Description
History:
The Italian car designer Giovanni Michelotti was commissioned to build a stylish coupé from the Spitfire Cabriolet, which could also be fitted with the great 6-cylinder in-line engine from the company's own factory. After two years of development, the first GT6 MK1 was unveiled in 1966.
This example was delivered to its first customer by the Swiss Triumph dealer Blanc & Paiche S. A. in Geneva on 27 January 1970. 40 years later, a connoisseur of the classic car scene takes over this sports coupé with a top speed of over 170 km/ h and restores it at great expense. The classic car, which looks as good as new, is in excellent condition and runs silky smooth. A major inspection and a fresh veteran's inspection round off this rare and vintage rally-ready classic.
Bodywork and paintwork:
In 2018, the bodywork was dismantled, blasted and repainted from scratch in Switzerland. The quality and finish are at concours level. The body is undamaged and the gaps are correspondingly very good.
Interior:
The leather seats were also restored during the restoration work. The same applies to the new carpeting and the treated wood. The GT6 is regarded as a very ‘cosy’ vehicle anyway and was therefore also very popular with ladies.
Engine and mechanics:
The centrepiece is the silky-smooth 6-cylinder in-line engine with the well-matched transmission with overdrive. Well over CHF 50, 000 was invested in the restoration and overhaul, which involved a great deal of manual labour.
Instead of the usual SU carburettors, three Weber twin carburettors (40) supply the engine with sufficient fuel and thus provide over 110 hp.
Chassis:
The steering and chassis have been overhauled, as have the other add-on parts. The rims and tyres were renewed in 2019. The MK2 already has the modernised independent suspension.
Driving experience:
The MK2 is a weasel-like driving experience. The powerful and wonderfully high-revving 6-cylinder engine not only has great acoustics, it also accelerates to over 170 km/ h and gives the driver the feeling of being significantly faster than the similar-looking Jaguar E-type, for example. The GT6 is just as recommendable for the lazy gearshift connoisseur as it is for the ambitious sports car driver. The existing rally equipment also encourages you to register for the upcoming classic car rally with this GT6.
Recommendation:
The Triumph GT6 is without doubt a collector's car. In good condition, prices of over CHF 40, 000 are paid today. Despite the very high restoration costs and its Swiss origin, this example is offered for well under CHF 40, 000 and is therefore a very good buy for the sports coupé enthusiast.
