The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

The Number One Club for owners of Triumph's range of small saloons from the 1960s and 1970s.
It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 9:34 am

All times are UTC




Post new topic  Reply to topic  [ 25 posts ]  Go to page 1 2 Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:35 am 
Hi guys,
I've always quite fancied a P6, my grandad had one, and I can't resist the rumble of a V8.
They are a larger car than a Dolomite/Toledo obviously, but I have no idea how they compare on the road. Has anyone on here owned one? Do they feel much more refined than our cars, more solid etc.?
I'd appreciate any first hand observations if anybody could share.
Cheers
Al


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 9:11 am 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:33 pm
Posts: 4727
Location: hampshire
They wallow a lot, they drink fuel a lot plus they are quite complicated but they go well and sound lovely.
Check out the old Sweeny episodes that they show a lot on TV and you will see the front wheel tuck right under the car and looking like it will rip the tyre off.
When compared with the Sprint the sprint is a soufflé and the P6 a full fat burger with fries :lol:
Both when driven slowly the Rover glides with class and the sprint joggles.
Conclusion is, if you are ready to slow down the Rover is king.

_________________
track action maniac.

The lunatic is out................heres Jonny!


Top
   
 Post subject: Yes.....
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 10:13 am 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:22 pm
Posts: 6475
Location: Caithness, Scotland
I have driven a P6B manual.

These P6Bs are very good cars indeed.
I agree with Jon, they are hard on fuel and do wallow about but I don't think they are especially complicated.
The fuel economy can be improved (think EFI) and they can of course be fitted with stiffer springs/shocks and Superflex bushes.
The manual cars feel a bit low geared but I believe a five speed conversion is possible (in the 90s I remember some were
fitted with Stag o/d boxes but I don't know how easy that was to do).
They have 185x14 tyres. I am sure it will be possible to fit bigger wheels thereby allowing better lower profile tyre choices.

How do they compare?
A Sprint is noisier, but feels tighter to drive and will corner better.
If I was doing long distances on the motorway, I would prefer the P6, even though it would use one and a half times as much fuel!




Ian.

_________________
TDC Forum moderator
PLEASE help us to maintain a friendly forum,
either PM or use Report Post if you see anything you are unhappy with. Thanks.


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:37 pm 
The P6 is a stunning motor but as soon as you get in everything about it leans towards a car you waft along in. If you try to drive it hard it doesn't protest as such but it just feels all wrong. It's not an enjoyable car to throw around the country lanes but is perfect to drive along the same lanes taking in the scenery. For those reasons I decided against one a few years ago, I am sure there will come a time it will be for me, just not yet. Personally I wouldn't bother trying to make it go faster/ handle like a sports car - it will always feel like a tank. They can also hide rot very well and be quite involved to fix when it comes through so well worth getting to know the car a bit before you buy if you decide to go for one.


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:53 pm 
Offline
TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7014
Location: Highley, Shropshire
The engine in a P6B is simple - as only an American designed V8 can be - but the chassis and brakes will test your patience and enginuity to the limit! The inboard rear discs are a nightmare to deal with, changing a front suspension balljoint can take a couple of days and involve heat sweat and high tonnage presses and the rear de-dion tube, whilst mostly trouble free, is a total pain if you do have to do anything to it.
P6's rot almost everywhere (possibly even worse than Dolomites) and while it is a base unit structure with skin panels hung on, rather than a monocoque, some bits, like where the front springs mount to the bulkhead is fiendishly difficult to repair.
I've never owned one myself, preferring the big Triumph (2000 and 2.5) with it's roomier cabin, better handling and straight six wail, but i've driven and worked on plenty, they were common when I was an apprentice in the early 70s and mechanics ran and hid when one appeared on the forecourt!

Jonners has a P6B as well as his Dollies and Spitfire, no doubt he will be along presently with his 2 pennorth!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:09 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Sat Sep 04, 2010 10:42 am
Posts: 980
Al

You need to watch Car SOS (fuzz townsend) on more 4. P6 was on last Sunday night @20:00 and was on the TV last night @ 6.00 on sky

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... KN-vP8LFkQ

Paul

_________________
Image


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 7:05 pm 
Thanks guys, some really interesting insights.
I guess it comes down to what suits best because they are quite different as a driving experience by the sounds of it.
I do love my little Toledo and have put a lot of effort in to create a lightweight B road toy, including quite a few compromises in civility, so it is probably even further away far away from a P6 than a genuine Sprint.
I find myself wringing its neck less and less though. I love taking it for a drive, but I either have my family with me, or find very places where I Really give it the beans for any distance. I certainly don't throw it around minor roads because there are cyclists everywhere around Dorking so you have to drive fairly defensively.
Question is, would a low revving British muscle car suit my usage more.
Jonners, want to lend me your car for a week? :wink:


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 9:27 pm 
Offline
TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7014
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Thanks guys, some really interesting insights.
I guess it comes down to what suits best because they are quite different as a driving experience by the sounds of it.
I do love my little Toledo and have put a lot of effort in to create a lightweight B road toy, including quite a few compromises in civility, so it is probably even further away far away from a P6 than a genuine Sprint.
I find myself wringing its neck less and less though. I love taking it for a drive, but I either have my family with me, or find very places where I Really give it the beans for any distance. I certainly don't throw it around minor roads because there are cyclists everywhere around Dorking so you have to drive fairly defensively.
Question is, would a low revving British muscle car suit my usage more.
Jonners, want to lend me your car for a week? :wink:


Ready for the pipe and slippers then Al?

I have lots of cars (15 at the last count) but the car I love driving most is the Toledo which, in style and execution, matches yours, it's light, quick, noisy, harsh, uncomfortable, devoid of creature comforts........and the most fun you can have with your clothes on!
Unlike you, I have Shropshires undulating A and B roads to play on, so it gets plenty of workouts!
But I also have a hankering for something a bit more civilized (like my Cavalier, but older and RWD) and having been priced out of my first choice (a 2.5PI Estate, with perhaps a Turbo'd Skyline powerplant) I am now building my Sprint Auto which will be, by design, the antithesis of the Carledo. It will have automatic transmission, power steering central locking, electric windows, leather upholstery, a nice sound system and a torquey but lolloping 2.2 litre 147 bhp Omega lump. The suspension will still contain rubber, the ride height will be only a tad below standard, all in order to maintain ride comfort. I will be uprating the brakes TJ+ and 256mm vents and it will roll on 5.5x14s, but the aim is to create a competent mile munching cruiser which can still be hustled along if need be. Sure I could just go out and buy a Beamer, but where would be the fun in that?

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


Top
   
PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 10:01 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 12:58 pm
Posts: 1293
Location: London
Trust me, a beamer is no fun, leaving others behind
and drIving too close soon wears thin when you get
no real feedback from the vehicle.

Comfortable though.

_________________
NRW 581W Sprint


On the motorway no one can hear me sing!
Construed as a public service, self preservation in reality.


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 5:56 am 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:47 am
Posts: 453
Location: NSW. Australia
I once owned a P6B and wish I still had it.
It was bigger, without being too big. It was refined and very pleasant to drive. Very comfortable.
TJ said he thought they "wallowed" a lot. I understand what he's saying, but you CAN drive them fast and the road holding (as distinct from handling) is very good.
They are somewhat thirsty as he mentioned, but not excessively. I know its un-British, but several of them that I know of around the Canberra region run an adapter and a small 4 barrel Holley Carburettor, which surprisingly, improves economy figures.
Mine needed new rubbers between the knee action front suspension and the body....lots of clunking going on. It also had a lot of miles on the engine, suffered from blow-by and was an oil drinker.
I'd love to have a good one now....especially now I'm older......but thankfully, the SPRINT is keeping me younger.
Cheers,
Rob

_________________
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it". HENRY FORD
1915 Ford "T" Speedster (Evangeline), 1921 Ford "T" Tourer (Anastasia), 1955 Zephyr 6 (Purdey), 1975 Dolomite SPRINT (Daisy), & a couple of moderns.


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 12:06 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:45 pm
Posts: 11179
Location: Middlesex
I do indeed own both.
If I had to keep one it would be like choosing between a wife and a daughter.
The P6 is male though....as is the Sprint so there the analogy breaks down.
If my P6 had power steering having become a softy through the influence of the moderns, I would keep the P6.
Without power steering its a tad heavy, but does have an almost Herald like lock.
Yes it rolls, but in real terms point to point it makes little difference and it just goes in any gear, so its quicker away from
bends than a Sprint is unless you row it on the box.
Mine also has an SD1 box. But its still a tad thirstier at 28 versus 33. Bizarelly the Sprint is roomier. Toy count in both is next to none. The p6 has older fashioned switches and odd column stalks but does get intermittent wipe. I also prefer its leather seats but not by much. Reliability - a non issue because you have to do the same to both - electronic ignition and regular service. The p6 rear brakes are a pain too, but you will only do it once and its better to drop the axle and do it all properly in a weekend.

Not much in it for rust. The P6 has better properly fused electrics. Overall the p6 does just feel slightly better built and to have the
better quality engineering, despite the body roll. It never feels underbraked. But it does rust and more obscurely. Many a clean looking p6 is a basket case under the carpets and bolt on wings, which are a blessing and curse....

Ride quality matters more to some than others. The p6 rides brilliantly. Its not far behind an XJ or citroen for ride quality, if at all.

Both put a smile on your face every drive....
Cant say more than that really.

Jonners

_________________
Note from Admin: sadly Jon passed away in February 2018 but his humour and wealth of knowledge will be fondly remembered by all. RIP Jonners.


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 12:53 pm 
Offline
TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:29 pm
Posts: 2403
Location: Bromley, Kent
Al,

I too have owned both. They are different cars as Jonners says but the P6 is a wonderful car to drive without doubt. I agree with Jonners about the ride quality which is up there with the very best, but also the feeling of solidity and the quietness of the ride are leagues ahead of the Dolomite. The V8 makes a lovely background woofle, is perfectly suited to the car, and can be made to go very fast indeed if that is your wont. The interior, so avantgarde in its day, looks a bit odd nowadays, but it is comfortable, light and airy. They are brilliant motorway cars and eat miles. There are other little joys like the ventilation (quiet, efficient); the headlamps (for the day, exceptional), the way the doors close like beautifully engineered openings, the exquisite control weights and so many other things.

They are a car that gets under your skin. Yes, they have some things that are a pain (rear brakes, front suspension). Yes, you have to check the integrity of the base unit very carefully indeed. But, get a good one and you will love it.

_________________
Martin.

2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE PHEV
2021 Dacia Duster 1.3 TCe
1963 Austin A40 Rally Car
2021 Honda Cross Tourer Highlander


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 1:03 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:52 pm
Posts: 7566
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire
You can't really compare the P6 with a Dolly. The "competitor" was the Triumph 2000. Wasn't the P6 the British equivalent of the Citroen DS? It was certainly a revolutionary car at launch. The reason for the front suspension setup was to have enough room for a gas turbine in the engine bay. The fortunate result of that was that there was plenty of room for the Rover V8. A mate of mine had a P6 and I would've bought the car from him if I'd had the money and space at the time he was selling it.

_________________
Toledo Man

West Yorkshire Area Organiser & forum moderator
Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm at The Old Brickworks, Wakefield Road, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1EA

1972 Dolomite 1850 auto (NYE 751L - Now for sale)
2003 Volvo XC90 D5 SE (PX53 OVZ - The daily driver)
2009 Mercedes-Benz W204 C200 CDI Sport (BJ58 NCV - The 2nd car)
1991 Toyota Celica GT (J481 ONB - another project car)
Former stable of SAY 414M (1974 Toledo), GRH 244D (1966 1300fwd), CDB 324L (1973 1500fwd), GGN 573J (1971 1500fwd), DCP 625S (1977 Dolomite 1300) & LCG 367N (1975 Dolomite Sprint) plus 5 Acclaims and that's just the Triumphs!

Check my blog at http://triumphtoledo.blogspot.com
My YouTube Channel with a bit of Dolomite content.

"There is only one way to avoid criticsm: Do nothing, say nothing and BE nothing." Aristotle


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 3:01 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 12:58 pm
Posts: 1293
Location: London
Secretly I've always hankered for one, but if only for the way it looks.

_________________
NRW 581W Sprint


On the motorway no one can hear me sing!
Construed as a public service, self preservation in reality.


Top
   
PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 4:26 pm 
Offline
Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:59 pm
Posts: 311
Quote:
If my P6 had power steering having become a softy through the influence of the moderns, I would keep the P6.
Without power steering its a tad heavy, but does have an almost Herald like lock.
They are easily converted to PAS. The V8 is virtually a bolt-on conversion (apart from drilling 3 holes to retain the reservoir to the inner wing), the 4 pot is a little more involved, but the main problem of being able to get a pump mounted and driven can be circumvented by the use of an electro-hydraulic unit.

If I could pick one job that would tempt me back on to the spanners, then if there were enough out there that people were willing to pay me to do them, it would be P6 rear brakes.

_________________
Currently over 35 years worth of fixing 35 boxes.
Hoping to reach 65 years worth of fixing 65 boxes.


Top
   
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic  Reply to topic  [ 25 posts ]  Go to page 1 2 Next

All times are UTC


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited