Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[kevin2306]

Has anyone had any experience of running a TR6?
What are they like for use on modern roads? Can they hold their own or are they now showing their age?

Regards

Kevin

[mikeC]

I've no experience of the TR6, but I would have no qualms about using a TR4 on modern roads. Both are well able to cruise all day at 70mph so motorways shouldn't present any concerns, and I would much prefer a TR on rural roads!
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in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[badhuis]

I have experience with not TR6 but TR4 (20+ years) and a couple of 2000/2500 saloons (12+ years), and many trips with a friends TR6.
I am not sure what you want from the car. It IS an old car of course, which shows at various ways which you may or not may like. In the rain, the ventilation with top up is very meagre, the heater is poor, it is difficult to climb in and out, the steering probably is heavier than any modern car, it will rattle always somewhere in the end, the gear change is a bit rough, the wipers work but it is only a small area, starting from cold and running the first minutes will require delicate choke action, fuel consumption will be high(er) compared to modern cars, it will need regular checks on oil and water etc, and more frequent services, no modern comfort (heated seats / elec mirrors / central locking / instant demisting), ground clearance is at a minimum, comfort is not very good (although I never saw that as a problem).
On the plus side it still is fast enough (not in the mathematical way but more how you experience the speed), give enormous pleasure while driving, road holding is pretty good plus you can feel it breaking out when it does, it is quite reliable providing you have a good car to start with, parts and service (at classic cars specialists or on your own) should not be expensive, it is very capable for long road trips, wind up side windows are a bonus for motorway driving, the top is useful, good seats (although that may be a personal thing), room for luggage is quite big (boot & behind the seats) for such a small car.

The main thing is that you have to accept its age and shortcomings. If you can do that it will be a terrific car.
I use my TR4 as much as I can, which means when it is not raining and dry roads (without salt). Still get a kick out of it, the perfect sports car.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

[Rick]

Have all the Lucas fuel injection foibles of old now been eradicated? The reason I ask is that it's still not unknown to see a '6 running very rich (black smoke), sometimes coughing and spluttering etc. I think I'd prefer one running carbs to be honest, despite being non-original.

RJ
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[47Jag]

Rick,

The TR6 for the North American market ran on Strombergs.

Art

[lowdrag]

The original Lucas Prince of Darkness injection system suffered from a number of problems, notably the pump which IIRC was cured by changing to a Bosch pump. However today there are modern systems available which will cure all the old problems. Very dear though. As always, join a TR forum and ask questions of people who know all the answers.

[Ashley]

I’m in the TR club where there are plenty and they can definitely hold their own in modern traffic. They’re fast and there are good fixes that give a reliable 150bhp.

Not only that but it’s a fantastic club, lovely people, really helpful and loads of events organised throughout the year, winter included. I think there are about 9000 members.

The TR3s and 4s are really good cars too and very durable, just not as fast or as smooth.