I have followed this discussion with great interest as I'm sure most of us
have. It is interesting that
the 4 owners seem to be much more passionate about their cars as many have
noted.
My first car was a 1964 TR-4A IRS which I bought while in college in 1982.
It was my introduction to
british cars and to working on automobiles. I have to admit that it was a
great car (even though mine
was somewhat dogged and I didn't have the resources I do now to restore it
). I would agree with
those who noted that the torquey feel of the engine and handling were a
blast. However, I disagree
with those who think the 6 is an inferior car. The 6 in my opinion (I've
had my 69 since 1989) handles
great and would have been a great car if they had been able to tap the
potential of the engine (without
running afoul of the emissions laws which the four never had to worry about).
At one point, I had a triple side draft Weber kit on the six with a hot
cam. With this set-up the six
would blow away the 4 in a heartbeat. However, with the Strombergs the car
is quite tame even though
respectable. I think that both cars offer the great British roadster
experience, it just boils down to personal
taste and temperament. I think both cars can be defended as true classic
British roadsters.
(now if we want to start a real debate let's talk about the TR-4 and TR-6
versus the new roadsters on the
road today in terms of performance, handling and cost).
Dave Sterrett
69 TR-6
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