Some of you on here may remember that I'd booked a Triumph TR6 for the weekend as a bit of a birthday treat. Well, it's here and I've just taken it round the block for a spin.

I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life!!! There's no feel at all from the brakes, the gears appear to be totally random, as are the ergonomics - and don't even get me started on the safety!

I am WELL looking forward to my weekend of Classic Car motoring, however. I'm hoping to get a bit of a better feel for the car, otherwise those of you in the North West may spot a BRG Triumph driving VERY SLOWLY round parts of Cheshire and Lancashire this weekend!!!

Happy motoring:)

Happy motoring and belated happy birthday!

Stick to straight roads

One thing you're likely to find is that there's no spring bias towards 3rd and 4th like you're used to - you have to remember to move the gear lever across the gate when changing between 2nd and 3rd or vice-versa.

You'll get used to it

Who needs ergonomics when you've got a beautiful wooden dash to look at? Does it have the Triumph circular warning light cluster in the middle - always one of my favourite Triumph features

One thing you're likely to find is that there's no spring bias towards 3rd and 4th like you're used to - you have to remember to move the gear lever across the gate when changing between 2nd and 3rd or vice-versa.

You'll get used to it

Who needs ergonomics when you've got a beautiful wooden dash to look at? Does it have the Triumph circular warning light cluster in the middle - always one of my favourite Triumph features

It's got two red lights between the speedo and rev counter, and some little lights (for indicators and main beam) sort of buried in the rim of the speedo. Then there's some little dials in the middle of the dash like you say (oil pressure, fuel level and stuff). Makes the acres of black plastic on my Fab look very disappointing!

Think I've just about got the gears sussed - will see about giving the overdrive a try on the motorway on the way home. There's a lever on the steering column, but I'm not sure whether it should be up or down... :confused:

Ah - boring - no circular warning light cluster.

Went looking for a pic but couldn't find one - did find a pic of a Spitfire from the "Spitfire Club Deutschlands" though

If i see you mate ill doff my hat!

Well, despite the weather, I've made it through the weekend unscathed, so I thought I'd put down my thoughts on the TR...

Things I liked:

All the nice noises - exhaust note, chattery fuel injection, tinkly indicator sound.

Open-top driving when the sun was out.

Getting admiring glances from (most) people.

Sticking it in 3rd and just using overdrive when going through the M60 roadworks - I can live with changing gear with one finger!

The fact it started this morning even after sitting out in the rain all last night (a v. huge relief!)

The fact it sounded and felt really fast.

Direct steering out on the road (more feedback than through my mountain bike's handlebars, reckon!)

High-profile tyres that ate sleeping policemen...

Things I disliked:

All the nasty noises - whine from ageing transmission in 1st, 2nd and 3rd (understandable to be fair).

Wind buffet when the Sun went in.

Wind noise when the weather got really bad and we had to put the roof up.

Handling at that same time (ancient suspension didn't help!)...

The stench of stale petrol (poo!)

The fact that I couldn't straighten my left leg, as it was wedged between the wheel and the transmission tunnel.

The fact it wasn't all that fast (age again?)

Direct steering when trying to park (I now have arms like Popeye!)

ROUNDABOUTS!!!

OK so it was deeply flawed, but I reckon that was its appeal. I was under no illusion that the car was boss, and I had to treat it with the utmost respect at all times. But I think that added to the experience!

I'd never swap my Fab for it as I can now appreciate all the driver aids. And the Fab's faster - although that might not have been true when the TR first left the factory... If I could afford to have one as a second car, and look after it as well as the company I got it from obviously have, then I reckon I'd be out looking for one now!

Might get a smaller steering wheel so I can actually get vaguely comfortable in the thing, though!!!