1972 Triumph GT6 Mk3

Presented in the very-of-the-moment colour Saffron Yellow, this wonderful Triumph GT6 is one of the very best examples available anywhere today. Fitted with a factory overdrive on 3rd and 4th, the owner drove it here from Belgium, so you know it goes every bit as well as it looks.

In the care of its previous owner from 2012, it was completely restored over a four-year period – and the work was done so well it’s not far off concours winning standard, even now.

Only now for sale because he’s treated himself to an R32 GTR so he can take his children with him on his classic adventures, this is a GT6 for the connoisseur.

The restoration of the bodywork was entrusted to DMS of Northampton who carried out a complete body-off chassis rebuild followed by a full respray in the factory correct colour of Saffron Yellow.

As you can see, it did a fantastic job because the panel fit is way better than Triumph would have managed in the factory, and the finish shows just how far paint technology has moved on in 50 years.

With a mirror-smooth finish, it even chose to leave the underside and chassis painted to show off its work.

All new window rubbers and chrome inserts were fitted along with new exterior chromework.

A Webasto Hollandia tilt and lift-out tinted sunroof is fitted – and just take a look at the way it fits (#40). More evidence of top-notch work can be seen everywhere you look, not least under the bonnet (#169), a location many restorers skimp.

The 13-inch steel wheels, with their GT6 chrome centre caps, were refurbished and are still immaculate. They’re well shod too, with a set of matching 155/80R13 Continental ContiEcoContact3s. The name might be a bit of a mouthful but are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanical sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Obviously, they’re still almost new and so have plenty of tread left on them.

The chrome is excellent too, and even extends to the wipers and the washer nozzles; as you’ll see later, the restoration was a comprehensive one, with the well-known Triumph specialists Rimmer Bros sending package after package over that four year period.

The glazing, badging, and lamp lenses are all excellent and in need nothing.

If you wanted to enter it in a concours d’elegance then you will need to do a few minor jobs: there are a few tiny stone chips on the front; the rear bumper has a bit of discolouration above the exhaust, most likely caused by heat; the passenger door has a small chip on the edge from having touched something when open (#112); and the chrome around front passenger window has a little bit of pitting (#103).

That’s it. And we really must stress that only the pernicketiest of owners will feel the need to remedy these minor issues; averyone else will be happy enjoying and owning one of the best GT6s in the world.

The seats, fitted new during the restoration, are piped with red. They’re still like new too, having only been sat on for a couple of thousand miles. A set of matching red seatbelts and red-piped mats add a dash of colour, while the carpets and door cards are a more muted black.

The pale grey headlining lightens what might otherwise be a bit of a gloomy cockpit, but then there’s a smoked glass sunroof there too, so you could add even more light if you popped it off.

In fact, the whole interior is excellent with great veneer trim, instruments, and controls. Only the steering wheel and gear knob show patination, and we think leaving them as a nod to the car’s past was a wise move.

The boot is very tidy too, and home to a new jack, and a matching spare wheel and tyre. The metalwork under the carpet is, of course, absolutely solid.

Both front seats are fully adjustable and their tilt mechanisms allow great access the rear or, should larger items need to be carried, through to that boot.

We can’t see anything in here that would bother us, but why not make an appointment to come and see it here at our HQ near Abingdon and see if we’ve missed anything?

The mechanical restoration was as comprehensive as the coachwork and interior, and comprised of:

• All the mechanical and electrical components were stripped, checked for wear, and then either restored or replaced.

• The engine has been updated to run on unleaded fuel and also benefits from electronic ignition and electric fan conversions.

• The radiator was re-cored and the fan shroud stripped and powder-coated.

• The suspension was overhauled with new dampers and upgraded polyurethane bushes front and rear and all new joints and bearings. All the larger components were either painted or powdercoated, and the chassis was upgraded with the adapted rear damper mount kit.

• The braking system was rebuilt with new discs, pads, and calipers, plus a brake master cylinder and the addition of a brake servo kit.

• A new OEM clutch and master cylinder were fitted.

• The fuel tank was stripped and cleaned, and the fuel lines and brake lines and hoses were replaced, many being upgraded to silicone.

• The exhaust was replaced with a new stainless-steel system.

• New wiring looms were fitted throughout.

The entire front end lifts up and forward to reveal a stunning engine compartment. Not inappropriately dressed or detailed – note the rocker cover was even refinished in the correct factory silver – it’s just an honest-to-god engine that would be a pleasure to service and work on.

As you can see, it starts well and we know it runs brilliantly because the owner drove it here from Belgium; how’s that for faith in your classic? Not that he was ever worried because it’s never let him down, even in the 40C heat he suffered this summer.

The underside is solid and painted rather than undersealed. It’s ridiculously clean and an absolute credit to the seller.

The GT6’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2023.

The GT6’s history file includes a staggering 55 invoices from Triumph specialists Rimmer Bros. from 2014 onwards. We haven’t added them up, but then we’d guess the owner didn’t either; some things you’re better off not knowing…

There’s a British Leyland parts catalogue and a workshop manual too, plus a few other bits and bobs including the original chassis plate.

The recent Vehicle History Check is every bit as clean as the rest of the car.

What We Think

Cars like the Triumph GT6 offer a beguiling combination of semi-vintage handling allayed to above average performance thanks to that lusty straight-six engine.

Nicely run-in after its trips to and from the continent, this is a GT6 that’s every bit as usable as it is beautifully finished – and the fact it looks this good five years after being finished should reassure you that this is anything but a quick blowover in search of a quick profit.

Which brings us to its value. We think this one will sell for somewhere between £20,000 and £30,000, which might not be cheap but does represent great value.

Because, the cost of a car can never be calculated until you’ve sold it, and cars like this, cars at the very top of their game, are always in demand, so any premium you pay now should be repaid later.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.