Happy Friday, Autopians! I decided to throw the budget out the window again today, and look at two nice, low mileage examples of classic six-cylinder sports cars that start with the letter T. They’re from different eras and different countries, but they share the same spirit.
I figured the Saab was going to win yesterday, but I was a bit surprised by the outpouring of love for the Subaru. I didn’t realize the old 2WD ones were that popular. Personally, I like a good Brat, and the little 2 door hatchback from this era was a really cool car, especially with 4WD, but the basic sedan doesn’t inspire much more than a “huh, neat” from me.
As for the Saab’s provenance as a panel wagon, the truth is, I don’t know. I found photos of other 95 panel vans, both with and without the stampings for the side windows, but I have no way of knowing which ones came that way from the factory fifty or sixty years ago, including this one. Doesn’t matter, really; it looks cool now. Give it a nice paint job, find a set of those Sonett “soccer ball” wheels for it, and get rid of those idiotic LED headlights, and you’d have a cool little cruiser.
There is just something wonderful about an inline six-cylinder engine, isn’t there? They’re smooth-running, torquey, and look great under the long hood of a sports car. And they almost always drive the rear wheels. V8s may get all the glory, but just think of all the amazing cars that have had an inline six: the Jaguar E-Type, the Aston-Martin DB4 and 5, the original Corvette, the original Nissan Z, decades of BMWs, and these two: the Triumph TR6 and the Toyota Supra. I’ve found a very nice, very original example of each. Let’s check them out.
1969 Triumph TR6 – $24,995
Engine/drivetrain: 2.5 liter overhead valve inline 6, four-speed manual + overdrive, RWD
Location: Laguna Beach, Ca
Odometer reading: 21,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
If you’re counting in Star Wars, it goes 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9. If you’re counting in Triumph sports car, for the US market, it goes 2, 3, 4, 4A, 250, 6, 7, 8. The TR6 was the last “true” TR model, with body-on-frame construction which dated back to the TR2, and four-wheel independent suspension which came along on the TR4A. This car was built in Britain, but it was made for America; nearly ten times as many TR6s were sold in the US than in the UK.
The TR6’s engine is a carryover from the earlier TR250 (TR5 in Great Britain). British home-market cars were equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, but due to emissions regulations, US-market TR6s made do with twin Stromberg carbs. A four-speed manual gearbox sends power to the semi-trailing-arm independent rear axle. This car is equipped with an electric overdrive, which was available in second, third, and fourth gears, making it a spiritual predecessor to the Doug Nash 4+3 transmission in the C4 Corvette. This car is believed to have only 21,000 original miles on it, and it runs and drives flawlessly.
As much of an MG fan as I am, I have to admit that Triumph does interiors better. I just love the flat wood dash on these, and the driving position in a TR6 is as close to perfect as you can get. This one is, of course, in just about perfect condition, and the seller says everything works just fine, so spare your Lucas jokes. It was originally ordered without a radio, and has never had one installed. But if you’ve ever heard a Triumph inline six, you’ll know any extra auditory entertainment isn’t necessary.
Triumph calls this color “Damson Red,” but if you see it in person, it’s really purple. And ever since I first saw it in person, on a 1971 Stag, it has been my favorite Triumph color. This one, with the early slim chrome bumpers, looks especially nice. The reproduction redline tires and 1969-only Rostyle-ish wheel covers give it a Hot Wheels look that’s just too cool.
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo – $19,500
Engine/drivetrain: Turbocharged 3.0 liter dual overhead cam inline 6, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Lake Mary, FL
Odometer reading: 87,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
The Toyota Supra started out as a special version of the Celica, with a longer nose to accommodate a six-cylinder engine. But over time, it got less Celica-ish and Supra-er, until this third generation, when the Celica went front-wheel-drive and the Supra became its own model, and it really came into its own as a refined, comfortable grand tourer.
The Supra’s inline six had grown to 3.0 liters by this point, with dual overhead camshafts and 24 valves. But if you wanted to go a step further, you could order a turbocharged model, like this one, which boasts 232 horsepower – Corvette territory in those days. This was a fast car. A five-speed manual was available, but this Supra, like many others I’ve seen, is an automatic. It has just 87,000 miles on it, barely broken-in for a 1980s Toyota, and it runs and drives beautifully.
Toyota interiors in the 80s were probably available in other colors, but in my head, they’re all this burgundy. Considering the era, the dashboard is remarkably restrained for a Japanese grand tourer. Think about how gadget-laden and flashy the dashboard of a 300ZX or a Mitsubishi Starion is in comparison to this. It all looks like it’s in good condition, except for a little wear on the seat bolster, and I assume everything works.
It’s clean as a whistle outside, and it actually looks good in white. These look good in any color, though; it’s such a well-proportioned design. I know the generation after this gets all the love, because of its crazy horsepower and movie connection, but this car looks a whole lot better in my opinion. Maybe it’s just because it’s more of my era.
Yes, you can find examples of either of these cheaper than this. But they won’t be this nice. If you want a good one, you’re going to have to pay for it. But hey, we’re only playing with imaginary money here anyway, so what the hell?
The Toyota is the better choice, so it gets my vote.
My father once had racing aspirations and bought a TR4A to pursue those dreams, life got in the way and he gave it to my older borther who never managed to keep it running for longer than three days and wound up selling it for scrap instead of giving it to me to make right. Triumph for me, so I can take both of them for a spin, might even leave it at Dad’s house for a while.
I’ve actually ridden in a TR6. Well, on that little shelf area behind the seats, as I was about 8 at the time.
That one was British Racing Green, but I do like the purple.
The Supra is undoubtedly the better choice, but the Brit wins purely for nostalgia.
You’re now wrong about BRG being a beautiful shade.
That TR6 speaks to me. I probably need professional help.
V8s may get all the glory, but just think of all the amazing cars that have had an inline six: the Jaguar E-Type, the Aston-Martin DB4 and 5, the original Corvette, the original Nissan Z, decades of BMWs, and these two: the Triumph TR6 and the Toyota Supra.
Maybe we can honorably mention the Pontiac Firebird Sprint with OHC six. I seem
to remember some with that hood-mounted tach. I should say that I remember
“one” with the hood tach, ’cause there were never that many around. Our loss.
.
My rich neighbors when I was a kid had a white Supra just like this, but it was a manual. They also had a 911 and an Audi 5000. Cool cars all around.
Transmission troubles the torquey turbo Toyota that throws today’s tussle to tiny, tidy, tastefully tan-trimmed Triumph.
Better color, better interior, vastly superior transmission option, TR6
I’m going with the Triumph. The color alone is enough to make me like this car. I also love the interior. This car is cool in every way.
Also, I may be in the minority on this, but I don’t have much interest in the Toyota Supra, aside from the current generation cars (which are awesome but too small for a large driver to enjoy) and, to a lesser degree, the fourth generation cars. While I like understated styling, the first three generations of Supra look too much like economy cars to my eye. The performance is good for the era, but underwhelming compared to vehicles available today. It is hard to get excited about a car that combines bland styling with underwhelming performance.
I’m not sure I would have actually fit in a TR6. I don’t in a Miata, due to height, more than girth.
IIRC the cockpit is long and narrow.
Well, I guess there’s hope. Just not $25K that I feel like spending at the moment.
This is a Triumph,
I’m making a note here,
Huge success.
It’s hard to overstate my satisfaction.
Aperture Science
We do what we must because we can
For the good of all of us, except the ones who are dead
But there’s no use crying
When you make a mistake.
You just keep on trying
‘Till you run out of cake.
I am not sure I can vote today. Both are spectacular! The Supra would win outright if it were a manual but it presents so well! So I guess having to choose it’s the TR6.
Yep. That automatic is a travesty.
Glad to see the slushbox killed it for the Supra for everyone else too.
I’d still take the Triumph vs. the manual Supra. They, IMO, are best described as “whelming”, with limited aftermarket support, and finicky 80s electronics.
Aye, true that. I love the look of them, but they are as you say…
Great choices but today is easy a purple manual convertible in fantastic shape over a white automatic.
Two great choices today. Well done, gang. This is tough. The T’Supra is from an era when I dreamed BIG on cars but that Triumph is sweet. The tie-breaker is that I’ll always choose a California car over a Florida (*cough* flood damage possibility *cough*) car.
Even the automatic transmission is not enough to dampen the Supra’s awesomeness. And it will keep running long after the English Rose has wilted.
Can’t go wrong here, this generation Supra is really more of a GT car, so while I would prefer a manual, the auto isn’t the worst thing ever, but I couldn’t go for a hardtop over the beauty and simplicity of the British Roadster.
I couldn’t make up my mind until I saw the auto shifter. Cue sad trombone. TR6 for me!
Same here.
Beyond the sad trombone. It’s the WHOMP-Whomp-whomp sound.
I was just trying to convince my wife last night that the empty side of the garage is a perfect size for this gen supra. I’ve lusted after one since they can’t out when I was in high school. As for the triumph, my memories are of a tr3 a friend tried to sell me with a spare engine and transmission (just in case needed) and stag that ran exactly once in the 20 years my uncle owned it. Nope. The supra will be a fun reliable cruiser.
Tell us more about this mythical ’empty side of garage’….
I have to agree. I can’t even say why, but I’ve been longing for one of these Supras since I was 12 years old. They just look ‘right’ – probably up their with the 2nd-gen RX-7 for the best-looking Japanese cars of the 1980s. There’s just something so clean and balanced about that design. And I’m a sucker for a straight six.
Damn these supra prices are climbing. I would have voted the supra if it was a different color or stick shift or even if it had a targa top but alas has none of those so I voted the triumph.
I’m a sucker for a British convertible, but the slushbox in the Supra sealed the deal. Behold my Triumph-ant entry!!
I’m going with the Supra only because I’ve already got a GT6. That’s a fine looking TR and well-priced, too.
When I was a kid my neighbor had a maroon Isuzu Impulse and a Supra identical to this one, and this one isn’t far from where I am. I would love to own either of those cars today.
Oooh that drop top TR
Hit me with them British electrical gremlins for that BEAUTIFUL TR.
The Triumph is nice but the Supra is just as nice and the better car even with an automatic.