1973 Triumph GT6

Luckily, this somewhat leary personality trait was finally exorcised with the arrival of the MKIII GT6. At this point it inherited the greatly improved reversed lower wishbones set-up with Rotoflex driveshaft couplings. This set up helped to finally quell the unpredictability of this diminutive sport car’s rear end. This bright looking example is thus equipped having been first registered in February 1973.

Current owner, Wayne, took possession of this pocket rocket in 2020 in the knowledge of the car having been significantly fettled prior to his purchase. Accompanying documentation attests to a £10,000 restoration in 2014 entailing bodily renovation, full engine rebuild, some interior improvements, running gear restoration and a full respray in bright Pimento Red.

Since that significant investment was made, this GT6 has been used very sparingly. Mileage records provided audit trail that somewhere in the region of only 5,000 miles have been covered since. As such this GT6 represents a great prospect for discerning British sports car lovers to improve and return it to it's full glory. 

This GT6 represents the ultimate expression of GT6 styling with this MKIII iteration proving to be the final styling revision which would last until the model’s ultimate demise in December 1973. For this final version the styling was successfully modernised to include a proper “Kamm-back” cut off rear end, recessed door handles and a smoother, more seamless looking front end. They were relatively minor changes but seemed to make a big difference. This Pimento red example helps fully explain the mini E-Type comparisons. Michelotti had penned the original Spitfire, so his later tin-topped version looks very organic and marks a suitable maturing for this more grown-up sports car.

As previously explored this car’s finish is thought to date from 2014 and as such combines a good overall appearance and finish with a number of the inevitable “upon close inspection” imperfections. As is the curse of red cars, our consignment team reports an overall dulling of the paintwork due to its interactions with prolonged sunlight. Other notes include numerous paint chips around the car, some rust spots, a few cracks in the surface of the paintwork and some remaining fixing holes from where a driver’s door mirror once lived. It is also noted that the offside headlamp and the nearside taillight are faulty. The wipers and nearside indicator’s operation need remedial attention, too.

The look of the GT6 has been further enhanced by the addition of a pair of bullet-style chromed wing mirrors and an impressive looking set of Minator Minilite style alloy wheels. These are 13-inch items and are complete with Triumph laurel leaf centre caps and are shod with a mixed set (matched by axle) of radial type tyres in a 175/70 configuration.

The GT6 based on its Spitfire relative offers a good level of interior space relative to its tiny looking exterior form factor. The cars offer surprisingly decent head and leg room and even a modicum of behind the seat luggage storage. This cabin, of course, exhibits this trait together with a mixed bag of condition and originality. The original seats have disappeared in favour of a more contemporary set of tombstone backed black cloth items (MX-5?). The condition of these appears reasonable but it is reported that the driver’s seat no longer folds forward.

A Mota-Lita alloy, wood rimmed steering wheel is fitted but the wooden rim, along with the wood veneer of the dashboard fascia, appears quite sun damaged which has led to fading and delamination in places. This aside the fascia switchgear and comprehensive Smiths instrumentation all appears original. The more contemporary Sony head unit is not currently functioning. The carpet set is a black edge bound ensemble dating from 2014, and the door cards were seemingly fitted during the 2014 restoration too.

The boot is accessible via the opening rear hatch. Here there is evidence of water ingress judging by the condition of the carpet. This is reportedly in a rigid condition and likely ripe for replacement. A pair of large contemporary boxed speakers also take up a fair degree of space in here so this aspect of the car may benefit from a rethink.

The standard engine for the GT6 was the inline six cylinder overhead valve unit as used in the Triumph Vitesse. In this incarnation it displaced 1998cc and in this later form produced around 104 bhp and boasted a smooth and torquey delivery and an appealingly muscular soundtrack for such a small car. In this most aerodynamic form the GT6 could deliver a 112mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of a shade over 10-seconds. This was notably quicker that the car’s British Leyland MGB stablemate.

Some significant engine work was clearly undertaken in 2014, around 5,000 miles ago. This includes a full engine rebuild with the main crank, shells and bearings all attended to. K&N filters were added as was a Kenlowe fan, an electronic ignition, a high-torque starter motor and a screw in oil filter conversion. Underneath the Triumph Spax shock absorbers were fitted along with new leaf springs and uprated drilled brake disks and pads. Poly-bushes and a new brake servo also feature.

The fully front hinged clamshell front end is a key feature of the Michelotti design and gives a peerless degree of visibility and access to all major mechanical systems. The condition under here is good with a fine degree of originality accompanied by a number of obviously more recent upgrades and additions. The underside looks straight and free from major issue also. It mainly consists of textured underseal which has been overpainted in the body colour. Some of this is flaking off in places but it appears superficial.

There is plenty of paperwork accompanying this hard topped Triumph. Whilst the bulk of it consists of invoices for parts procured there are other key highlights to be appreciated. The current V5 Registration Document is present confirming this car’s status as an Historic Vehicle. As such it is MoT exempt and zero rated for road tax in the UK. Some earlier MoTs are present in hard copy with the last one dating from 2019 at 92,087 miles. This was an advisory free pass.

Other highlights include the 2014 invoice and narrative detailing the extensive work undertaken at that point. There are also a few original booklets and parts catalogues and a confirmation of build date letter from the BHIMT.

Michelotti was certainly able to sprinkle some star dust over the Triumph range in the 1960’s and 1970’s and the GT6 is a great case in point. It looked great and still does. Its diminutive physical status truly belies its presence and head turning abilities. It must have been a significant thorn in the sides of the MG suits at Abingdon that the GT6 was significantly sportier and more charismatic than their MGB and BGT models.

This GT6 has a lot going for it whist still retaining enough items on the to do list to keep it interesting. It is mainly the interior that is an obvious candidate for some love and attention. If this is attended to, along with the recalcitrant lights and wipers, there is the realistic prospect of making this an impressive example of this popular model in short order.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.