The Triumph TR6: It was no American Muscle, but it was still a great ride

I'm generally of the opinion that the best cars ever made have hailed from Detroit. I'd take a Z28 over a Z8 any day of the week, and if anyone tries to tell me an SLR is a better value than a Corvette, I will heartily laugh in their face. However, I can be diplomatic and give credit when credit is due.

I will admit that the Europeans have produced a few cars that come pretty close to emulating some of the finest examples of American Muscle. One brand that has earned its due diligence is the Triumph, the storied British mark that made its final bow in the early 80s.

Though the carmaker fizzled out, producing mostly rebadged Hondas in its final few model years, during the 60s and 70s, the brand pumped out some stylish and original roadsters that performed as beautifully as they looked.

The TR6 model was one of the most popular produced under the Triumph badge. It was introduced in 1969 and remained relatively unchanged until 1975.  The roadster was a neat little coupe that gave owners the option of a removable steel hardtop, so you could get a convertible ride without taking up a lot of trunk space. With smoother, tighter lines than its predecessor, the TR5, the TR6 was distinctly British in its sophistication and compact size.

It came equipped with a modest Inline Six that was modified with a carburetor for the U.S. market as opposed to the fuel injection engines popular overseas. Stateside, only the Corvette had a fuel injection engine until the design gained popularity in the 80s and 90s.

Because this car was so lightweight, the I6 actually made it a peppy little mover. If you take off the hardtop, the TR6 was probably the perfect weekend cruiser, rivaling most comparable coupes on the market.

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