Highlights

• A head-turning example of a late model Triumph GT6 in its most evolved MKIII guise
• Complete with numerous, well-judged mechanical upgrades including electronic ignition
• Near-perfect Mallard Green body and paintwork in outstanding condition

The Appeal

 
This example of the six-cylinder GT6 is a late MKIII iteration and very much the pick of the line. It has been subject to a full, diligent and professional restoration resulting in a highly desirable example of the breed, with the most recent owners correcting some of the common flaws of the GT6 with sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic repair work.
 

 

The History and Paperwork

• This example was built in Spring of 1973 close to the end of GT6 production
• It was produced as a factory right-hand drive car for the UK market
• The car was first registered in May 1973 when it was supplied to its first owner
• The Triumph has been used and enjoyed by a mere 5 previous owners
• Since 1996 the car has spent most of its time being restored and improved to get it to its current very high standard
• Numerous other improvements were made cosmetically and mechanically
• During the restoration, the gauges were replaced
• The current owner purchased the car a year ago to scratch a classic car itch, with the previous owner having held the keys for some 17 years
• Since that time the car has covered virtually no further miles
• Whilst the later odometer currently reads 47,726 the actual mileage is reported at over 81,000
• An extensive paperwork archive is included with the car
• This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
• The car is considered to be an Historic Vehicle
• As such the vehicle is MOT and VED exempt in the UK
• Last had an MOT test in January 2023 when it passed with no advisories
• The available paperwork fills a folder as pictured

The Interior

• Interior is in excellent condition throughout
• The retrimming process appears to have been admirably period-faithful and comprehensive
• 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 and are comfortable and supportive.
 
The edge-bound carpets are finished in black to match the rest of the interior, and are in excellent order. The light headlining is complete, clean 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 and looks to be in good condition apart from some minor flaws on the section atop the dials. The fascia is finished in walnut veneer and has a 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 tailored, edge-bound black carpet mat which is in the same excellent condition as the rest of the interior.
 
No radio or speakers are fitted, but all other switchgear is said to be in working order.
 

The Exterior

• Stunning Mallard Green paintwork is in outstanding condition
• During the earlier restoration, the GT6 was professionally resprayed
• 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 Mallard Green paintwork is truly fantastic, offering a rich, smooth finish with a deep, lustrous shine that enhances the car’s visual appeal from every angle.
 
The car’s authentic details stand out, from the clamshell bonnet with its prominent centre bulge to the twin exposed tailpipes and louvred rear quarter panels. These features subtly enhance the sporting character of this classic 70s GT.
 
13-inch Minator Superlite alloy wheels finish the car off aesthetically, particularly as they are completely free from damage and are adorned with Triumph laurel leaf centre caps. The matching set of Viking radial-type 175/70 tyres have ample tread remaining, indicating that they have covered minimal mileage.
 
One piece of cosmetic work has been carried out over the last year, with the owner choosing to have the front part of the roof tidied up and professionally resprayed where it meets the windscreen, a known and common fault on these cars. This small but important repair is unnoticeable and was seemingly completed to a high standard.
 

The Mechanics

• Straight six two-litre petrol engine originally produced around 105bhp
• This example has had well-chosen engine upgrades fitted, including electronic ignition
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox with switchable overdrive
• No known mechanical faults to speak of

The key to the GT6’s charm and popularity was primarily down to the extra urge provided by the straight six two-litre engine. In this example, it runs perfectly thanks to recently fitted electronic ignition timing, and sounds particularly sweet higher in the rev range through the twin stainless steel exhaust.
 
During this car’s restoration, numerous mechanical upgrades were added. The engine has benefitted from an uprated camshaft and pistons, plus a stage 3 head. An improved exhaust manifold and free-flow Ramflo air filters allow the engine to breathe a lot better. Underneath the GT6, Spax shock absorbers and an uprated differential contribute to excellent handling and road holding.
 
The engine bay presents supremely well, further underscoring the quality and depth of the restoration as well as the level of upkeep ever since. 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.
 

 

Summary