The Triumph TR6 is a great investment right now. Its classic combination of Karmann and Michelotti design give it a timeless look, and the tough straight six engine delivers enough power to make it fun to drive. It is old enough (1969-1976) that it is rare to see one on the road, yet not so old that you cannot find replacement parts easily.  I will not hesitate to say this roadster could one day be as desirable as an Austin Healey 3000.

The Tr6 is a good investment now because project cars are still available for less than $2000.00 while well restored or maintained TR6s can sell for $35,000.00 or more.

Buyer BEWARE!  There are several issues that you need to be informed of before buying a TR6.

• Frame Rot: The TR6 is an IRS (independent rear suspension) vehicle and the frame where the rear wheels mount are notorious for rusting out.  If the frame is rusted through in this location the repair is very expensive. Also examine the central cruciform plate (the very center of the underbelly)for swelling due to rust. (this was on my "frame has surface rust only" vehicle)

• Body Rot: While the body design of this car is timelessly beautiful, it is functionally ignorant and designed to be consumed by rust. Look for body work and repairs in the following areas.
• All four fenders can suffer from rust from front to back on each panel because they are open to the wheels. The water and dirt is thrown into all the crevices where it eats the panels from the inside out. Look into the far corners of each fender with a flashlight. Behind the headlights and above the taillights.

• The rear deck and deck extensions are susceptible where they meet the fenders. (remove the panel in the trunk that covers the fuel tank and look up at the deck lid)
• The rockers most likely suffer below the front of the doors because the chamber below the windshield used for fresh air ventilation drains into an enclosed area in front of the door hinge posts. (bloody brilliant!) There is no easy way to check this. Look closely at the rockers for signs of swelling.

• The rear apron of the car below the bumper. (look on the inside of the rear panel near the muffler)
• The floors. Because it is a convertible someone left the top down in the rain. (just like you will) Look under the carpet.
• The trunk floor. Look under the spare tire.

If you find a specimen that passes the above tests it is well worth purchasing for 2k to 3k Even if it doesn't run. An original rust free body is worth alot on its own.

Another reason the TR6 is such a great investment is all the parts are available through multiple sources including Ebay. New, used, or modified and remanufactured, virtually every nut bolt and body panel can be purchased for this vehicle. There are also many upgraded parts made from materials that did not exist 30 years ago. There are suspension, brake, engine, and body improvements that can make these cars better than new.

If you want to start down the road to a TR6 restoration, search Ebay for Roger William's "How to restore Triumph TR6." Buy it! I have used it extensively and it has proven invaluable. I only wish I had done it before I purchased my TR6.

When searching for parts on Ebay search "All types"  "Triumph TR6"  and you will get the best results.

Here is a list of other suppliers. Always check the retail prices of the items you are bidding on. I have paid the same for used items I could have purchased new on more than one occasion.

• THE ROADSTER FACTORY (my personal favorite) Get their glove box companion, it offers advice and tips I have found very handy. Get on their e-mail list, they have weekly specials and great deals. Customer service is extremely helpful.
• VICTORIA BRITISH fast shipping and tracking so you know when your part is arriving
• MOSS MOTORS the largest supplier with one location on each coast. Offering amazing cutting edge engine upgrades for classic British Cars.

All of the above companies offer free easy to read catalogs and great web sites. phone or online ordering. They are all competitive and offer sales and specials. I check each one if I am making a big dollar purchase. Sometimes you can find it cheaper on Ebay, sometimes not.

Whether you are looking for an investment a project or great fun, I do not believe you can go wrong with a TR6. Below are some photos from my 3 year restoration project.

I ENDED UP CUTTING AND REMOVING BOTH SIDES OF THE IRS AND REPLACING WITH NEW SECTIONS FROM VICTORIA BRITISH.

I REMOVED THE BODY FROM THE FRAME AND STRIPPED, TREATED, PRIMED AND PAINTED THE FRAME. I REBUILT AND UPGRADED ALL THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WITH URETHANE BUSHINGS, TUBE SHOCK CONVERSION, AND RACING SPRINGS. (MY ASS WILL NOT BE THANKING ME ONCE WE ARE ON THE ROAD) I'M NOT SURE WHAT I WAS THINKING. I DO NOT PLAN TO RACE IT.

I CUT MY ROCKERS OUT ALONG WITH THE FLOORS AND REPLACED ALL OF IT WITH PARTS FROM THE ROADSTER FACTORY.

I REPLACED ALL RUST WITH NEW METAL, WELDED, STRIPPED, FILLED AND SANDED TO BARE METAL. I COATED ALL UNDERSIDE SURFACES WITH UNDERCOATING AND PRIMED EACH PANEL AS I FINISHED IT.

ONCE IT WAS ASSEBLED I PRIMED IT AGAIN AND WET SANDED ALL THE EXPOSED BODY PANELS. I WILL SAND ALL THE HIGH SPOTS AND PULL ALL THE LOW SPOTS AND PRIME AGAIN. I PLAN ON DOING THIS TWO MORE TIMES UNTIL THE BODY IS PERFECT. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COATED IN TRUCK BED LINER TO GIVE IT A TOUGH LOOK AND MAKE IT EASIER TO KEEP (LOOK) CLEAN.

I have finally got the car road legal and have been driving it for a few weeks. It runs cool and all the electrics are working properly. I took it out tonight and ran down some back roads and had some fun with it. The back end will break loose on command and with the racing springs it corners like it is on rails. One of the wire weels is out of round so it has a bad shimmy between fifity and sixty but over that it feels great. I have not had the opportunity to get it above 75, If I get a speeding ticket I'm in the dog house since this is not my wife's favorite use of my time.