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Hidden for 30 Years: 1969 Triumph GT6 MK2

The seller claims this 1969 Triumph GT6 hasn’t seen sunlight for 30 years, as it was just removed from long-term storage. The example shown here is the preferred “Plus” model, otherwise known as a MK2. This generation of the GT6 fixed some of the ills of the earlier models, largely in the handling department, making them fairly sought after by British car enthusiasts today. This car shows pretty well for a barn find, with seemingly just surface rust to contend with, and lots of original details still intact. The seller notes the hatch area is full of spare parts, so hopefully some of the harder to find bits are still with the car. You’ll find the GT6 here on craigslist with an asking price of $3,500.

There are some clues as to whether this GT6 was someone’s hot rod back in the day, namely the windshield banner and the front air dam that’s definitely seen better days. The GT6 MK2 benefited from a few tweaks over the earlier models, including a revised rear suspension that incorporated double wishbones, and a more powerful 2.0L engine that coughed up an additional nine horsepower. The earlier cars received harsh reviews from the motoring press that condemned the GT6’s twitchy handling for letting down what was otherwise an attractive and competent package. No word on whether the front bumper is included in the parts stash.

What’s interesting to me about these cars is whether they are truly that desirable among collectors. I’ve had a pair of Spitfire convertibles for sale for months now as a package set of cheap parts cars but haven’t gotten a single nibble on them. Perhaps the fixed roof GT6 is a more desirable specimen and my phone would have been ringing off the hook if I had a pair of project coupes for sale, but in general I feel like there’s a lukewarm reception to these. There are enthusiasts who love them and will over-restore them to the point of absurdity, but also a lot of sports car fans who wouldn’t consider one when offered the option to buy a Datsun 1600 or BMW 2002.

The classic taillights are still present (the lower ones, that is) but the upper lenses have gone missing. The bodywork looks reasonably sound out back with no major dents or rust to contend with. The listing claims the hatch and doors are solid and that the GT6 will come with a set of keys. Not much else is offered in terms of history or maintenance info, so plan for at least a thorough mechanical restoration. Fortunately, the bodywork looks very usable as-is, and that blue is a great looking color. I’m curious if the air dam and windshield banner point to some modifications under the hood – anyone with me? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find.

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Not a whole lot of information here. $3,500 won’t break the bank but not knowing anything about the mechanical side of this car or the condition of the frame would keep me a long way from it. Love the earlier models like this one but wouldn’t buy anything without a visual inspection and more information.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Vegaman Dan

    Both side sills rotted out, common on the Spitfire and GT6. Rear wheel arches need rust repair as well. But the GT6 specific bodywork seems intact. This isn’t a $3500 car as it sits, but someone will probably take a chance on it. This would be more like a $2K parts car / project in my area. Definitely repairable in the driveway or garage of a home wrencher whom wants to learn some easy welding. Body patch panels are available inexpensively. It could be a good project if intact.

    But not at $3500 in my experience.

    And that’s as a person with two Spitfires already and most of a GT6 that got cut up in parts before I got the bits.

    Like 4
    • Avatar steve jensen

      I am looking for part of a GT6 Mk2 1970. I only need a section of the roof from near the top of the hatch opening down to the lower valance. Mine has body damage there which would be easier to repair by sectioning out that area

      Like 0
      • Avatar Cobra Steve

        Steve J, check out a website called the Triumph Experience. You can post a want ad at no cost for the desired part. Good bunch of people.

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Paolo

    I can’t remember the source but I once read that Spitfire enthusiasts clubs or organizations exist in more countries around the world than for any other car. Is this true?

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Junkyard Jimmy

    Do you think the strange rust pattern on the hood indicates an engine fire?

    Like 4
    • Avatar Vegaman Dan

      Unlikely an engine fire as there us nothing on that side of the engine to cause a fire. No oil, fuel or exhaust on that side. But anything could happen, and may be a reason why no engine photos are included!

      Like 4
      • Avatar Junkyard Jimmy

        Okay. Thank you for the response.

        Like 0
  5. HoA Howard A Member

    When I worked at the foundry( mid 70’s) and bought my MGB, a fellow co-worker had a car exactly like this. We had a lot of fun chasing each other, both cars had a tendency for oversteer. In a drag race, the cars were dead even. While Spitfires do nothing for me, the GT6 was like the MGBGT, and a much nicer car than the roadsters. While there are parts galore, better have deep pockets, they aren’t cheap. With the rust we see, it would be foolish to even start with this.
    To Jeff, I think the bottom fell out of British roadsters,,,that need work, anyway.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar ken tilly UK Member

    Where would you find a BMW 2002 in any condition, for $3500?

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Douglas Smith

    I had a a 1970 GT6 as a daily driver for years. I’m 6’2 and had enough room. I also had 2 Spitfires at various times. The GT6 is much more usable in taday’s traffic.
    I grew up in Canton;Ohio just South of this car’s location. This is the rust belt. If you want a GT6 get one with less rust. If you want to remain all Triumph, put in a TR6 2.5L engine. Or put a Spitfire body on the GT6 frame.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Bill Cawley

      Douglas Smith – on hot-rodding “If you want to remain all Triumph, put in a TR6 2.5L engine.” in the 70’s I had a 69 GT6, which I loved and lost to rust, (it taught me to put-up all future special cars), at a neighboring car cub meet a GT6 had a Buick/Rover all aluminum 3500cc V8 and it fit under the bonnet. I was smitten and will always love all British hot rodding done with that motor, and I also respect using British in British. I now have and love a Triumph TR8.

      Like 1
  8. Avatar Cobra Steve

    Mk II’s (+ in the U.S.) are, IMHO, the best of the GT6 line. Mk I’s had the poorer handling due to the rear suspension configuration, Mk II’s got the Rotoflex as did the Mk III’s through the end of 1972. The final year for the Mk III in the U.S. was 1973 and 1974 in the U.K., I believe. They adopted the Spitfire rear suspension design to replace the Rotoflex.

    I already have a ’70 Mk II, otherwise, I’d be all over this one. The color is desirable and when I see the original “Ro-Style” hub caps on a car, it is typically unmolested. So much of my time is spent undoing “improvements” (aka damage) done by previous owners on the cars I restore.

    As far as cost of parts, I beg to differ with those who say they’re pricey. So many parts interchange with the Spitfire and there are numerous reliable sources for parts including Rimmer Brothers, Moss Motors, The Roadster Factory, Victoria British, Spits and Bits, etc. Then there’s also eBay. Just try to steer clear of folks who offer the cheap Chinese parts–they simply do not hold up as their quality control is absent–faulty metallurgy, poor tolerances, etc. Rule-of-Thumb when buying parts–always specify ABC–Anywhere But China.

    The Triumph marque is the quintessential British sports car. They are reasonably reliable if you take the time to do the majority of work yourself and take your time. That way, when (notice I did not say “if”) the worst occurs, you’ll be better equipped to resolve the issue. AND join your local Triumph club. Tons of guys and gals who share the passion and are all-too-happy to share their knowledge. Who knows, they might even offer to lend a helping hand, too.

    Like 9
  9. Avatar Little_Cars

    @Cobra Steve — just curious. Was there a reason Triumph went with these Rostyle wheelcovers for the GT-6 and nothing else? Why weren’t Rostyle wheels used instead of a plain steel wheel and this wheelcover?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Cobra Steve

      The only reason I can imagine is the fact that the cars had 4 lug 13″ wheels and the hubcaps simulated 5 lugs.

      Also, the TR250 I believe had a similar hubcap on their 15″ wheels.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Cobra Steve

    The only reason I can imagine is the fact that the cars had 4 lug 13″ wheels and the hubcaps simulated 5 lugs.

    Also, the TR250 I believe had a similar hubcap on their 15″ wheels.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dan H

    I had the opportunity to buy this at $1,200. last week before this gentleman bought it and passed. The floor boards are gone and the firewall has heavy rust. But it’s very complete. He probably snagged for $1000. and is doing a quick flip. I don’t have a problem with that.
    But there’s no engine or floor board photos for a reason. It does not run & drive.
    Call your welder first on this one.

    Like 3

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