Looking at a TR6, does anyone know the history of it? JAT 118L

greatoldone · November 1

It’s currently on eBay, offered by a local (to me) dealer - Hill Farm Automotives

I don’t have the commission number (yet), but as it’s just got an ‘overdrive’ badge on the back, and it’s a carb engine, I’m guessing it’s a US car that’s been RHD converted

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335448247106

I’m in very early negotiations - so I can easily bail if alarm bells sound.

Thanks

Jason

greatoldone · November 1

Well, a check of the reg gives these details. First registered 1991 would suggest my repatriation hunch is right. Would that mean that it’s not classed as vintage and exempt from tax, mot etc?

JAT118L_triumph_tr6.pdf

JohnD · November 1

Quote, "You do not need to get an MOT if: the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago" Historic (classic) vehicles: MOT and vehicle tax: Eligibility - GOV.UK

My underline. You might have to get a 'birth certificate' from the BMIHT to prove when it was made, if it was imported and first registered in '91. You WILL have to register it as an 'Historic Vehicle' if it hasn't been already.

John

Russell · November 1

Looking at it's tax on the DVLA site, it's already classed as historic with a £0 VED rate, so all good there.

A few points to note.

- It's not been MoT'd since 2017. Yes, I know it doesn't need one, but it would be good if the dealer would put it through for peace of mind.

- Overdrive stalk is on the wrong side of the column, should be on the right.

- Dashboard is the later style, with an early style rev-counter, might be a side-effect of the RHD conversion.

From those photos it looks a good smart, tidy car. If the engine hasn't be tweaked, it won't be as peppy as a UK injection car, but might be easier to live with. I like those original US high back seats as well.

Russell.

P.S. *update* Have you looked at TRGB? They're well respected and have a few UK cars for similar money : https://www.trgb.co.uk/collections/cars-for-sale

Edited November 1 by Russell
added trgb

Nick Jones · November 1

Well it looks better than the steaming poo I viewed a couple of weeks ago, quite close to there. Though it’s also nearly twice the price.

Frankly, at that price I’d want it MoT’d. They describe it as ready to go, so it should be roadworthy and pass no bother. Though if the not-especially-cheap MoT exempt classics I’ve seen recently are any guide, it won’t be roadworthy.

greatoldone · November 2

Well I went to take a look at it this morning.

It looks a lot better in the photos than in the flesh. Lots of issues with the paint and obvious filler in places. Piss poor paint in the cills (runs everywhere). Leaks on the brake master and clutch have taken the paint off, and looks like corrosion is setting in. It’s way too expensive (even in my uniformed opinion) for what it is. Couldn’t drive it as it was boxed in the warehouse unit they have, and it was also out of fuel.

I’ve left it where it is. He was supposed to be thinking on PX for my kit-car (marlin sportster), but I doubt I’ll hear back from him.

Wendy Dawes · November 2

I never agreed with mot exemption, allows too many dangerous cars on the road from unscrupulous sellers. Just sold my herald with a full 12 month MOT. Alway mot everything I own regardless of historic status . Wouldn’t personally buy a ‘useable project’

65redspit · November 2

37 minutes ago, Wendy Dawes said:

I never agreed with mot exemption, allows too many dangerous cars on the road from unscrupulous sellers. Just sold my herald with a full 12 month MOT. Alway mot everything I own regardless of historic status . Wouldn’t personally buy a ‘useable project’

Couldn't agree more

65redspit · November 2

3 hours ago, 65redspit said:

Couldn't agree more

It also makes it hard for insurers to invalidate ones insurance...

Nick Jones · November 2

7 hours ago, greatoldone said:

Well I went to take a look at it this morning.

It looks a lot better in the photos than in the flesh. Lots of issues with the paint and obvious filler in places. Piss poor paint in the cills (runs everywhere). Leaks on the brake master and clutch have taken the paint off, and looks like corrosion is setting in. It’s way too expensive (even in my uniformed opinion) for what it is. Couldn’t drive it as it was boxed in the warehouse unit they have, and it was also out of fuel.

I’ve left it where it is. He was supposed to be thinking on PX for my kit-car (marlin sportster), but I doubt I’ll hear back from him.

That sounds familiar, and at twice the price too. A repatriated US car needs to be in top condition at that price point.

Tim Hunt · November 5

On 01/11/2024 at 13:38, Russell said:

Looking at it's tax on the DVLA site, it's already classed as historic with a £0 VED rate, so all good there.

A few points to note.

- It's not been MoT'd since 2017. Yes, I know it doesn't need one, but it would be good if the dealer would put it through for peace of mind.

- Overdrive stalk is on the wrong side of the column, should be on the right.

- Dashboard is the later style, with an early style rev-counter, might be a side-effect of the RHD conversion.

From those photos it looks a good smart, tidy car. If the engine hasn't be tweaked, it won't be as peppy as a UK injection car, but might be easier to live with. I like those original US high back seats as well.

Russell.

P.S. *update* Have you looked at TRGB? They're well respected and have a few UK cars for similar money : https://www.trgb.co.uk/collections/cars-for-sale

Not correct re controls. On a LHD TR6 the indicator and optional overdrive stalks are on the left hand side of the column and the lighting switch on the right. On RHD cars these positions are reversed.

Tim

thescrapman · November 6

Price seems about right if it was a UK PI car from a dealer.

So perhaps go looking at UK cars from private sellers?

greatoldone · November 6

I’m looking everywhere at the moment. I only went to look at that one as the dealer said he’d entertain a PX.

I Just need to find a home for Vikki first so I have some funds. 🤓

Slimboyfat · November 7

On 02/11/2024 at 12:53, Wendy Dawes said:

I never agreed with mot exemption, allows too many dangerous cars on the road from unscrupulous sellers. Just sold my herald with a full 12 month MOT. Alway mot everything I own regardless of historic status . Wouldn’t personally buy a ‘useable project’

Hmm. In my opinion (for what its worth) the general roadworthy condition of classic cars is no better, or worse now than it was when MOTs were required. We used to offer a pre MOT check service, and then run the car in to our local MOT station, where the tester was very thorough. What was revealed on cars that had been regularly MOT'd elsewhere was shocking.

I have stories to tell, but I'll keep that for the book.