then sold the TR3 to get the TR8. The TR3 just didn't feel safe enough for me, and the TR8 was not only a blast to drive, but it was also very comfortable. If it weren't for acquiring Tony's BGT project, the TR8 would still be here!

Do your research; drive a couple of each; keep an open mind; and post pictures!

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Mickey Richaud said:
I was kidding... :wink:

.....

Do your research; drive a couple of each; keep an open mind; and post pictures!

:cheers:
Mickey
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I run against the MGB's in our races.
I like the MGB okay but I hate the engine noise they make.

MGA or B race engines sounds like crap.
TR engines sounds the same when they lost some bits on the track.

Cheers
Chris
 
Seems the "first to buy" thing is very subjective, I don't know how the first time buyer could go wrong with almost any Triumph or MG as a first car. Just buy the best example your budget will allow, and drive!

The Triumph vs. MG thing is fun, and silly. I've owned many Trumphs and MGs and love both equally. If I had to choose between Triumphs and MGs, I truly don't know which I'd choose. They're in my blood and I can't remember a time when I wasn't admiring and wanting them, even as a kid. I finally got an LBC at age 18 (a GT6) and have been near them ever since (40 years).

But of all the LBCs I've driven, nothing really compares to a TR-3. The TR-3 renders a <span style="font-style: italic">pure</span> driving experience: seated down close to the ground; that growly, torquey engine, great handling, aggressive stance and lovely styling. A real classic roadster, in the purest sense.

Really unique, the TR-3. :yesnod:
 
If it comes down to a 71 or 72, I'd go for the 72. The 71 in stock configuration has a Vacuum Advance as well as Vacuum Retard on the distributor and an additional vacuum port on the carb to accomodate the Vacuum Advance.
That might well be a plus in some people's book, however.

The 73 was a transition year as far as Emission stuff goes and the only thing I have against that particular year is the experimental float chamber ventillation transition lever..The float chamber ventillation was changed in 73 to accommadate the introduction of the Anti-Run-on Valve.
I don't know why, but it seems to be that I hear of the transition valve getting stuck in one position fairly frequently as compared to the following years that employ a different activation lever.
 
poolboy said:
That might well be a plus in some people's book, however.
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What's not to like about vacuum advance? Better fuel mileage, better part throttle response, less heat, and (given today's concerns over CO2) less pollution.

My Stag with the 73 motor is noticeably more sluggish than the 71. Of course some of that is due to the reduced compression ratio, but the TR6 compression dropped in 72 as well.
 
Geo Hahn said:
TR6BILL said:
...Start slow and work your way up (no offense to MG owners)...
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Proving you can get away with saying almost anything if you just add that 'no offense' disclaimer. :smile:
Click to expand...

Yep - just like the "I'm just sayin'" remarks... :nonod:
 
MadMarx said:
TR6BILL said:
Mickey Richaud said:
My vote is for an MGB.
Click to expand...


Actually, Mickey is not that far off. You will find a lot more availability of decent (cheap) MG's than you will of Triumphs. ....
Click to expand...

Then he would be better adviced with a Miata or BMW Z3.

TR was always better technic than MG, higher class car.

Cheers
Chris
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Keep agitating, Chris, you'll get a bite. :jester:
 
Looks wise (can't spell astetic?), between 71/72 and the 73 for me there are some pros and cons.

I like the union jack sticker on the 73 as opposed to the TR6 sticker on the >72

I like the seats better in the 69's followed by the >72. I find the 73-76 seats the least comfortable.

I like the front air dam (spoiler) on the 73 and later 6's

I think that I like the black bezel guages and needle positions on the pre 73's rather that the chrome bezels

I like the early ignition switch mounted on the dash and not under the steering wheel like my 73

My 2 cents.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd
 
TRMark said:
MadMarx said:
TR6BILL said:
Mickey Richaud said:
My vote is for an MGB.
Click to expand...


Actually, Mickey is not that far off. You will find a lot more availability of decent (cheap) MG's than you will of Triumphs. ....
Click to expand...

Then he would be better adviced with a Miata or BMW Z3.

TR was always better technic than MG, higher class car.

Cheers
Chris
Click to expand...

Keep agitating, Chris, you'll get a bite. :jester:
Click to expand...


Not from me. I stand by my opinion. You can pick up a decent, running MGB for under $2500. Try finding a decent, running TR6 for that. You ain't gonna.
 
I still say go with the TR8. if you drove them all and then drove the 8, you'd see what I mean. And I love my TR6, so I'm giving my humble, but honest opinion.
 
I guess that it comes down to the era that interests and excites you. 50's, 60's or 70's. The earlier the car the more visceral it will be. If you want comfort then perhaps a more modern car like a Miata. If you want something different in feel from an everyday car and don't mind a bit of wrenching on simple technology then go earlier.
 
If you want a car that gets comments just about every time you go out get a TR6 in the best condition you can afford. TR4's are nice, too, but not as many so probably more expensive. Oh, and great lines after a woman compliments it are "Glad you like it - it's alot older than you are." Heh - for women my age anyway.
 
Drive them all and compare. If they took all my toys but one and I had to drive it everyday I believe it would be the TR6, no maybe the TR250, no maybe the E,... glad I don't have to think about.

Marv
 
I've owned every model Triumph ever sold in the US. My father would say literally, lol! Right now I have a Spitfire 1500 and a 1971 MGB. Not to knock the NG folks, but I find MGB stuff is more expensive. As to what Triumph to buy, well, the Spitfires are hard to beat as a learnig experience. The TR4 is my fave, simpler with all the guts you'd ever want. Also, do you tend to drive easy or hard? Do you have any interest in competing with it in any way?

Drive as many different models and examples of models as possible. I love them all but for different reasons. I also seem to find TR4s cheaper than comparable condition TR6s here in TX when they show up for sale. Also look into the rules for emissions where you live. In TX I'm lucky, as anything over 25 years old is emissions exempt. Thus, my Spit has twin SU carbs and a header, etc.

Have fun above all else.
 
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