Highlights
- Low mileage, just three former keepers
- Restored to a high standard in 2008-09
- Condition belies its 55 years of age
The Appeal
The Triumph GT6 was introduced in July 1966 as a fastback version of the best-selling Spitfire model. Powered by 2.0-litre straight-six engine deployed in the Triumph 2000, the model enjoyed a production run until December 1973.
Like the Spitfire, the GT6 inherited what was essentially the Triumph Heralds chassis and running gear, which had proven capable of handling six-cylinder power and torque when developed for the Vitesse saloon. With exhilarating performance and rakish looks, the GT6 deserved its nickname of the ‘baby E-Type’ and today it is one of the most sought after post-war Triumph sports cars.
History and Paperwork
- Full body and mechanical restoration in 2009
- Presents in remarkable condition throughout
- Dry-stored/driven, garaged when not in use
- V5C in current keeper’s name
According to the heritage certificate issued by the BMI Heritage Trust, this handsome Triumph GT6 concluded its build on 5th April 1967 and was dispatched a week later to Triumph retailer Lankester Engineering of Kingston-upon-Thames. It was proudly displayed in their Eden Street showroom until it was sold, receiving its first registration mark of OPK 640E on 17th May, 1967.
Factory-fitted equipment included a full set of wire-spoked wheels shod with Goodyear G800 tyres, a heater and windscreen washers.
The car has been enjoyed by just three long-term owners prior to its acquisition by the current keeper in November, 2021. It retains a lot of its essential originality. The previous vendor storied that when he purchased the car from its second owner, a rather strong-willed former air hostess, he was ‘interviewed’ for his suitability in becoming the much-cherished cars new keeper.
The impressive file for this attractive matching numbers Triumph contains previous MoT test certificates, various receipts and bills and shows a comprehensive recommissioning concluding in 2009, costing £6,863. Also present is a Heritage Certificate confirming its matching numbers status.
OPK 640E was featured in a book entitled ‘Triumph Sports Cars’ authored by Andrea and David Sparrow. It was part of the 12-book ‘Colour Family Album’ series published by renowned historic automotive publishers Veloce Publishing. A copy will accompany the sale.
The Interior
- Fully original, black vinyl interior
- Trim retained where possible during rebuild
- Tidy interior, a few minor blemishes
For its restoration during 2009, much of the original interior was retained and recommissioned and the car is all the better for it.
As was standard at the time, the interior furniture is clad in swathes of black vinyl and presents in good condition. Beneath the tidy carpets, the floorpan is said by the owner to be in very good condition. As with the wood-veneered dashboard and centre console, the door cards, sun visors and other soft furnishings present in remarkably good condition. Furthermore, the custodian reports that all the instruments and switchgear work as originally intended.
It is quite evident that since its rebuild, the car has been lovingly used but garaged away from the elements when not being driven, such is the high quality of presentation by the car.
There are a couple of small tears to the driver’s seat upright around shoulder height which may need attention before they grow larger. In addition, at the lower leading edge of the driver’s door card it appears that the trim has parted ways and again would require attention at some point in the near future. Part of the boot trim has also parted ways with the bodywork. All of these issues are pictured in the gallery below.
The vendor reports that both door windows rattle when on the move, which would need to be investigated and remedied by the new keeper.
The Exterior
- Presented in striking Signal Red (Code 32) paint
- Brightwork is in exceptional order
- Handsome, original wire-spoked wheels
The car is beautifully presented in the original colour it would have left the factory 55 years ago. Signal Red (Triumph paint Code 32 – the carmaker’s most popular colour) was used for the full body respray at the time of the rebuild.
At the front, headlight lenses are crystal clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of sun-bleaching. The same may be said for the rear light clusters. The brightwork around the car is in exceptional condition and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of collision damage. Even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
The smart 13-inch wire-spoked wheels appear blemish free all-round and are shod with a new set of Continental ContiEcoContact 3 tyres. The fifth matching spare wheel resides in the boot along with the prerequisite tools.
Barring a few (very) minor blemishes as pictured below, the exterior is in truly stunning condition.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys
- Driven just 2,600 miles since restoration 13 years ago
- Fully maintained, no expense spared
At the photo location, the GT6 was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of changeable light. The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative straight-six burble. The manual four-speed gearbox connected smoothly with the clutch engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The custodian reports the car to be in extraordinary mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended. On the road the car is said to be a ‘confident drive’. Unfortunately, the vendor has driven just 255 miles in the since its acquisition and has simply not had time to enjoy the car as intended.
Like the immediately visible parts of this car, the underside and lower sills present in very good order with hardly any natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
Triumph had an established reputation for comfortable grand touring cars well before the GT6 made its appearance in 1966. The marque’s virtues were strengthened by the GT6’s ingrained quality, ease of use and mechanical hardiness.
It is attributes such as these that have made the GT6 one of the easiest to own classic grand tourers today.
Powered by the strong 2.0-litre straight-six engine paired to a four-speed cruising gearbox, the car can still hold its own on modern roads. With decent, relatively comfortable accommodation and good parts availability, the GT6 continues to flourish in popularity.
