The Triumph GT6 was a Michelotti creation that met salvation when it gave wings to the Spitfire’s racing pedigree. Though Michelotti had found a way to make the Spitfire into a coupe, the weight of the resulting car overwhelmed the tiny four-cylinder motor, and the whole project was suspended. But the Works department discovered that “fastbacking” Spitfire roadsters improved their performance, thanks to better aerodynamics. As Spitfires won at the track clothed in their fiberglass “coupe tops”, a desire to own that car blossomed. Management was persuaded to put the coupe into production, solving the performance issue by installing Triumph’s 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine mated to the stout four-speed manual from the Vitesse. A bulge in the bonnet is a reminder that this longer, beefier motor is in residence. Here on eBay is a 1969 Triumph GT6+, aka Mk II, bid to $4050 with reserve not met. The winning bidder will pick up his prize in Stow, Massachusetts.
Drivers will appreciate that in addition to the six-cylinder motor – slightly tweaked in 1969 to produce a few more horsepower – the GT6+ received a complete suspension make-over. Early Spitfires and GT6s were saddled with swing-axle suspension, which could be downright dangerous with amateurs at the wheel. The new suspension eliminated tuck-under, reduced roll, and otherwise gave a much more stable feeling. For this reason, as well as a few ergonomic upgrades, the Mk II is preferred by Triumph fans. Personally, I prefer the upright grille on the Mk I – before the bumper height was raised – but that’s just me. The seller doesn’t tell us the status of this motor but does say the hydraulics need to be rebuilt.
The seats, gauges, switches, wood dash, steering wheel, trim – all are with the car, so it’s a matter of deciding how far to go with restoration. Note that by 1969, toggles had given way to rocker switches – another safety “upgrade”. While we don’t know the running condition of this car, it’s mostly rust-free judging by the photos and the seller’s description.
In terms of value, this unmolested GT6 occupies an interesting niche in the market. It needs everything if it’s to bring top dollar – which for a GT6 these days can exceed $30k. Giving it that “everything” will break the bank. But if it could be made to run, a buyer could have plenty of fun without ever attending to the cosmetics. The current bid could be a bargain if the mechanicals turn out to be easy to sort. Seems like a phone call to the seller is in order; what do you think?
One of the best looking British cars ever!
Th ese are great mini E Jags~~The factory offered a little how to do it racing performance manual for those who want even more performance for trials and autocrosses etc. The larger 2500cc engine slips right in also!
That 4K bid is as high as I’d go for a car that has everything and needs everything. The GT6s are one of my favorite cars but I wouldn’t go upside down to own one.
Still one of my favorite cars, have had 4 of them and I’m sure there will be another before it’s all said and done…
I’m in lust! Been at the top of my wish list for years. And not much rust (well, seemingly from photos).
Juggling too many chainsaws already. But soo tempted.
A screeching fan belt and a couple water pump replacements before I discovered that every time the clutch was actuated the front pulley was forced forward about an 1/8″. Replaced all bearings including the end play shims that were almost gone. Fun to drive, but fragile. I think the front floor will need replacement and pods on each side of the front portion of the frame, too. The rubber cv joints are likely needing replacement.
Sold brand new for about $3500.00 in its era. Love the tipup front end! Yes, crankshaft thrust washers were a problem, as well as blown rear ends. The quality of sheet metal and other materials choices meant an early death to these rarely garauged proloteriat owned otherwise prize and unique tiny coupes. I was so enamored with tip-up front ends that I made the same for my 1951 Ford Pickup. I would love to do it on my MGA Coupe using the Saab hood style pickup and roll foward hood concept. Might as well. The MGA Coupe will never be worth the amount that I put into it- so-I will have some fun! Too bad I can’t post photos here.
Nice coupe.
Get it running and road worthy and drive it!
Great little sportster, smiles for miles. And, like any older English cars or bikes, expect to spend time with maintenance.
This could be a great daily driver to be enjoyed for what it is without the need for a return of ‘top dollar’.
to have this today along w/the MGB GT, wolwo ES1800, elan, some of the Giuliettas… would B heaven. I guess the Japanese and Koreans (usa imports) try a lill~
Transmissions were very fragile to, sold mine 30 years ago with 120k miles on it and it had been through 4 differentials and transmission was broken 5 times …not all by me, but I knew the second owner who knew the 1st and 3rd, I was the fourth.
Just once I would like to see a posting here that the bidding hasn’t already ended. Seriously, always late.
I love these cars and always wanted one. I ended up with spitfires instead. These are very easy cars to work on. They say this needs hydraulics which i believe they mean clutch and brake. Very easy fix parts are easy to get and plentiful at reasonable prices. If I was a bit younger I would buy it get it running and driving well and hit the curvey back roads for some fun. GLWTA