Triumphs are built to be driven hard, and after 40 to 60 years on Ohio roads, they need a shop that understands what makes them tick. Smyth Imports has been restoring and servicing British sports cars in Cincinnati for over 90 years, and Triumphs are one of the marques we see most often.
We work on every Triumph model from the early TR2 through the final TR8, plus the full Spitfire and GT6 range, Heralds, and the Stag. Whether it’s a ground-up concours restoration, a mechanical rebuild to get your daily driver reliable, or targeted rust repair before another Midwest winter, we handle it all from our Cincinnati facility.
Our restorations regularly appear at the British Car Club of Greater Cincinnati’s annual British Car Day in Fairfield and at the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance at Ault Park. We work with Triumph owners from across Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana.
The TR6 is the most popular Triumph we restore, and arguably the best-looking British sports car of the 1970s. Its 2.5-liter inline-six produces a wonderful sound and, with proper attention, very respectable power. But after five decades, they all share the same issues.
The 2,498cc straight-six is a strong engine, but it has a unique characteristic: there are no cam bearings from the factory. The camshaft rides directly in the cast iron block, which works fine at stock power levels but becomes a concern with performance upgrades. We rebuild to original spec or can bore the block and install proper cam bearings for builds running higher-lift cams and increased valve spring pressure.
The Lucas/Bosch mechanical fuel injection system on PI-equipped TR6s is brilliant when it works and maddening when it doesn’t. Most problems are actually caused by poor engine tune rather than injection faults. We follow a systematic diagnosis: fuel supply, ignition, valve clearances, and compression before touching the metering unit.
for US-market cars. The later emission-spec carbureted TR6s can be brought back to life with proper rebuilds and careful tuning.
The TR6 uses a separate body-on-frame design, which is good news for restoration since the body comes off for proper frame access. Common rust points include the rear trailing arm brackets, differential mounting points, and outriggers. Ohio road salt attacks all of them. We media blast, repair or replace as needed, and properly coat the frame before reassembly.
The original stamped steel rocker arms wear at the shaft bore and develop galling. We can rebuild with OEM parts or upgrade to roller rocker assemblies (1.55:1 or 1.65:1 ratio), which reduce valve stem wear and can add 5-10% more power.
The TR6’s independent rear suspension is one of its best features but the trailing arm bushings, U-joints, and differential mounts all deteriorate with age. We rebuild the entire rear end, including differential overhaul, half-shaft reconditioning, and spring replacement.
The Spitfire is the entry point to Triumph ownership for a lot of people: affordable, fun, and relatively simple. But the later 1500cc models have a well-known weakness.
on the 1500cc engine. This is the Spitfire’s Achilles’ heel. The factory thrust washers can fracture and drop into the oil sump, allowing the crankshaft to move fore and aft and causing catastrophic damage to the block and crank. We check endplay on every 1500 Spitfire that comes through our door, and if we’re rebuilding the engine, we address this with upgraded thrust washers.
The earlier 1296cc engine is the more rev-happy unit; the 1500cc has more torque but lower RPM limits. Both respond well to careful rebuilding with proper machine work, balanced rotating assemblies, and correct clearances.
The Spitfire’s monocoque uses a central backbone, and if the sills are gone, the car flexes noticeably. We repair structurally, not cosmetically.
The TR4 introduced the modern Triumph sports car shape (designed by Michelotti) and the TR4A added independent rear suspension. These are increasingly valuable cars and worth restoring properly.
The GT6 is essentially a Spitfire coupe with the six-cylinder engine from the Triumph 2000 sedan. It’s a genuinely quick car when properly sorted.
Triumph restoration requires a different mindset than working on, say, an MG or a Jaguar. Here’s what we mean:
The body-on-frame models (TR2 through TR6) are actually easier to restore properly because you can lift the body off the frame and work on each independently. The downside is that the frames rust in hidden areas: inside box sections, behind brackets, and at mounting points. If you skip the frame, you’re building on a bad foundation.
The monocoque models (Spitfire, GT6, Herald) are structural. Every panel contributes to rigidity, so rust repair isn’t just cosmetic, it’s safety-critical. We don’t patch over rot; we cut it out and weld in proper repair sections.
Electrical systems are the universal weak point. Every Triumph from this era used Lucas electrics, and after decades of vibration, heat, and moisture, the wiring becomes brittle and connections corrode. We offer full rewiring with a new loom as part of any comprehensive restoration, or as a standalone service.
Parts availability is excellent. The Triumph parts supply chain is mature and well-stocked, especially for TR6 and Spitfire. We have long-standing relationships with major British parts suppliers and can source OEM-spec, NOS, and quality reproduction components for all models. Stag parts can require more lead time.
Every Triumph restoration at Smyth Imports follows the same discipline:
Assessment first. We inspect your car thoroughly, document findings with photos, and give you a written scope of work and estimate before we turn a wrench. No surprises at 60% completion.
You set the level. Not every Triumph needs a frame-off, show-quality restoration. Some need a solid mechanical rebuild and targeted rust repair to be reliable weekend drivers. We work to the standard you choose: concours, driver-quality, or somewhere in between.
Everything under one roof. Engine machine work, frame repair, body and paint, wiring, interior trim, chrome, mechanical assembly, and road testing. We don’t farm out your car to five different subcontractors.
I found a Spitfire that’s been sitting for 15 years. Is it worth restoring? Usually, yes. The key question is the structural condition: sills, backbone, and floor sections. If those are solid or repairable, everything else (engine, gearbox, wiring, interior) can be rebuilt. Send us photos or bring it by for an honest assessment.
Can you improve the performance of my Triumph without losing reliability? Absolutely. On the TR6, a rebuilt engine with a mild performance cam (like a GP2 profile), proper compression ratio for today’s fuel, and a good exhaust will produce around 150+ bhp versus the 104-106 bhp US-spec stock output, all on pump gas with full street manners.
Do you work on modified Triumphs? Yes. We see everything from period-correct restorations to engine swaps and modernized suspensions. We’re happy to work with you on your vision for the car.
We serve Triumph owners across the greater Cincinnati region and beyond:
For Triumph owners outside driving distance, we offer enclosed transport services.
Whether you’re planning a full restoration, chasing down an electrical gremlin, or just want an honest opinion on a car you’re thinking about buying, we’re here to help.
Call us at (513) 793-0434 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Smyth Imports has been Cincinnati’s trusted European and British car specialist since 1932. In addition to Triumph restoration, we service and restore MG, Jaguar, Austin Healey, and other classic British and European marques. View all our services →
8773 Remington Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45242
By Appointment Only
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