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Triumph TR6 - TRs for old guys only?
| Brought to my attention today. That I am realy old? Old guys with Tams? Drive British cars. "Most young guys don't even know what a TR is, never mind care". Those were the words. Decided to poll. Age in multiples of fives whats closest to yours up or down. The maturity age your wife say's you are does not count...:) I act like a three year old by wife. But the old driver stats. tells me 60's closest. Might be interesting. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| 60 is closest Jim |
| Jim Deatsch |
| 35 is closest Eric |
| Eric de Lange |
| 30 is still closest for a while... Interesting poll, I was actually thinking about the same thing, age etc. Personally I like to think of it in two ways; theres the appeal thing, what kind of cars poeple of different age and background like. And then there is the so called "reality" wich could be described as different restrictions like financial and time etc. Most of my friends like cars, but like me, most of them also have small kids, a career, a house etc etc. What I am going at is that I know very few guys my age who has a problem with too much spare time, although most like cool cars. SR |
| SignalRed |
| 65 is closest for me but my head says I'm 20 again every time I go out and drive "TRusty". My body says I'm about 30 or 35. My TR keeps me young. I try not to woory too much. After all, it's only a car. Life is not a prototype. You only get one chance. Better live life right - the first time. There is no second time. You can't come back and do it again any other way. And I'm enjoying it too !! Unless you get reincarnated. I believe in re-incarnation. It happens in every office about 5 to 5 every afternoon. I re-incarnated "TRusty" 14 years ago. Bill you've got to get that hulk of parts back on the road. Instead of spending so much time on this web, make a New Year's Resolution to spend half of that time every day working on the 6. By spring you'll be 20 again !! We'll miss your comments and help you give all the other TR6 readers but you have to think of yourself too. Did you know that the TR Register in England hold the TR International Weekend every summer ? I've been there 3 times (with a lease-hire car). They get about 1000 TR's there. My target is to be there someday with my TR3A. They have many driving tours around the English countryside, but there is this one TR driving event where the only requirement is that you have to be older than 12 and younger than the leagal age to drive plus you have to be tall enough to touch the pedals. The International is held at a county fairgrounds and each young driver is chaperoned by the adults, usually the owners of the "donor" TR's. It really gets the young ones interested in the sport. Don Elliott, Original Owner, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| 45. A big Buick would always be too old for me, the TR6 NOT! Rick O. |
| Rick Orthen |
| 19 when I had my TR4 51 now with my TR6...and still I get excited just working on it never mind driving it...and I don't wear a tam. Charlie |
| Charlie Ballard |
| Will be the big 50 next year. LBC ownership definitely requires extra cash and time, both of which generally come with age. I agree that most of the younger set don't know what TR's (or LBC's in general) are - I get the "Nice car! What is it?" all the time. It's 20 years past the time when they were readily accessable in used car lots, so WE were the youngsters that got those cars. Those interested in open tops now will be picking up Miata's, and some of them will want a car with more "personality" later. So in my mind what the guy said was "Most young guys don't even know what a TR is, never mind care. But they'd sure like to have one". Driving mine makes me feel 25 years younger. Brent |
| Brent B |
| When I finished the restore of MY MSTRS it was a double big birthday for her and myself. She was born May 1971. She got certified and back on the road again May 7 2001 (30 yrs later). My birthday is May 7 1951...you do the math:). It was kinda neat having both happen the same day. My son gave me an authentic tam on the Christmas before. It sits on the passenger seat when not driving and on my head to keep the sun off the bald spot while cruising :) Had a Midget when first married but you know what ya goota do when kids come along. Second childhood.....yes it is. Ya Bill...get her on the road. Rick C Heading out to Regina for a week....close to 2 feet of snow and going down to -25*C. Don, My next reincarnation is going to be a goose...heading south for the winter sounds like a good idea:) |
| Rick Crawford |
| Told my wife a few years ago that when I look in her eyes, I still see the 24 yr old that I married in 74. When we had the chance to get the 6 (also a 74) she was all over it! Supported this thing through thick & thin. Maybe she sees a 24 yr old when I get behind the wheel, instead of the 53 yr old bald guy! Rod |
| Rod Nichols |
| Bill-Great thread. Maybe this board should be rated "for mature audiences only". In the future, I see a great market for age related accessories for our TRs-like towable porta-potties, magnifying windshields,and buzzers to make the turn signals audible. I got my first Tr3A in 1962 at the tender age of 18. Since then, there has almost always been a Triumph in my life. I think a small part of my brain is still stuck in that era and refuses to deal with reality. The rest of my brain and body refuse to go along with the illusion. As much as I tend to resist progress and change, the internet has provided us with the opprotunity to become world travelers and meet a great group of people with a common interest. Berry Price-59 and practicing to be a curmudgeon. |
| Berry Price |
| 21 when I had my first TR6, 49 with the present one. But with a baseball cap instead of a tam because it covers the bald spot better. I agree with Don, top-down driving's way more fun than web surfing. Ironic that kids spend more time on the web than we do. I think the only reason the TRs don't click with the next generation is because few of them have ever seen one. It not on TV, so how would they know unless they'd been to a LBC car show? I had two 20-something guys so far ask if mine was for sale. And I think my son is starting to appreciate its appeal. We'll see if its good for some free labor. Mark |
| Mark Hauser |
| Average age so far 50.9 Average age mentally (thinking) 22. Great thread Bill Rick C |
| Rick Crawford |
| Well 47 chronologically,25 in maturation sometimes even feel that young while standing but not often enough. But I definetly feel as though my TR keeps me young mentally and physically (crawling around under it) and thinking about how to fix whatever is wrong. Regards, Keith |
| Keith Dixon |
| In my passport it reads 55+ In my TR it is more close to 25 Erik |
| E. Creyghton |
| There is a TR3A and TR6 fellow in Belgium named Jean (French way of writing John) who put this interesting story on the TR Register Forum just yesterday. I think he has to be our age too. I think it is appropriate here and may be a good way to raise some money for charities as well as raise the interest in our TR's among the young, the younger and the very young. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A I quote:- In October, my son and I participated in a charity drive for disabled children here in Belgium. The event was organized by the local Porsche club and took place on a Rally Cross field in our town. There were runs arranged on the circuit, for race cars and U.S.Trucks, and fun drives outside the circuit in the Sports Cars. Visiting families could buy tickets for their kids, who would be allowed to select the car of their choice for a 20-minute drive in the passenger seat, the tour taking place on lovely country roads through a wooded area. I sponsored the fun drive using my TR3A, with my son driving my TR6. Arriving at the grounds we were invited to display our cars in a designated parking lot. Among the cars already there, to our surprise, we noticed that most of the cars in the lot were Ferraris, Porsches, Corvettes, Vipers etc. - most exotic stuff. I must say at first sight, we found ourselves very humble, say rather misplaced between all these supercars, but anyhow, there was no way to back out now. The fun runs were scheduled to start at 4pm onwards. There was time left before the action started, so we walked over to watch the race cars and trucks perform on the circuit. Anyhow, we thought, no hurry, who would be interested in our old TR iron with all these gleaming power machines available. At around 4pm, children who were planning to participate in the fun run were invited to make their choices and go to the car they wanted to ride in. What happened then was beyond belief. These kids were fighting to be the first to have a ride in the TRs. They had no real interest in the exotic stuff. Some preferred to wait for the next round instead of getting a drive right away in a Ferrari. We thought that these kids were crazy, but they kept us busy for hours. What a great afternoon we had. Jean from Belgium |
| Don Elliott |
| Well that makes for interesting reading! 60 for me. Had a '69 MGB when I was 20. Just got my '74 TR6 this year, and far too many years in between without a LBC. I feel like I'm 20 again when I fire her up (the TR that is). Cheers Pete Erin, Ont. |
| Pete Russell |
| 50 would be close, but my head tells me I'm 23 with a hi reving attitude about TR6's. |
| B.R. Horne |
| Sigh. 54. Had my first LBC, a 1963 MGB, when I was 19. Had my second, a Jensen Healey, when I was about 28. Now that I am well entrenched in middle age, I have my TR6. The body, most days, feels about 30-I still have a killer jump shot, but the hops are gone! JohnB. |
| JL Bryan |
| 17 when I had my first ride in a TR6 and fell instantly for the exhaust note, weird handling and bravo styling. I also had a ride in a 73 big block vette convertible with side pipes - fell in love with that too. I'm 44 now and a complete car nut. Finally got the TR6 in my 40th year. Took it all appart by 41 and now I drive it often and hard. What a great car. The TR6 is the first of a list of a few cars I want to own for a while. Gota have that big block vette rag top, mabey a 930 turbo or 911 cab and the TR8 would be nice. (My wife would be rolling on the floor if she ever read this!) Like Don says - life is not a dress rehersal -have fun. Were it not for the snow skiing, golfing, boating, water skiing, tennis, ice hockey, beer drinking, family and a market correction I might have got further down my list of must have cars. Good thread - we should do one on how many donoughts has anyone done with a TR6 on ice or snow or something along the lines of "what's the nicest car you'v ever wrecked...and lived to tell" John Parfitt Bragg Creek, Alberta 73 5 Speed. |
| John Parfitt |
| I am 46 now. saw my first tr6 when I was 16..wanted one ever since.found my 73 a few years ago..wish I had it when I first got my licence back in 1973.. |
| Peter Becker |
| Had a 59 MGA when I was 17, and a 58 TR3a when I was 19. Had to wait till those pesky kids grew up till I could buy my 73 TR6. Bought it at 49 and I'm now 53. Of course that all changes when I'm behind the wheel. And things are even better now that I don't have to clean up all that goose do-do off the garage floor any more. P.S. Jim don't slip on the goose deposits; could be serious at your age. Just kidding buddy!! Doug |
| Doug Campbell |
| I was 21 when I bought my first TR6 ('73, Mallard Blue/Green, bought new for $4200), and, although with a different '73 TR6 (Royal Blue), have 30 years of ownership (for those unable to follow the math, I would now be 51). I also currently have a Corvette (six-speed C4), a Porsche 944, two Harleys (Stugis and XLCR-1000 Cafe Racer), a '52 BMW (mo'cycle), a Firebird, a Mercedes 300D, and a Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins Diesel. I enjoy each of the different vehicles for their own unique characteristics. I also go to the vintage sports car races at Summit Point Motorspots Park (West Virginia) on an annual basis just to watch the cars race and examine them in the pits. There's just something about the raw mechanical nature of the TR6 that makes it fun. And they are relatively simple to work on (The Porsche is definitly NOT! Ever try to replace the speed and reference sensors?) I also like the fact that I do understand points and carburetors - I have never failed to get my six to start - even if I have left it sitting for many years due to child-rearing activities & expenses. I cannot make the same statement reqarding the 944's fuel injection/computerized ignition system (see speed and reference sensors above). However, now that my son is getting his Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (UVA)I hope to be able to devote more time to the TR6. This website has been a wonderful source of information and provides a tremendous incentive to get out in the garage and get some work done. |
| R.C. Blair |
| Put me down in the 50 column. I've had my 69 TR since 1977, predating spouse, house, kids, pets and arthritis. I'd leave instructions to be buried in it, but that would deprive someone else of the opportunity to taste the joys of a relationship with a LBC. This survey suggests that not only are most TR owners old, they are also from Canada, possibly the least hospitable place on the planet for topless cars. What's up with that? (now able to look up; the geese have finally gone) |
| A. J. Koschinsky |
| Contributing to the trend... to the nearest 5, my answer is 45. My first car was a '64 Spitfire, the the nearest 5 I was 15! I still feel that way now when I'm driving my '71 TR6. A word to Rick: My big car is a '93 Buick Roadmaster that is running strong at 209,000 with no major issues. For my needs better than a pickup truck! Charlie |
| EC Smith |
| 60 which is twice the age of my TR-6. I really want an XK-150, but the TR fits my financial status much more realistically. Joe Justice |
| Joe Justice |
| R.C. - You have to come next June 11-13 to VIR (Virginia International Raceway) when Triumphs will be the featured marque. You will see the British TR race drivers take on the Yanks once again as they did in 2002 at Mid-Ohio. Once again, 8 TR's will be shipped over for sure. There is a good chance there will be more than 8. It was great at Mid-Ohio to see the parade lap before the 10-lap All Triumph Feature Race. There were 47 Triumphs that I counted going by. A TR5 with triple Webers from England took 1st, followed by a TR7-V8 - in fact 5 of the first 6 places went to the Brits. Finishing in 5th overall was a red TR3A from Florida. I'll be there. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| I have not gone to VIR since it's revival (for those of you who may not know, this track spent about 25 years in dormacy before it was re-opened). I will definitely plan on making the trip there! It's all the way at the other (south) end of the state, but it'll still be a much shorter trip for me than you (I seem to remember it being about a six hour trip). |
| R.C. Blair |
| One thing I find interesting about the responses on this questions are the numbet of people that had this type of car when they were younger. I had a 72 tr6 when I was 17 that was blue and I worked on that car all week so I could drive it during the weekend, and even after all that work I was sad to sell it. I was looking for one for about three years when I found one on ebay about 300 miles away. Communicated with the seller several times, bought it, went to see it and when I walked around the guys barn to look in his open doors, there sat ( very rough shape) the same car I had sold 23 years earlier. I don't think it's got to do with age. It's what we like there's a lot of 50-60 year olds driving corvettes or othert such junk. Thanks Dave 17 at first 43 second time around |
| dgf Finch |
| DAVE - YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT MANY OF US HAVING A TR WHEN WE WERE ALL MUCH YOUNGER. I was 20 when I bought my first and only TR. It was a brand new 1958 TR3A and I bought it right out the dealer's showroom. I paid cash. From age 20 to about 34, I put on 80,350 miles. By then, it was a basket case with holes in the floors so big that a grapefruit would fall through. It sat in my garage till 1987 and it took 3 years for me to fully restore it. In its second life, from 1990 till now, I have driven "TRusty" over 78,000 miles and it is in mint condition and very reliable. By the time I get to VIR in Virginia next June, I will have driven it more since it's restoration in 1990 - than it had on the clock in it's first life. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A PS - Bill, if your math is any good, you can figure out my age. |
| Don Elliott |
| Let's see, 58, 20, carry the two... Hmmmm, my calculator broke. Jeesh Don, you're as old as my older brother. Jim (not quite that far along) |
| Jim Deatsch |
| 45, and I have had a British car since 1974. |
| DL Harding |
| I was 21 whan I bought my TR. Oh MY what fun! 20 years later and its still fun, sort of. Not as many bikini's in it any more. I would why that is? |
| Bryn |
| For me, read Brent B's post - word for word, I couldn't have said it better!! -It's a frightening thought though (reality check!!) - btw - I heard a wonderful man speak the other night at a dinner. He is the World's No 1 blind golfer (an aussie). He is now in his fifties and was asked a question as to what it was like to turn totally blind at the age of 27, with a promising carrer as a research chemist in front of him. His answer was that you make the best of what you have got and always keep a positive outlook on life. "Think of it this way" he said "My wife is still the way I remember her when I was 27!!" Anyone remember the Tardis? (Dr Who) - my nickname for her - she takes me back in time!!! (Car and wife that is!!!) |
| Roger H |
| Please don't take this personally, but WOW, you guys are old! After the day I had today, I'm feeling more then my 36 years. I'm on my third LBC. I started with an '81 TR7 in high school but found it to be too "modern." After driving the '73 MGB through college, I was hooked for good. I had to sell it to buy something a little more reliable to get to work and have regretted it ever since. I bought my '74 TR6 a few months ago and have found it to be the most satisfying of the three LBCs I've had. I've got a good bit of work to do to get it reliable and presentable, and I'm actually looking forward to it. POR15 fumes will sure get you looped unless you open the garage door. Hmm... decisions, decisions... Don from Jersey |
| D Hasara |
| Maybe Groucho Marx's line - "You are only as old as the woman you feel!" could be re-quoted as "You are only as old as the car that you drive!!" |
| Roger H |
| First exposure was when sister's boyfriend took me for a ride in his new XK120, Absolute love at first sight. Then I often drove a friends frogeye sprite around 1960 or so. Spent my wasted life in Lake Tahoe where four foot snowstorms are commonplace. I hate to admit to a life wasted on four wheel drive and high clearances. Anyway, finally retired five years ago and immediately got MGB and 72 Tr6. What a wasted 60 years. Color me sixty. |
| J. L. Stein |
| Hey, Don. Why take it personally? You're not young, just younger than some of us. No offense. Hey, Roger H. Coming up on Summertime, huh? I never made it out to Western Australia - just Sydney, Melborne, and Gladstone. Great country, though - I'll be back. I learned to drive a manual in a MGA. Bought a '71 MGB in '79 - college car. Slushed the gas tank in an apartment tub - phew those gas fumes were bad. Kept it until '87. With kids it was the 3rd car that was starting to rust out in the east Texas rain. Big mistake, by 1991 I was looking for another MGB. I found a couple for sale in the Wilmington, Delaware area at a local shop. The guy heard me out, then asked if I'd ever driven a TR6. I said "no", so he took me over to his house & barn where he had a great collection of Triumphs & Jags in various stages of rebuilding. He had a sapphire TR6 that looked incredible - much better than an MGB. He was almost done with it & promised to have it at the shop the next day for a test drive. What can I say - I bought it the next day, and have had it for 12 years. I wouldn't trade it for a big Healy, and I've found that I really don't like the looks af an XKE after all. There aren't many nuts on the car I haven't turned, so I know it pretty well. Brent |
| Brent B |
At 41 years of age, forget the car, this post is making me feel like a kid again. Let me know if I need to SPEAK UP or increase the font size for some of you guys. :-) I was just 14 yrs old when the last TR6 went out of production, but I do recall some lucky friends driving dad's car while the rest of admired their car and gorgeous girlfriends. When I told my (supportive) wife that I wanted to buy a TR6, she asked me why? I jokingly replied that a bald guy like me needs a nice chick magnet. However, to my disappointment, when I take my bright red sports car out for a drive on a hot summer day, the pretty young ladies only have a puzzled look on their face, like ugh, what the heck is he driving? On the other hand, I do get a lot of admiring glances and second looks from old guys wearing tams out walking their dogs. I guess if I should pass away pre-maturely, my wife will have it made. Hey, maybe that's why she was so supportive and helped me bleed the brakes? |
| Mati Holland |
| Well hell, Mati. Small wonder the ladies feign notice. Mid-life crisis syndrome!! 40 tr old, balding, "bright red" sports car.... Some of us are past that. Kinda kidding you - had to put up with that from my 1st wife even though I owned a LBC when I met her... |
| Brent B |
| 61 and have had a British sports car for nine years.Frist six years was a Spitfire 1976 then a 75 TR6 for the last three years. Both cars have been excellent runners,but nothing gets my pulse racing more than the exhaust note of the TR6 and at my age you have to be careful! |
| Les McGaw |
| My calculator says I will be 46 at the end of the yeay. My body feels like 60 but my mind is only 55. My first car a marriage of Lotus and English Ford. Learned to drive a stick in a "B" (sorry about the clutch Rick F.) So Brits have been the car of my fancy . Would drive one everyday if I didn't need a van for work. Don K |
| DON KELLY |
| 55, is the closest 5. On a very cold Michigan morning, bright sun and the snow was way up there, my next door neighbor was warming up his brand new '57 MGA, saw me shivering and offered me a ride two blocks to the schoolbus stop. Where's the door handle ? Got in, immediately we fish tailed from one side of the alley to the other and a grin so big it just shocked me. Door slammed and I watched him slide away. I remember that moment so well. At 18 I went out into the farm country outside my college town to look at a '57 MGA for sale, 2 foot drifts of snow, 24 degrees and a howling wind, slammed the door and puffs of snow flew in the air,the seats creaked as did everything in that car, paid $300 for it and it seemed so, so old. That's what really gets me, the passing of time - that car was 10 years old when I bought it,which seems like an "almost new" number now. Got a ride in a new '67 3000 Healey, and was stunned - wow, a six cylinder.In my 20's had another "A", two early "B"s , even customized an MG1100. Unlike most of you, I hated the look of a TR6 - much too modern,and maybe it was just me, but a lot of the guys who had them then, were pretty smug and aloof. (Present company excepted!) Moved to Europe for a time ('83-'87) and became friends with a Porsche engineer at Weissach -- he had the pick of any car the factory produced or was thinking of producing. He and his wife came to visit in his favorite car at the time , top down in a BRG TR4A , long white scarf, trailing behind. That big grin again. I asked why ? "Because British cars aren't perfect". He still races a Ginetta in classic racing and is former German champion. When my new wife and I moved back to the States in '87 , a kind of funky black '69 TR6 was our first car - didn't look so damn modern anymore ! (It's being restored right now by another local guy who "had one as a young guy".) Now I've had a TR6 for 17 years, a part of my life I can't imagine being without. I'm in the process of supercharging it this winter. Why ? It's not quite perfect, yet. Sound a bit smug and aloof ? No tam yet though. |
| David Johnston |
| Mati and you other TR owner/drivers - Watch out when guys out walking their dogs look at you like that. I was in Ogunquit, Maine (1280 miles in 8 days) during September and while stopped in traffic, there were these two guys walking this tiny dog I ever saw on a 20 foor leash. When they saw my TR, one smiled and exclamed "Adorable !!". Louise was with me and she later asked me, "Do you think he meant the car ?". Watch out !! Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| Well at 62 I seem to fit in with some of you. Had a 57 TR3 at age 20, after a couple of years moved on to a 61 Corvair convt.!! It was a pretty reliable car in spite of Nader. It liked to rust proof you from the inside out [like oil fumes coming through the heater] Anyway looking forward to working on the 6. Got the emissions down to half of what they were! |
| ED Edward Dorsch |
| 52 years old, driving TR's for 11 years, no previous record of anti-social behaviour..except that MG Midget in the early 1970's..oh, and all those motorcycles before that! Yes, going for a drive on a sunny day, even looking at it in the garage, seems to roll back the years somehow to a time when I looked ahead more, and looked back less! Simon. TR4a-time machine. |
| Simon Rasmussen |
| As one old guy (maybe a TR owner) used to say, "Our future is very near". Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| The closest 5 would be 50 for me. However the 6 that I currently have is the one that I put together for my son's 16th birthday. He drove it for two years of high school,( both kids and teachers alike loved it ) but had to give it up for a more dependable ride for college. Mainly something he could get parts for and that most of the newer mechanics would have some kind of a clue what they were dealing with. This one is the third 6 that I have owned, two of which I had to put together before they could be driven. I guess I'm a kid in these circles, as it was 1982 before I owned my first, but I was hooked when I test drove one in 1974, before letting my wife talk me into buying a Chevy instead. Most of the younger generation, doesn't know what they are missing. |
| Arnold Newton |
| Just turned 40 this year. Thanks to my fellow gear-head engineering coworkers, I was inspired to investigate that French Blue LBC that blew by me on my way to work 15 years ago. Thought it was a MG at the time. I did some research and knew I had to have one despite my lack of mechanical aptitude. I bought it two years before my wife considered it a midlife crisis purchase when I would hit 40. Although she's supportive of this hobby, I tell her it's transportation and someday she can take to work. She doesn't share my enthusiasm, says it will mess up her hair. To his day people ask if it's a MG, remembering I didn't know any better back then, it's still hard not to be insulted. Mark Wright, 1972 TR6 |
| MEW Wright |
| Hi all WOW thanks for all replies. What a read so far. A.J. Koschinsky said: "This survey suggests that not only are most TR owners old, they are also from Canada, possibly the least hospitable place on the planet for topless cars. What's up with that? (now able to look up; the geese have finally gone)" Did a Sask-tel search to see were you are. ? Regina ? Fort Quappelle. Quappelle valley at 6 AM is one of the wonders of the world. Dead flat grain land to hill and dale in one second. Should never be driven top up! My Ancestors: Brayford: Homesteaded Cannington Manor NWT. Now museum. Chamberlain "Pile of Bones" NWT. Now of course Regina your Capital. They had the Livery stable and mail service when Sitting Bull sat on the tracks. I grew up farm Tisdale area about 400 miles north of there due to migration north in dirty 30s. Here's the point: I enjoy history and have many family pics. from that erra. 1902 shows my Grandfather making a mail run to Yorkton about 300 miles in winter Feb. Team and buckboard. "NO TOP AJ" Topless open to the wind. This is TOP DOWN country through history. Our Southern friends had the tops up not us. I guess sunscreen hadn't been invented :) Would somebody do the thread math. Apreciated. Yah Yah I'm going back to work Don. Guys worse than my wife. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| HEY BILL - SEE WHAT YOU STARTED. Mike Plumstead who manages this site from England usually cuts off the TR6 threads at about 400. This time he's letting us ramble on and on. Up to over 864 posts now. Must be a record. See what you started. Do they have Canada geese in Saskatchewan ? Love your history story about having the top down. Back to work. This month I've put in 28 hours so far on the restoration of Frank Redmond's TR3A. Frank is from Toronto and also owns a TR7. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| Thanks Don. Mike if your watching it's not my fault. Me and the Goose are Scape goats. More specific the average age math.? Old business guy. If I buy something for $1 and sell it for $2 dollars I'm happy with my 1% markup? That makes most everyone average around a 100 years old. Maybe Matis right? Nah. Maybe? Not sure? Lose track of time. So help me out here...:) Thanks Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| Bill, I live in a little town 6 miles out of Regina, but I have a cottage in the Quappelle valley and a farm near Watson (half way to Tisdale) that is near the Quill Lakes in the middle of the great goose flyway. I rent the yard to a goose hunting outfitter every fall. There is a winding secondary highway running through the valley that is a sports car owner's dream come true. And the top hasn't been up on the TR in many years. Life here is good, but when I visit my daughter at Queen's in Kingston, I think I could easily adapt to life in beautiful southern Ontario. Tony |
| A. J. Koschinsky |
| Kingston is one of the best drives around. I grew up there and used to take the TR out on any one of its many backcountry windy rounds. North of Kingston along Division Street, there's a stretch of highway with Lilac bushes on either side for about 5 miles. Blasting through there with the roof down, the scent is incredible; its almost enought ot make you slow down. Almost. BTW: 40 is the new 30. |
| Bryn |
| Kid tells his dad, "when I grow up I'm going to own a Triumph sports car. Dad replies, "You can't do both son!" Makes our average age 13. Doug |
| Doug Campbell |
| Didn't realize I was such a cliche. 13 when my older brother took me for rides in his MG miget, 14-15 when I learned how to drive in brand new TR6s and 7s at a car wash I worked at that cleaned the cars for the show room. 44 yesterday and will never part with searing red 74 TRV8. Bill, last time I saw the Quapelle valley at 6am was the fall of 83. I was stuffed into an old Ford cargo van with 7 other starving actors doing childrens theatre for four months.That valley is probably the nicest memories of that tour. |
| Christopher Trace |
| I think these Tr's imprint themselves upon us. My 1st street car was a new Jasmine Tr6 in 1972 at age 18. Now I have a 76 Tr6 also bought new. A 71 and a 74 TR6 squeezed in between. I am hooked, definitely, no getting away from it. Even my dog Murphy is english, Old English Sheepdog, big, dopey,huggable and a charmer of the ladies. His predecessor (Martha) loved the 6. Wind and fur blowing in the open air, not to mention a pint of ale now and again after a good run, in car or otherwise. Drive til ya drop! Guys and Gals |
| B.R. Horne |
| B.R. - Interesting comment on the guys & gals. I don't recall any women posting since I've been here. The TR6 is a man's car from the perspective of women I know - "the clutch is hard to press", "the brakes are hard to work", "too hard to turn", "my hair gets messed up", "it smells like oil", "it's too loud" seem to come from women I know over 25. My 15 year old daughter can't wait to drive it, though. |
| Brent B |
| Well, I figure I better ante in with a 40. I am always surprised when I find out the chronological age of people I "hang out" with since everybody seems so young. I guess we're only as old as we feel. |
| Ignatius Rigor |
| Young women,middle aged women, old women none of them look. The looks come from guys,period. The chick magnet thing comes from another era. |
| Christopher Trace |
| Hey Guys - We have a very nice lady in our Montreal Triumph Club who owns a pimlico red TR6. She drives it from April first till the end on November. That's why she's never on this site. I showed her where to find the site and one day, I'm sure she will be on it. She drives her TR6 everywhere. One summer she blew the diff. in New Brunswick on the way to Prince Edward Island. That has to be 1000 miles one way. She's not afraid of rain clouds. If she's going - well - she's going. Got to give her credit. Watch for her and don't give her a hard time. Her name is Kimberly. Chris, Bill & Tony - On my way back from VTR in Portland Oregon in 2000, (7220 miles for the whole trip) I drove "TRusty", my TR3A from Calgary to Swift Current, then down to "Vanguard" and on to Gravelbourg, where the 5 Gravel brothers from Quebec went and founded that town about 1905. A relative of Louise was married to one of the Gravel brothers. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| There may be some of you that haven't been through (or aren't from) Saskatchewan. Our local English Car club is hosting the Saskatchewan leg of the JONAT next spring, so if you'd like a virtual tour of southern Saskatchewan check out our web page: http://www.jonat.org/bob/REGINA/ReginaSectorHomepage.htm The Quappelle pics were taken at the end of October the day after my TR plates ran out, so I had to settle for the Jag. As you can see, open top insanity is not reserved for TR lovers, but seems endemic to English car owners generally. I have all my hair, by the way. All of them are mine. I know each one by name. Tony |
| A. J. Koschinsky |
| Tony Thanks for the tour. Excellent! Haven't been in that area for over 30 years. Was going to ask if the crosses at Lebret were still there. Now I don't need to....:) Not sure if your the fellow in the very nice Jag or the Gendarme due to your E-mail address? But hey, a Jag. for a winter beater and a special TR for summer keeps things in perspective..:) In Guelph somewhat west Kingston so next time we fly over each other visiting daughters. My youngests girls at UVIC BC. Remember to wave. What's with kids and choice of schools anyway. Do they grab a map before checking the curriculums offered? Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| My age: 46. I can't remember when I saw my first TR6, but the one I own is the third one I ever drove. I do remember seeing one filling up at a gas station outside Arches National Park about 5 years ago and loving the look of it and the idea of driving thru Arches with the top down. I came into some "extra" money (don't be envious, it involved a snowboarder, permanent physical injury and a lawsuit)and decided to use part of it to do something I had always wanted to: own a real sports car. I spent 6 months of internet research and decided a TR6 fit my budget and dreams the best. It had to be a convertable, designed as a roadster, cost less than $10,000, and have a great exhaust sound. What else is there? I looked for a year (during which time I drove the other two) before I found Stella. The previous owner had done a near frame-off with extensive engine mods, but finally realized "It will never be a Porsche" so why keep trying to make it into one. I feel 17 when I drive her, and get a catch in by breath when I walk into the garage and see her. |
| Karl Prager |
| Guess I fit the bill. Coming up 60 in a few months. My first LBC was a Sunbeam Tiger (a 65, owned in 71, 289 V8) in which I damn near killed myself, hellish fast, but dangerous, given up so I might have a chance at keeping my license. They were the police car of choice at that time, because they could not be outrun and the men in blue did'nt like young guys giving them a run for their money. But the bug did'nt quite go away and after many years of more sedate machines, (and I DID manage to keep my license), an MG came my way, which I modded and hopped up - and then came TeResa, my favorite of all. Now 100% mechanically restored, I can't seem to get much further 'cos I can't bear to be off the road.No rust, but a bit shabby, yet drives great and I get a kick every time I look at her. See the advantage of real winters guys - when you can't drive, you get the other stuff done. Enjoy youthing as you cruise. Peter |
| Peter Gooch |
| 50 would be closest put a 30 year old next to you who is a model from England and you just feel younger. john |
| john |
| Sixty would be the closest! had my 74 TR6 since 1982. I feel totally young when I hit that open road with the throaty sound of that exhaust following my through the countryside. Many of my students over the years became entralled with British cars thanks to mine. |
| Ron Case |
| I guess I am the exception to the rule. 20 is the closest for me, I'll be turning 19 in February. I recently finished rebuilding my '74 TR6 and have been driving the hell out of it. I bought it when I was 16 and drove it in "less than great condition" for a while before tearing it apart. What a great car. :) -Matt |
| Matt McKeever |
| Matt (exact spelling ((shortened))of my 21 year old sons' name...also into speed). He is the one who inherits My MSTRS. Let me be the first to thank you for reducing our average age:) Funny a 16 year old would pick a LBC when there is so much NA metal around him. I know....it was in a barn for years and got it cheap. Matt, hang around here. There is a lot of good knowledge from guys old enough to be your father! Women DO admire TRs. Last summer while driving through a small town and stopped at traffic lights, 2 women where walking down the sidewalk beside me. I heard one say to other: " wow..look at that beautiful TR6". I looked over at them, tipped my hat, and drove off. I wish I had got to talk to her or even taken her for a drive. She obviously had a spot in her minds heart for TRs. Was she the chick, in her younger days, attracted to the magnet? Did she marry the guy? Did she own one? Who knows what her story is. I am glad I got to spark that memory. Rick C |
| Rick Crawford |
| Matt is OK. Virginia Tech has turned out some dandy's and that's a fact. A TR6 is a GREAT project for a Techie. Bolt's WAY too long (and fine threaded at taht) for the application. They take 34 turns (a 1/4 turn at a time) to remove and you can't get TO them. sigh. That's my only complaint about being 57 and a TR6 owner. I don't have the patience for the LONG, fine threaded bolts. Jim (I want it ALL and I want it NOW) |
| Jim Deatsch |
| Jim - Buy an air compressor and a 90 degree air drive for 1/4 square sockets. At 180 rpm, an air driver can remove 1 inch of thread (28 tpi) in 10 seconds. It also saves you wrist from getting sore. We old guys have to have air tools and use them to save ourselves for the sun and fun days when we can drive our TR's. Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A http://www.tr-register.co.uk/images/memberscars/trusty.jpg |
| Don Elliott |
| I got my Master's Degree from Virginia Tech (back in the 80's - no one told me the Viet Nam war was over!) My son got his Bachelor's in Mechanical from UVA and is now getting his Master's vrom UVA (But can I get him to give me tickets to the football games... NOOOO!) And an air wrench is the only way to go (except when it's cold in the garage, and the air wrench seems to get colder as it runs - freezes your hands). |
| R.C. Blair |
| I have compressors and air tools and the like. I still hate fine threaded bolts that are too long. Darn things make my compressor run too long. <G> Silly British, WHY, WHY would you use fine threaded fasteners? Seems absurd to me. Jim (like's 'em coarse) |
| Jim Deatsch |
| Jim, fine threads are MUCH stronger than coarse and far less likely to work loose - thats why they're so hard to undo after 30 years. As to 'chick magnetism', just the other day, a pretty young thing looked at me maneuvering in a parking lot and said"Cute". Was'nt sure if she meant me or the car. Uh oh, TeResa is 30 and I'm 60, does that make me a dirty old man?? Peter'driving every day again now' G |
| Peter Gooch |
| Well Peter, I bet she ment you my friend. After all, there's lots of TRs out there but only ONE of you. Besides, she'd only hurt you. Trust me. Jim (old but not THAT old) |
| Jim Deatsch |
| Oh, by the way, I know fine thread is stronger. Did they have to make them so durn LONG though? Hmmmmmmmm? |
| Jim Deatsch |
| Longer is better I hear!! |
| Peter Gooch |
| 35 |
| Don |
| mm ? |
| Brent B |
| 41 today. First car was a 65 sprite in high school. Dad used to have a big healey. The triumph is a nice change from the '65 goat I restored. Getting ready to put six carbs on the pontiac and want to put three on the tr-6. Multiple carbs rule! |
| Steve H |
| 45 on the nose. I was 16 when I drove my first TR6. I would choose my girlfriends by the car their daddy bought them. Another girlfriend had an X19 but it wasn't as cool as the 6. I was 30 when I bought Cruella, a 73 that now has 287,000 miles on it. I have a 70 race car and my wife has a TR-8. There are some younger guys in our local club that have TRs, a 17 and 19 year old. |
| Mike Munson |
| I will be 52 next week. All the kids in the neighborhood call me the guy with the cool cars. I have found a lot of teenages approach and ask me about the cars, I always take the time to tell them about them, let them look around and answer their questions with the hopes that LBC fever will hit them. bob g 1978 Pageant Blue MGB 1976 Inca Yellow TR6 1973 Green Mallard MGB 1966 OEW MGB-GT |
| Robert Gloyd |
| Mike - I take it that the girlfriend who drove the TR8 later became your wife ? We don't have any young members like 17 or 19 (or even 35) in our TR club up here in Montreal. I was 20 when I drove my first TR3A in May 1958 when I went to the Standard-Triumph dealer to pick up my brand new "toy". See you at ViR in June. Don Elliott, Original Owner, 1958 TR3A http://www.tr-register.co.uk/images/memberscars/trusty.jpg |
| Don Elliott |
32 years old in March. I bought my '68 GT6 when I was 15 (before I could drive). I still have it, along with a pile of parts that used to be a '77 spitfire and a "driver" '75 TR6. I've had over 20 cars, most older that I am. Mike |
| MIke |
| Hi again Bill! Looks like your getting quite the response! I'm now 50+ and bought my first Triumph in 1970, it was a 69 GT6+, and sold it 74 for the family wagon. I've had my 74 TR6 since 92. I'm doing a minor o'haul in preparation of our club tour to the Vintage Races at Button Willow Raceway just north of Bakersfield Cal in May. It will be >3000 miles before we make it home. About 10 Cars from the Victoria MG Club making the trek. |
| Al Thomson |
| Hi Al Actually the young wiseacre from Pender out your way, daughters intended got it started with the wisecrack last year..:) Very interesting and informative as it grows. Think I mostly read that first loves are never forgotten, just put on hold for a bit? My kind of people! Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| 54 in 2004. It's not so much the journey, it's the mileage. I bought my 1974 TR6 in the early spring of 2000 in Victoria, BC. I was out that way to say good-bye to my best friend of 30 years, who was at the loosing end of a battle with cancer. My friend passed away without ever seeing his 50th birthday. I look at the car and I remember him and all those crazy times - sports, shooting, boozing, dating and driving. His family had a mid-60's Jaguar MKII 3.8. Mine had a Rover TC2000. Later on he and I both had a Minis. Mine an Austin 850 and his a Mini 1000. This was around the time of the original "Italian Job". We went on to share adventures in a Bug-eyed Sprite and a MGB. This car is part therapy and part time machine. It serves to remember the past and create a future. And it works! SC |
| Steve C (member) |
| The way I figure it we are a lot like our cars. Older, but fully restored. Very clean, and the chrome or chrome dome shines. Lots of parts have been replaced or rebuilt. Maybe not as much power as the new ones; but it gets you there in style. Requires a lot of attention. Still can turn the young gals heads. Most of them wouldn't or couldn't own one, but they would sure like to take it for a test drive. Or maybe I'm living in a fantasy world. Doug (How's my Goose?) |
| Doug Campbell |
| Late side of 40's....my first car was a 66 Spitfire that my father had to drive home because I had not learned how to use a clutch. Suffice to say after about an hour in the high school parking lot with my brother I thought I was Mario incarnate! |
| Bill Kinney |
| AW... CRAP! I got another year older today. On the bright side, the HVAC system I had mentioned was installed in my garage last week (birthday gift from the wifey) and is working wonderfully. Sure is nice and quiet when running (it's a 2 1/2 ton unit, same as you would put in a house). Now I'm completing some final wiring, insulation, and drywall. Then it's time to insulate the attic and install a ceiling so I don't lose all the heat through the ridge vent. Then I can finish the Porsche speed and reference sensors and FINALLY get back to working on the TR6! |
| R.C. Blair |
| Guess tuning in late is better than never. Have to assume this is a record-setting thread by now. Anybody calculate an average yet? I'm 50. Got my '71 in '85. Jim |
| Jim Vandenberg |
| I'm coming up on 44. The 1969 TR6 I am currently rebuilding was bought by my father in 1976 and driven by our family until 1983 when the corrosion became so bad the frame was literally falling apart in pieces. It has sat half dismantled (my brothers started to work on it in 1984 and gave up)since 1984 in a garage at my parent's apple orchard. HMy dad gave it to me in 2002 and I am slowly working on it. I have a 1968 Spifire which I did a lot of mechanical, body work and painted in 1980 and have been driving summer only since. It still looks OK but could really use some repairs to the rust around the fenders and be repainted. When the TR6 is finished, it will probably get my attention next. Mike Petryschuk |
| Mike Petryschuk |
| Ha Mike Old stompin grounds for me where u live. A much smaller town then but raised 2 boys between Georgetown and Terra Cotta. Had a Midget back then. Some good memories from there with the Kinsmen club. Good luck and have fun with the restore Rick C Bill...the best thread so far! Very interesting reading. I see 100 soon. |
| Rick Crawford |
| I saw 50 yesterday. Ugh!! Brent |
| Brent B |
| Well I guess I'm slightly off the average, I'm 34 and have had my 74 TR6 since 2001. I bought it mainly because my dad always raved about his TR3 and wished that he had never sold it. Well, I couldn't afford a TR3, but loved the look, smell and sound of the TR6. Ted Montreal |
| T. Grant |
| 26 but then again I dont drive a TR I drive a young mans car a MGB GT. But whould like a late TR5 but they are priced out the market. The only TR i could aford is the wedge which I dont really dig, a TR6 would be ok too but again like a TR5 they cost too much. |
| Jim |
Closing in on 65. Bought a 1960 TR3 in 1964 after I came home from some years in the Navy. Lived in Ohio which is much better climate for driving these cars than South Florida. Had a TR4 in 1967, another in 1970, swore I would never own another oil leaking !!!!. Then I saw a 1973 TR6 in 1978 and I still have it. My neighbors think it is a bad weekend if I am not in the garage doing something with or to the TR6. Still think summertime and autumn in Ohio is the best time to drive these cars. Bob - Miami |
| R Schaffer |
| Here's to bringing the average down a bit, to the nearest 5 i'm 40, and my 6 is 33. Oh, and it's -3c here at the moment... |
| Aidan Dearsley |
| This same question just surfaced on the TR Register site. I have recompiled the results of the 55 TR6 owners who replied here. From November 2003 till now, there have been 55 TR6 owners who replied. Here are the results. USA (33 replies) 20, 32, 35, 36, 40, 40, 41,43, 43, 45, 45, 45, 45, 46, 46, 47, 49, 50, 50, 50, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 59, 60, 60, 60, 60, 62, 64 for an average age of 48 Canada (19 replies) 34, 41, 41, 44, 44, 44, 46, 50, 50, 51, 52, 52, 53, 53, 54, 60, 60, 60, 61 for an average age of 50 Netherlands (2 replies) 35, 45 for an average of 45 Others (2 replies) 30, 40 for an average of 35 The average age for all 55 who replied is 48.9. Don Elliott, Original Owner, 1958 TR3A, Montreal, Canada http://www.tr-register.co.uk/images/memberscars/trusty.jpg |
| Don Elliott |
| Thanks for the math Don. So as a group so far where just under middle age? TR owners of course have an average lifespan of 100. The grim reaper just passes over realising Dr. Lucas prince of darkness has already got us. They say we live longer if we have something to do. Anybody out there have a TR that does not need something fixed? Yeah sure dreamer. Wait 5 minutes...:) At the rate I'm going on my total restoration I will need to live to a 100 like this post to get it finished. Thanks all for replies sofar. Really interesting. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| so I guess that makes me the second oldest, at 63. Who's the OF at 64 that beat me? |
| Dan Masters |
| Does this mean that american citizens are, on average, younger than canadian citizens? John |
| JL Bryan |
| Not younger - less mature! =8^) |
| Brent B |
| Bad news John. Recent study shows that people who live in a cold climate live longer. American kicks the bucket, Canadian buys the car. That's why such a disproportionate number of TR's end up in Canada; US cars have a higher rate of turnover. Slowly but surely we'll own all the cars. Minus 2 and sunny in Ontario today. :-) P.S. try not to sweat on our car. |
| Mati Holland |
| That means I'm younger than the average TR6 owner; I knew it, wahoooo!!! (But seriously - you guys have far too much time on your hands....) JP |
| John Parfitt |
| Jerry Seinfeld had a stand-up bit where he said that older people have less time on their hands. If you are sixty, you should drive 60. For older folks their future is very near. So if you are 80 you should drive 80. If you are 90 you should drive 90. These really old folks have less time available, therefore less time to waste. If you have ever driven in Florida, it works exactly the opposite way. I have seen the tops of heads, barely able to see our the front windshield, they are so short and old, driving 30 to 40 mph in a 60 zone. And, without slowing down, they coast straight through red lights at 20 mph. Have you ever noticed they are all driving antique 1955 to 1965 Cadillacs with fins about 12 feet long at the back. That's a sure give-away. I nice Caddie driving at 15 mph when all the rest of the traffic in town is going 35 mph. I also saw a bumper sticker on a car in Florida. It read, "When I get old, I'm going up north and drive slow"! Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A |
| Don Elliott |
| I guess at 64 I must be the OF. Sorry Dan. |
| R Schaffer |
| This Thread has gone so long that both the TR6 and I have had another birthday in January....it hit 30 and I am still 10 years under the O.F. (Sorry Bob!) I guess the good news is the car is aging better than I am. Rod |
| Rod Nichols |
| My husband has convinced me he needs one for his 50th, so I guess he will drive up the curve a little... Here's a quick question for you all - he is 6'4" but has also convinced me the car is plenty big for him. Can this be true...? Thanks |
| LT |
| Sorry - he's too big for the TR6. He will have bugs stuck on his forehead after every drive. He needs a Jaguar. JP |
| John Parfitt |
| Yikes - is this true? Any other opinions? Should I start a new forum on maximum height for TR6 ;-0 |
| LT |
| Nah John probably has a Jag for sale..:) My Buddy Ron the Moose as some of the guys who attended the spring get together will attest is at 6'5" and 315lbs. not real average? Little snug due mostly to his girth rather than length but OK for fit. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| Let us not flame the Jags, they be British too, y'know. But it is true that nobody over 6 feet in height can comfortably drive one. A TR is much more accommodating. My good spouse, at 5' or so, tried to drive the TR once, but couldn't reach the pedals. She asked if the seat moved forward and I said "no". Do I feel guilty? Same answer. By the way, and I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else, but I've had a birthday imposed on me since my last note here, and now the average age will have to be adjusted accordingly. I apologize. Tony |
| A. J. Koschinsky |
| I'm 51. Kids love the cars. One little girl exclaimed "It's Stuart Little's car!" It's a rare day that kids don't yell something at me about the car. Teens are not as forthcoming with comments, but are either throwing jealous or "why is that old guy driving that sports car" looks. Occasionally a "cool car" from them too. As mentioned above, lots of MG misidentification. Smog era cars don't hold any appeal to me, dangerous to say in the 6 area, eh? |
| Tom |
| Had a AH Sprite at 19, then bought by first TR, a 250 new in 68 at 22. Made the mistake of selling it in 71. Regretted it ever since. Just purchased a 71 TR-6 and have begun the complete restoration thingy. Would have preferred a 5, or 250, but alas, none available. Both the 250 and the 6 are royal blue. Still trying to decide on new paint and trim for the 6. BTW, closed 5 is 60, I guess. When you get this age, who counts anymore. Don't have a tam...or maybe I do. The kids bought a scottish wool cap that works great for top down in cooler months for me last Christmas. db |
| Doug |
| 50 here. I think the reason so many Triumphs, MGs etc are owned by older people is that we can finally afford a toy. The kids are gone, the house is paid for, now its time for Mom and Dad to have so fun again. Just my 2 cents worth |
| JW BRAW |
| 50 last year and feel 25 when I get behind the wheel british racing green, webers ,minilight wheels and a hell of a suprise to some so called American sportscar owners! |
| C Parker |
| Hav'nt checked into the board for a while (dealing with a few 'life challenges') Astonished to find this thread still running - gotta be the longest ever. I, and my car, have had another birthday, further skewing the numbers. One thing has'nt changed - I enjoy TeResa more than just about any car I've ever owned. If the rain would just stop...... Peter G |
| Peter Gooch |
| This thread is amazing. 54 big one's and thats my age.I too jumped into a TR3A in my pre twenties and have ony been without a TR for about 5 years. Presently have a 54 TR2 (daily driver) 61 TR3A (waiting for help) and a 70 TR6 (soon to be my sons when the resto is complete) That should be spring of 2005. He will be 23 and this thread will probably still be going. It is great to read all your input. Doug Campbell do I know you? The cars are great, it's just my mind that is weak!!! There must be more Brit. cars in Canada per capita. Maybe it has something to do with that tea in the harbor thing! |
| B. Towne |
| 50 last Aug.(still hard for me to admit it)Got my TR when I was 21. I've had it more than half my life now. Just seems to be a part of me. Tom A73 TR6 |
| Tom Burke |
| At 57 I have now owned various British cars since 1972 when I purchased a 1969 GT6. Since then I have driven a 1961 Jaguar Mark II, 1965 TR4A and 1967 TR4A. My garage is presently occupied by my keepers, a mallard blue 1973 TR6 and a wine red 1973 V12 E type Nothing beats these cars for the driving pleasure enjoyed over the years. Claude, Brampton Ontario. |
| Claude Brodeur |
| Hey Guys - I think I'm the oldest "Old F**t" around here. I'm 66 but still feel 20 - the age I was when I bought "TRusty" brand new fron Graham Locke at Imported Cars on Ste Catherine Street near the old Montreal Forum. Don Elliott, Original Owner, 1958 TR3A I'm 63 in the photo below when I drove my TR to VTR in Colorado and back (5220 miles) in 2001. http://mysite.freeserve.com/trebor/don3a_big.JPG |
| Don Elliott |
| Well, as it has been said above, This thread has been going on so long that My MSTRS and I will have a wee birthday party today. She was also born in May....just 20 years after me:) When I come back in from the garage and my wife asks me what I have been doing.." just playing with the mistress" ..she thinks it is OK:) Ain't life grand! Rick C LT from Texas, If you are still reading this BBS, Get him the car! You will not regret it...well... the plastic card will:) Oh Ya, blue is a better colour for a TR than Red. |
| Rick Crawford |
| Happy Birthday Rick and ditto for the Mistress. One cake or two? That could be a major candle happening! I think the obvious color choice was made about a hundred hits back......BRG |
| B. Towne |
| Great Thread! I've been lurking as a non-member for the last two years (just after I got my 74 TR6). Finally joined. I just turned 60. Bought my first LBC in 1970(64 TR 4 when I got back from Nam). Saw my first TR6 in 71 and always wanted one. Heading for Tornoto on June 5th. Staying up in Barrie. Any good restaurants or pubs we should not miss? |
| John Korsak |
| I might be a rare one on this page - my 75 TR6 is older than me. Picked it up a few months ago, as a 27th birthday present to myself - I call it my quarter-life-crisis car. And I'll tell you this - I get 10 times more looks and compliments than any of my friends new bimmers or mercs. Also - to the lady who was asking about height - I am 6'4", moved the seat all the way back, reclined it all the way and fit in just fine. Austin |
| Austin Brown |
| Bought my TR6 two years ago when I was 54. Had three MGAs and a MGB before I was 21. Always loved the look of the big 6. Saw the one I own sitting in a driveway,went home and told the wife that I had to have it. She immediately said "Let's go look at it." It was a bit ratty but after two years of labor and a ton of money I can drive it without embarassment. I can't count the number of times that I've heard youngsters say "Triumph-they build cars too?" Mike crane '71 CC62976L |
| mike crane |
| Hey Mike - welcome to the club! Brent |
| Brent B |
| Don, beautiful TR3--my favorite all time car! Mike, most of us seem to have other LBC's. My first was a 1963 MGB which I bought in 1968. It had hidden rust and should have taught me a lesson. My second was a 1974 Jensen Healey, which I bought in 1978 or 1979. Great car to drive, but a major pain in the ass. 3 kids later, I am now the proud owner of a 1971 TR6. Frankly, I can't remember why I didn't buy one when I started working in 1974, but there must have been a reason. John |
| JL Bryan |
| Hi Guys: Had an Alpine & a Midget & got a beautiful TR4A when I was 21 in 1972. Had it 12 years but the rust worms ate it. Finally got my '76 TR6 at 53 & it's the coolest thing around. Yeah, it really does make me feel younger & even if the kids laugh at the old geezer in the cool little car, it's still my cool little car. Also, I don't worry any more about my hair getting all messed up with the top down so it's less stress free driving now.Triumphs forever. Keep 'em running guys. Bob |
| Bob Evans |
| I am currently 25, bought my frist tr6 at 23. I do get some jokes from close friends(asking me if I am turning 50), but everybody seems to love the car. Little kids always give me the tumbs up. Adam |
| Adam Wilhite |
| Hello to all My 72 Tr6 is currently in the rehab process. We had lots of fun for years till she got tired. This thread has kept me focused on what I'm doing and why. Great reading....:) Sorry John I'm about a hundred south east don't know Barrie well? Very nice small City. Entrance to the lakes cottage area so any place will be good due to competition. Thanks guys. Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| Just a quick note from the old world....... At 22 i have just bought my first TR6, having wanted one for years. Guess this means that at least some young people like them! Furthermore, insurance is cheap despite their speed! Rather fun drving a car 7 years older than myself! Cheers Crawf |
| Crawford Winlove |
| Hey, Crawf. I bet you're still on the BB 20 years from now. Brent |
| Brent B |
| Non member [for now], 67 yrs in Sept.'o4 [approx], '76 TR-6.......one of many, [sequential], also '55 TR-2 Too 'damn busy drivin' to write much! [6 trips Toronto-Vancouver Isle. [by TR-6] in last 7 yrs......or was it 7?? Not a comfortable mile in the lot!!........OR an unhappy one. Car, AND brides in photo section...... Gotta run....time to wash the damn' thing. Dale. PS.....hope to get to the All Triumph Drive In, Aug. '05, Washington area, complete with TR-6, as long as the Lucas pacemaker,[installed 4 mos. ago]doesn't stop worki............ |
| Dale Goulin |
| 53, got my 74 TR6 2 weeks ago. My older son just graduated from college. So I bought myself a present!! Had Mini and Miget in my younger days. |
| Paddy |
| Just found this thread - great reading. 48 this week. Saw my first TR3 when I was about 10 yrs old and I remember to this day thinking "wow - what's that?" 30 some-odd yrs later I got my first one - a '56 same as me. (pure coincidence) Driving it? What a blast! Although a number of hrs. in it usually brings the reality of my age into focus. (why is my head numb?) Got a short list of other car desires too, inc. a TR6. Don's right. Just do it. Mike Gambordella '56 TR3 |
| Mike Gambordella |
| Well I guess I throw a wrench in the works because I seem to be the only girl on the thread answering the question. I will be 41 on my next birthday....and yes that is what my passport says as well. Had a few other hobbies along the way but the TR6 is my pride and joy. She may not be perfect but she sure is loved and pampered. My husband is very indulgent, what I lack in mechanical knowledge I make up for in enthusiasm! I've learned how to bleed brakes, adjust the headlamps, and am attempting the carbs soon! The comments that I get about the car are usually at the grocery store where I am constantly amazed at the folks that love the car and want to know all about it. I must admit that all you guys have added to my knowledge on the car and history! Shelley |
| S.A. Neill |
| Just found this site tonight and enjoyed reading all. I see I am the second woman. I learned to drive on a friend's MGA in '61. Bought a '62 TR4 in '64 when I graduated nursing school, sold it like a dope a few years later . Just bought a '76 TR6 a month ago. I love it. I am 60, but will probably be 80 by the time my sons get around to working on it. But it is driveable and though it may not be a chick magnet, (sorry guys) it does draw a lot of men! If I saw one of you guys driving one I would definitely smile at you and the car. |
| Linda M |
| Hi All Shelley the grocery store/beer store is the best place to show any classic car for an honest opinion. The smiles and questions tell you it just beat the dude with the Z3 for public popularity. Linda take Shelleys advice and get under the hood. Father of 4/2 boys one son inlaw so far. Your 80 forecast is very optimistic from my experience with even 30 something kids? As for Chick or Men magnets? I have never seen anything as beautiful as an Arabian thoroughbred racing across an Alberta field at sunset. Just for the shear hell of it. Rest were just grazing. Never checked its gender mare or stallion...:) Next time you get in the TR for an evening run and feel its energy charge you. Look in the mirror that big grin and sparkle in your eye is the most attractive trait known. The car isn't the magnet you are. TR just gets your poles in line. Dale 67 years old. Running around the continent in a classic like young Don. A "Lucas" pacemaker now that's Balls! Twin wives lovely. You sir are my Hero. Gives a whole new meaning to hell bent for the other side? With a big grin no doubt. I thought the old axioms were. Travel and see the world young man? Get lots while your young??? Again you are my Hero Dale!!! Bill |
| Bill Brayford |
| 20!! Thats right, 20 is my closest age! I am 19 and I am currently in the process of doing a Frame up restoration on my little TR6! I know all of you guys are older and enjoy your TR6s but man... nothing compares to the way mine is looked at here in Maine. The bangor aera has a few... mine and my fathers. I cant wait to get this car running and crusing down the streets. I have sparked som e interest in the area. I have some people about my age that love the car! We TR6 Drivers must keep remiding ourselfs that we are lucky, we are the few that dare to be different, and of course, with a few minor modificatons, this car will smoke almost any stupid civic that dares to line up with me!! :) I figure that if you have to make something go fast at least keep an old car alive and maybe help spread the joy and love for these lovly cars. Rob |
| Robert Ring |
This thread was discussed between 16/11/2003 and 16/08/2004
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