1974 Triumph TR6: Like a flying bullet

The classic of the British car industry, the two-seater roadster Triumph TR 6 was in crazy demand in the 60s and 70s, especially among stylish and high-speed driving lovers. The roadster was created for real men striving to fly along the roads like a bullet. This Briton, with a German design from Karmann studio, became the Triumph company’s most popular model.

Source: Motorcar Studio

Compact, stylish, fast, with a touch of German restraint. Yes, it’s all about the incredible TR6, the triumph of the legendary British brand! Like other well-known car manufacturers, Triumph of Coventry started with bicycles, then motorcycles. From 1923, the company was engaged in the automotive industry, beginning with producing ordinary passenger vehicles. After 16 years of independent management, the company became a part of various companies until it finally ceased production in 1984. However, for more than half a century of history, it managed to produce legendary models, which even now are hunted by the most desperate classic car collectors. One of these automobiles was the incredible TR6.

The origins

Source: Flickr

Until 1933, the company never included a sports model in its production line, focusing mainly on passenger cars. Everything changed with the new technical manager Donald Healey, who in 1933 included the sports Dolomite Straight-Eight in the production series, which, along with another Gloria model, was produced until the company’s bankruptcy in 1939.  In the military 1944, the bankrupt company was acquired by Standard, becoming its sports branch. Under the leadership of Standard, several sports roadsters (Roadster, Renown) appeared, followed by a real TR2 sports car. In 1953 the company was finally formed as a manufacturer of sports vehicles. Having seized Standard’s initiative, Triumph launched significant models such as the TR4 and the family sedan Triumph Herald, later the Spitfire, and Triumph 2000. After the takeover by Leyland and in the next few years, the Vitesse, “1300”, “GT6,” and “TR5” models were introduced. During this period, a group of engineers led by Harry Webster achieved high levels of modularity, varying combinations of engines, transmissions, suspensions, and body styles. As a result, the profitability of the company significantly increased. The company’s sports program was also successful, including performance in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Leyland became British Leyland in 1968, after which Triumph introduced the TR6, the sporty Stag, and the Dolomite sedan series. The first of them became the best roadster of the company in its entire history.

The 1974 model year

Source: Trade Classics

The Triumph TR6 was introduced in 1969, lasting till 1976. The chassis of the 1974 model was from the Triumph TR5, however, with a German Karmann studio-built body. The car was equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. It was equipped with mechanical fuel injection (PI) from Lucas for the European market, with a power of 150 hp. In the US market, it was offered only in a carburetor version, with a capacity of 104 hp. The list of standard equipment included a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission, rack, pinion steering, 15-inch wheels, front disc brakes, bucket seats, and a wood veneer instrument panel. In general, the roadster looked sporty, sharp, and stylish. Optionally, it was possible to order a removable hard top, automatic overdrive, a rear anti-roll bar, and a self-locking differential. In 1973-1974 the American version received huge black “fangs’ ‘ on the bumpers, which was widely criticized. It was done following local safety regulations. However, these controversial opinions didn’t change the game: sales of the Triumph TR6 were the most successful of the entire TR line.

Did you know?

Source: The Motor Enthusiast Journal

Like a true sporty spirit, it was also enjoying wide popularity in real life and movies. The roadster created many unforgettable moments on the screen and was featured in such films and TV series as Throw Momma from the Train (1987),  Zombie Nightmare (1987), Jack’s Back (1988),  Steak (2007), True Blood (2007-2014),   Cold Feet (1997-2020), etc.

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