Triumph TR6 CP/CR series (1969-1976) reliability
Triumph TR6 CP/CR series built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average
Triumph TR6 CP/CR series models built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Triumph TR6 CP/CR series?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Triumph TR6 CP/CR series models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Triumph TR6 CP/CR series models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.
Based on 911 tests of TR6 models registered 1969-1976.
About 1 in 20 TR6 CP/CR series MOTs (4.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 911 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.7% and 6.5%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 40 TR6 CP/CR series MOTs (2.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 911 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.6% and 3.6%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
CP/CR series fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the TR6 CP/CR series compares
At each age below, see how the TR6 CP/CR series holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 3,350 tests across 4 Triumph models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Visibility
Worth checkingInspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Brakes
Worth checkingInspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the TR6 CP/CR series.
- 1
Mercedes-Benz SL
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.5%
No clear edge over the Triumph TR6 CP/CR series on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
5,842 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Mazda MX-5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97.6%
No clear edge over the Triumph TR6 CP/CR series on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
16,460 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
MG B
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.5%
No clear edge over the Triumph TR6 CP/CR series on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,865 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Alfa Romeo Spider
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
No clear edge over the Triumph TR6 CP/CR series on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,562 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Triumph TR6 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on TR6 CP/CR series cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 421 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
CP/CR series variants compared
Most common issues on Triumph TR6 models of this age
This list covers every Triumph TR6 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the CP/CR series on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 111.1%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 28.0%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 34.0%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 43.2%Major
Windscreen washer not working or not giving enough fluid
- 52.6%Advisory
Brake binding slightly
Based on 1,028 tests
Looking at a Triumph TR6 CP/CR series?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Triumph TR6 CP/CR series (1969-1976) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 911 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.