1974 Triumph TR6
Desirable UK home-market example

One of the defining British sports cars of the 1970s, the Triumph TR6 combined traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive engineering with handsome Karmann-styled bodywork and the characterful Triumph straight-six. Today, the TR6 remains an enormously usable classic, with strong club and specialist support making it an appealing proposition for both established collectors and those looking to enter classic car ownership.

This 1974 example, registration SKN 217M, is particularly desirable as a genuine UK home-market car and is presented in very original condition. Rather than having been extensively restored or modified over the years, the car retains the wonderfully authentic character and appearance of a TR6 that has been preserved and enjoyed.

As a later CR-series TR6, it benefits from Triumph's 2.5-litre straight-six engine and presents in the classic combination of white paintwork with a contrasting black interior and black folding hood.

The car retains a pleasingly traditional appearance, sitting on its correct-style steel wheels with TR6 centre caps rather than later aftermarket alloys. The chrome bumpers, original-style badging and characteristic recessed headlamps further contribute to its remarkably period appearance.

Inside, that originality continues. The black upholstery is complemented by the traditional wood-veneered dashboard, Smiths instrumentation and three-spoke steering wheel, while the manual gearbox provides the engaging driving experience expected of a TR6. A period radio remains fitted, adding further to the wonderfully authentic atmosphere of the cabin.

The odometer currently displays 76,035 miles. Importantly, the accompanying history file contains historic MOT certificates which help document the car over the years. One certificate dated 29 April 1994 records the mileage at 73,027 miles, meaning the displayed mileage has increased by only around 3,000 miles in the intervening period. While bidders should satisfy themselves as to the complete mileage history, this historic documentation provides an interesting insight into the car's comparatively limited use over recent decades.

The accompanying paperwork also includes a current V5 registration document, a period Triumph TR6 handbook and further historic documentation. The survival of these items complements the car's notably original presentation.

Externally, SKN 217M presents as an honest and very original example rather than an over-restored show car. Its white paintwork and brightwork display age-related imperfections consistent with a classic of this age, but importantly these contribute to the car's authentic, preserved character. The black hood provides the appropriate contrast and, when lowered, reveals the clean sports-car proportions for which the TR6 remains instantly recognisable.

Under the bonnet sits Triumph's familiar 2.5-litre straight-six. The engine bay again reflects the car's honest and original nature, presenting in a functional, unembellished fashion rather than having been cosmetically detailed simply for sale.

Increasingly, originality is something that cannot easily be recreated. With genuine UK home-market TR6s already particularly desirable, the opportunity to acquire one retaining such an authentic period character is especially appealing. SKN 217M represents an honest, usable and very original example of one of Britain's most enduring six-cylinder sports cars.

Summary

• Desirable 1974 UK home-market Triumph TR6
• Presented in very original and wonderfully authentic condition
• Later CR-series example with 2.5-litre straight-six engine and manual transmission
• 76,035 miles displayed, with an historic 1994 MOT recording 73,027 miles
• Retains its period-style interior, steel wheels, trim and radio
• Accompanied by current V5, Triumph TR6 handbook, historic MOT certificates and further documentation