1974 Triumph TR6

The TR6 is the hairy-chested British sports car. Where the MGB was friendly and approachable, the TR6 was muscular and aggressive. The inline-six engine delivered real power. The Karmann-designed body looked like someone had chiseled it from anger. This was the TR for people who wanted more than the MGB could offer — more power, more presence, more drama. The TR6 was the last of the proper TRs before the wedge-shaped TR7 killed the brand's credibility.

TR6s were driven hard by people who appreciated what they were. The body develops character in predictable ways — rust at the sills, fade in the paint, pits in the chrome. The aggressive styling ages well; a worn TR6 looks purposeful, not neglected. The interior leather develops the patina of thousands of shifts and heel-toes. Let it show its history.

The inline-six is smoother than the MGB's four and more powerful, but maintenance is proportionally more complex. The fuel injection on US cars is period-troublesome; many convert to carburetors. Parts availability is good through the same suppliers that support Triumph motorcycles and other Triumph cars. The frame and body are separate, so rust inspection is critical. Once sorted, the TR6 rewards spirited driving like few other British cars.