Finding a classic that is equally comfortable on the road or the racetrack can be challenging. However, this 1971 Triumph GT6 seems to have those bases covered. The mechanical upgrades would make it a weapon at a track day, while the seller states that it is civilized enough to prowl our streets without issue. The seller has listed the sweet Triumph here on Facebook Marketplace in Rancho Cucamonga, California. They set their price at $18,000 for a classic that is a turnkey proposition.
Based on its existing Spitfire, Triumph released the GT6 in 1966. A Mk II version arrived in 1969, with the Mk III representing the final update in 1970. Our featured Mk III left the Canley line in 1971, and much has changed since that day. The Blue paint gracing its panels isn’t from that year’s color palette, and bears a striking resemblance to French Blue. It holds a healthy shine, although close inspection reveals a few minor imperfections. However, since this classic spends its life on the racetrack, its presentation is easily acceptable. The panels are quite straight, and the images reveal no evidence of rust. The seller removed most of the trim during their build to reduce weight, while the VTO alloy wheels are wrapped in new Toyo Proxes R888 tires.
Tilting the hood forward reveals this British classic’s beating heart. It retains what I believe is its correct 1,996cc six-cylinder motor, although it’s a safe bet that it produces more than the 95hp quoted by the manufacturer. The seller added a roller rocker valve train for longevity, along with a larger oil pan, a windage tray, a remote oil filter, an oil cooler, and an aluminum radiator. They handed the motor to a professional shop, who built it to provide a compromise between street and track duties. The engine exhales through headers and a single exhaust with additional mufflers for street use. The suspension incorporates adjustable coilovers, while the brakes are upgraded slotted discs. The power feeds to a 3.89 rear end via a 1973-vintage Triumph TR6 manual transmission. The seller states that the car is registered and roadworthy, and that the motor has only clocked around five hours since the build. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
The interior reflects this classic’s racing history. Anything unnecessary is long gone, including the carpet, seats, and upholstery. The driver sits in a lightweight aluminum race seat, with the ½-cage providing protection if the car finishes up shiny side down. They face an aluminum dash fascia housing the critical gauges that monitor the Triumph’s health and temper. Is it luxurious? No. Is it practical? It certainly is for the track. However, I would probably add seat padding for street use, because things could become uncomfortable fairly quickly.
This 1971 Triumph GT6 Mk III won’t appeal to everyone, but no classic can achieve that feat. However, it presents well, and the mechanical upgrades should deliver substantial performance gains. Add some padding to the seat, and it would be enormous fun if the person behind the wheel points it at a ribbon of twisting tarmac. The seller’s price looks extremely competitive, providing an affordable entry into the world of motorsport. If you’ve been considering dabbling in that hobby, could this GT6 be a contender?
1968, my first year in SCCA E production racing. I was running a Healey 100-6 and Kas Kastner showed up with a Triumph GT 6 driven by Carl Swanson. We ran together swapping the lead for a number of laps. The Triumph was more nimble in the corners, but the the big Healey had low down pull. ( I had the Huffaker head, pistons and cam setup). Going down the long back straight at the Newport airport circuit the Triumph could rev higher and pull away. I tried to match him and the 4 main crank of the Healey finally gave up and sawed the motor into 2 pieces.
Nice car here. One of my favorites. You can buy padded inserts for the seat if you want to retain it. gippy, my first British race car was a Bugeye Sprite built by Huffaker senior in 1966 in San Francisco. Bought it in ’89 and raced it until ’03. It was crude compared to today but it was fast. Son Jr is doing the same at Sonoma. CA.
Looks like a great find. I still regret not buying a GT6 Mk3 back in 1985. Every car is an experience but the TR4-A I picked up needed more attention than I had money at the time.
Would want to check build against my local rules, vintage and SCCA. I would also finish the roll cage to come inside the doors – that’s where I sit. Thank stars they didn’t put Webers on it.
Very nice find.
I race Triumph GT6 in vintage events for 15 years now. This looks like a nice car, but I would say only about partially prepped to be anywhere near competitive in racing. A well prepped motor should put out about 200 hp at the crank, but is pretty much useless below 3000 RPM. I doubt this one is close to that with stock carburetors and a stock manifold.
Generally, a car suitable for street is not competitive on track, and competitive cars on the track are miserable to drive on the street.
Plus, I’d like to see a full cage if I was really going to race.
Track day car, ok, racer, not yet, with a stripped interior, already pretty far removed from being a passable street car for any distance.
Having tested my full roll cage in 2014 on a huge jersey barrier after hitting oil I totaled the car but the cage held up along with the side head restraints which is why I’m still here. Presently building a clone of that one to vintage race and when I showed the plans for the cage to the vintage tech inspector I got a big thumbs up. Guess they don’t want to lose anyone.
Bobhess makes a good point. Incidents often occur, not because you caused them, but you need to be prepared regardless. I think I was overly negative in my last comment – I like this car, and it could be a great track car or Sunday morning back roads car. The TR6 transmission is a good move, that’s what I run in my car. The GT6 transmissions cannot handle a lot of increased power output without breaking.
Michelle, why no triple Webers? That’s what I have in my race car, and they are awesome.
It’s a nice looking car, but I would have to Un-race it. Rollbar, seats, and fuel cell would have to go for a start.
I had that same year! Mine was red.
All it needed was overdrive and A/C!
Fun car!