A head turning example of a late model Triumph GT6 in its most evolved MKIII guise
Presenting in an attractive Mallard Green livery with a high shine in evidence
Complete with numerous, well-judged mechanical upgrades and improvements
The Appeal
Standard Triumph commissioned Giovani Michelotti to style a GT version of their convertible Spitfire in 1963. He obliged with a sleek fastback design, but the extra weight of the GT body proved too much for the Spitfire’s modest 1,147cc engine. As a result, the Spitfire GT concept was shelved. The more aerodynamic coupe shape, however, was successfully adapted for racing with fibreglass iterations fitted to racing Spitfire underpinnings. Such was the success of the GT bodied race cars that a road car concept was revived in 1966. In order to address the performance issues, however, the 2L straight six unit from the Triumph Vitesse was fitted. The final MKIII version of the car appeared in 1970 with the most significant changes encompassing a general tidying of the design resulting in even better aerodynamics.
This example of the six-cylinder GT6 is a late MKIII iteration and very much the pick of the line. The MKIII featured what many consider the best suspension set up which had not lived up to expectations in earlier models. Additionally, this car has been subject to a full, diligent and professional restoration resulting in a very desirable example of the breed.
The GT6’s interior looks to be in an excellent overall condition
Despite retrimming it appears to be admirably period faithful and complete
It is reported that new carpets, seat covers, and headlining have been fitted
The interior of the GT6 will prove a great place to spend time in. The pristine condition takes nothing away from the charmingly analogue design of the GT6’s cabin. The seats are finished with black, lightly textured covers. These are arranged into vertical, padded box pleats for additional comfort and support.
The carpets are finished in black, and edge bound for additional longevity. The condition of these is as good as the rest of the interior. The light headlining is complete and tightly fitted. The door cards are finished in black vinyl and fitted with chromed door furniture.
The dashboard is formed of foam top and bottom rolls trimmed in black vinyl. The fascia is a walnut veneered item finished with matt varnish. A set of familiar white on black Smiths gauges are fitted with a large speedometer and tachometer directly ahead of the driver. These sit behind a chunky, three spoke alloy steering wheel with thick, leather rim.
Behind the seats is a usefully shaped and sized luggage compartment. This is trimmed with a fitted, edge bound black carpet mat. The large, glazed hatch provides ample access to this area.
This example is presented in a lustrous Mallard Green livery
During the earlier restoration the GT6 was known to have been professionally resprayed
This silver finished Superlite wheels round off the period look perfectly
By today’s standards the GT6 is a low and diminutive car. The Michelotti design was widely accepted as a fine one, quickly earning the car the “poor man’s E Type” nickname. The delightful Mallard Green paintwork is appropriately thickly and smoothly applied and exudes a great, lustrous shine throughout.
There is plenty of period detail to enjoy, too. The clamshell bonnet with big centre bulge, the twin exposed tail pipes and the louvered rear three quarter panels all add to the sporting character of this 70’s GT.
The car rides on a set of Minator Superlite alloy wheels. These are 13-inch items and are finished with Triumph laurel leaf centre caps. The condition of these is excellent throughout being totally free of scrapes or dings. These are shod with a matching set of Viking radial type tyres in a 175/70 configuration. These appear to have covered minimal mileage with ample tread remaining.
In the MKIII GT6 the straight six 2L unit was producing around 105bhp
This example has had well chosen engine upgrades fitted, however
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox with switchable overdrive
The key to the GT6’s charm and popularity was primarily down to the extra urge provided by the straight six two litre engine. This proved transformational in terms of driving dynamics enabling the GT6 to give more exotic competitors a run for their money.
During this car’s restoration, numerous mechanical upgrades and improvements were made adding still further to this winning recipe. The engine has benefitted from an uprated camshaft and pistons. A stage 3 head is also fitted together with an improved exhaust manifold and free flow Ramflo air filters. Under the GT6 Spax shock absorbers and an uprated differential also feature.
The engine bay presents very well indeed, further underscoring the quality and depth of the restoration. The polished alloy rocker cover and mesh covered air intakes all add to the period appeal of this engine bay. The underside of the car looks almost as new with the underside panels finished in body coloured paintwork. Numerous new and upgraded parts are evident.8Uo7NiXsH6bMOM18nDiZox5fVkXw3bm1SwjTB0Ba.jpg545.77 KB
Summary
The GT6 was a worthy addition to the Triumph range moving the Spitfire platform a couple of notches up the pecking order to compete on equal terms with more accomplished sports cars. The MKIII cars finally did away with the unsophisticated rear suspension carried over from earlier models. This helped transform handling as well as banishing the early Spitfire’s awful sagging rear end and the extreme negative camber.
With a clearly accomplished restoration in the past, this is definitely a car for the enthusiast or connoisseur. Every aspect of the car seems to have been attended to with cosmetics, interior and mechanicals all of a very high standard. Given that, this is a GT6 that is ready to use and enjoy and represents an increasingly desirable slice of 1970’s British sportscar history.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
