﹒Restored GT6 with Rotoflex couplings and servo upgrade
﹒Belfast registered with just four owners
﹒Period Revolution alloys and GAZ adjustable shocks
﹒Comprehensive history and photographic restoration record
The Background
In many ways, the Triumph GT6 is a ‘parts bin’ special, created by taking the body of a Spitfire convertible and the engine of the Triumph 2000 saloon and fusing them together in a stiffer bodyshell that replaced the smaller car’s soft-top with an all-new steel roof.
But the Triumph GT6 is much more than that. Although born out of a desire to homologate a coupe body for motorsport and to offer a tin top alternative to the Spitfire that would compete with the MGB GT, the 6 very quickly evolved to become a sports car in its own right. Indeed, with its six-cylinder engine, long, tapered bonnet and wide haunches, it soon earned the nickname of a ‘poor man’s E-Type’ – a moniker that wasn’t entirely unjustified.
In terms of its performance, smoothness and power-to-weight ratio, the six-cylinder GT was quite the package – rapid yet refined. It had its flaws, though. Handling was tricky on the limit thanks to its Triumph Herald chassis, while the cabin was also ridiculously snug.
But as time moved on, so did the GT6. A Mk 2 replaced the 1966 original in 1968 and brough with it huge rear suspension advances and flexible ‘Rotoflex’ couplings at the rear axle, making handling far more predictable, while in 1970 the Mk 3 came along, with cleaner, less fussy styling and an improved cabin.
And that’s what we have here. A September 1972 car, it dates from the last few months of GT6 production and has also had a servo conversion, which significantly improves the braking performance – as a sports car, a welcome addition.
Unlike many classic cars that find their way to Ireland, this one has spent its entire life there, registered in Belfast in 1972 and still wearing its original registration number issued in the province.
Since then it has had just four owners including the present keeper, who bought it from someone who had owned it for 25 years.
The car was restored in the 1990s, at which point it was given a brake servo upgrade. It has since been used and enjoyed, so is an older restoration but it is still in solid condition all over.
The GT6 comes with a UK V5 and a recent MoT, along with an original Northern Irish registration document and a copy of the old buff logbook.
There is also a pile of receipts from a well-known Triumph specialist for parts fitted in more recent times.
Of particular interest, though, is the photo album that comes with the car, documenting its restoration during the 1990s and providing an impressive record of its comprehensive rebuild.
Even in the more spacious Mk 3, the cabin of the GT6 is a little bit cramped – it’s not a car you can stretch out or relax in. But the driving position itself is comfortable, with low seats and a stubby gear lever giving it a real sports car feel.
Condition-wise, it’s excellent. The wooden dash is in good order, the black vinyl seats are free from any notable damage and the carpets and door cards are all excellent.
In the 1990s the car underwent a full body-off restoration, and remains in good shape to this day, with both body and chassis thoroughly restored.
There are now a few small areas of surface corrosion on the vehicle but for a 48-year old car there’s nothing of any note, just a few stone chips that have started to bubble and some paint chips on the under sills and small dent in the front valance. Some preventative paintwork now will probably save a fortune long term, but overall it’s still a very smart and presentable car, with exceptionally cool Revolution alloys setting it off nicely – a tasteful period modification.
There is no rot or holes in the body or chassis. The boot floor is totally solid as are the front footwells. The chassis is solid with no rot on the outriggers or main rails - a testament to the good work in the earlier restoration.
It’s a fine looking car overall and in exceptionally solid order.
The 2.0-litre six fires up on the button and runs sweetly, with no signs of blue smoke or excess oil consumption. It settles down to a steady idle and is exceptionally smooth through the rev range. The power plant was rebuilt as part of the 1990s restoration and is still in rude health.
It also has some modifications that make it handle better than a standard GT6, namely a rear telescopic damper conversion bracket kit. These specially designed brackets mount rear dampers to the upper rear crossmember of the chassis, effectively moving the top damper mounting outwards, clearing the Rotoflex couplings. On the GT6 it improves the damper angle allowing it to work better giving better ride and handling. GAZ adjustable dampers have been fitted as part of this work and allow the owner to lower the rear ride height for better handling or lift it for comfort.
A Mk 3 GT6 is one of the prettiest cars of the early Seventies and is also a great car to drive – as well as being more evolved and better engineered than early GT6s, it’s also arguably the better looking car.
This one has an amazing history and has clearly been loved by its previous keepers, while in a more modern context it has also been developed into a car that is safer, more agile and better to drive.
It presents well, but is also the kind of car that you really wouldn’t be afraid to use and enjoy. And for us, that’s the absolute core of its appeal.
Please note: The images in this listing have been provided to us by the seller.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sales of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1972 Triumph GT6
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