A Triumph GT6, such as today’s 1968 model, is one of those seldomly seen anymore, British sports cars in spite of the fact there were about 40K produced over its eight model year run. They are no stranger to the web pages of Barn Finds and I clearly remember them, once my memory is jogged by the discovery of an example like this Roseville, California domiciled subject car. It is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $9,000.
The listing text is really light, the most prominent statement being, “Needs a new home“. I have owned cars that have made me express that sentiment so…, maybe there’s an issue and maybe it’s just a flat-out objective statement – time for a new caretaker. It seems that when a car survives intact to a certain age it no longer has owners, just caretakers that pass it along when the right time arrives. A GT6’s profile is unmistakable, you recognize one the minute you spy it. And not unexpectedly, its lines are the work of an Italian stylist known as Giovanni Michelotti, better known for his work with Ferrari and Maserati. This example looks well cared for, there is no sign of a Triumph’s number one enemy, rust, and the body panels appear to be straight as well. The finish has lost a bit of its luster and shows signs of paint nicks but it is still very presentable. Ditto the wire wheels, there is no evidence of surface rust having invaded the rims.
The interior is a surprise, I wasn’t expecting white upholstery. Along with the white seats, the door cards and carpet show pretty well. The instrument panel appears to have a loose, center-mounted, switch panel and the wood laminate looks as if it’s failing. The steering wheel is not in the best shape either as the horn cap is missing and its rim has split.
Unfortunately, there is no image of this GT6’s 95 HP, 2.0 liter, in-line six-cylinder engine. The only thing said about the powerplant is that it, “runs great.” The lack of an engine image earns a big demerit in my book. Technically, it’s the most important part of the car – no mo, no go! The standard gearbox for this vintage Triumph is a four-speed manual unit.
The good? This GT6 appears to be in pretty sound shape, nothing leaps out waving a red flag and it’s a model that’s just not encountered that often anymore. The bad? Nothing really, there’s nothing remarkable one way or the other about this 77K mile claimed two-seater – the lack of an engine image is minor. Then again, a sound, non-rusty Triumph GT6, that looks like a no-drama buy is a good thing, right?
I hope that they throw in the wheel chalks!
Always a good sign when you see things like that.
Nice car. With the slope of that driveway I’d be chocking it too. Hand brakes are good but chocks make you feel good, and the neighbor across the street too.
Had a friend in high school many moons ago that had a 68 GT6, a very fun car to drive! I would love to own this car, and the price appears about right. Wish I wasn’t up to my neck in projects, I have wanted one of these for years. Hopefully it will find an appreciative new owner, sporting a big grin!
Wish the new home could be mine. Alas, my wife and I don’t have one – we moved into a motor home with a one car limit!
Bought a ’69 GT6+ back in the early 70’s for $495. Bad transmission. Towed it home with my girl friend’s mother’s Impala. That girlfriend and I celebrated our 46th anniversary three days ago. She is still somewhat tolerant of my car sickness…..somewhat…..
Could write several paragraphs about that particular car, but still today, when I see one, I think it is a beauty queen….with……uh…issues!
Wheel chocks generally indicate a brake issue and no engine pics. No thank you. I have owned 2 of these . Never again
“The interior is a surprise, I wasn’t expecting white upholstery.” “NO ONE expects white upholstery!” (Apologies to Michael Palin and the rest of the Monty Python crew. ;) ) The seats undoubtedly have been redone at some point, evidenced by the lack of any pleating. Not a deal-killer in itself, I don’t see anything that can’t be addressed, although the price of admission might be a bit high, even for a straight, rust-free example?
I had a ’72 Mk III back in the early 2000’s, red with black interior, 4-spd and electric OD (which worked). Bought it out of Toronto and brought back to NY. Owned it for 4 years and had a blast with it! I miss that car, but driving it on the highway you felt like you were sitting on the ground looking up at Hondas, never mind 18 wheelers! Wish I still had it…
I always thouht these would have looked great as a wagon, excuse me, a shooting brake. The humpback roof just doesn’t have good proportions to me.
Even after helping a co-worker replace the differential 2x in his GT6 commuter I used to want one of these. These days however, even with it being in my back yard and affordable I’d have to check my short list and … um, nope.
Another Triumph on my Some Day list. Never had a Six, but I did find a Herald convertible for my mom after she’d joined me in Anchorage AK. It could be reluctant to start on sub-zero mornings, but was very user-friendly on any surface, wet, dry or frozen. The only odd thing about that swing-axle rear was in sweeping turns on dry pavement, when the tail would repeatedly jack and drop, jack and drop all the way through the bend. Whee!!
I’m not picky: one of these or just a Triumph Six would please me no end. I just need to have room … or so says The Boss!
Auction ended with no takers at 9K.