Needs TLC: 1972 Triumph GT6 Mk III

 

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Few sights are sadder than a classic car exposed to the elements as Mother Nature takes its toll on its panels and paint. That is the fate this 1972 Triumph GT6 Mk III suffered, requiring a dedicated new owner to recapture its glory days. The seller includes parts to help the buyer on their restoration journey, but could you be the enthusiast who gives it the love it deserves? The Triumph is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Augusta, Kentucky. The seller is asking $3,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder JMB#7 for spotting this sweet little British classic.

Triumph produced the GT6 from 1966 until 1973, with the Mk III version hitting showroom floors in 1970. The new model featured major styling updates but retained the essence of a classic British sports car below the skin. The original owner ordered this GT6 in Pimento Red, and whether it underwent any previous restoration or repairs is unclear. The seller doesn’t indicate how long it spent parked in the open, but it has left some rust issues for the new owner to tackle. However, they aren’t as severe as might typically be expected, with the worst exterior problems confined to patchable areas in the lower body extremities and the hood’s leading edge. It is also visible in the rear hatch, but the seller includes a spare the buyer could use as a replacement. They aren’t specific about floor issues, but the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the replacement passenger-side floor. There are also spare bumpers to replace the existing tired ones. If the frame is as sound as the listing seems to suggests, this could be a straightforward restoration.

The seller includes no interior shots, but we receive glimpses of its Black vinyl trim. The condition is unclear, but bracing for the cost of a refurbishment would be wise. Sourcing a kit to address shortcomings shouldn’t be challenging, with everything readily available. There are also no engine bay photos, but the seller indicates it is mechanically complete. Triumph powered the GT6 with a 1,998cc six that sent 79hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Those figures are modest, but with only 1,903 lbs to shift, the GT6 was an energetic performer that could nudge 100mph. The mystery with this car continues because the seller is unclear whether the motor turns. The mechanical components are pretty basic by most standards, making rebuilds in a home workshop possible for a competent individual who can secure a Shop Manual. Following that path would reduce costs, and it is worth considering.

The seller’s price makes this 1973 Triumph GT6 Mk III affordable, although some will question whether it is a financially viable restoration project. That will depend entirely on the new owner’s approach. If they are willing and able to complete many tasks themselves, that will reduce the labor costs that can often cripple project builds. Buying a relatively tidy GT6 for around $13,000 is possible, but a spotless example can lighten a buyer’s wallet by over $20,000. Even if we take the lower figure as a benchmark, that leaves plenty of room to move for an enthusiast adopting a DIY approach. It will almost certainly never be a mega-bucks classic, but returning it to its former glory could be worthwhile. Are you up for that challenge?

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