This 1973 Triumph GT6 is a tidy classic that spent much of its life in a dry climate. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising. It presents nicely following a color change and interior retrim that lifts its appearance to a higher level. If a classic British sports car has been on your radar, this GT6 deserves a close look.
Triumph produced the GT6 between 1966 and 1973, with the included Factory Record copy suggesting this car emerged from the factory during the final months. The seller states that it spent many years in California, helping to account for its rust-free status. They include a comprehensive selection of images in their listing that paint a positive picture for potential buyers. The other thing confirmed by the Factory Record is that the Green Metallic paint gracing its exterior isn’t original. The first owner ordered the Triumph in Pimento Red, with the previous owner performing the change over thirty years ago. The fact it retains a healthy shine and no evidence of significant deterioration suggests the work was performed to a high standard. The panels are straight, the glass and trim are excellent, and although the wheels aren’t original, they add an aggressive air to the car’s appearance.
Another change performed on this classic was to swap the Triumph’s Black interior trim for Tan. That was a wise move because it gives the inside a less somber appearance. The seller installed a new dash, door panels, trim, headliner, carpet, and insulation. They rebuilt the seats, but this is where the story becomes slightly confusing. The listing seems to suggest they include new seatcovers, but the ones currently installed don’t look old or worn. The same is true when we turn our attention to the heater hoses and glovebox, which may or may not be new. One item awaiting installation is the factory radio, although, with the changes already made, the buyer might opt for a more modern alternative.
British sports cars paid a high price following the introduction of tighter emission laws. Most offered relatively modest power from the factory, but complying with legislative requirements hurt owners under the right foot. This GT6 features a 2.0-liter six-cylinder powerplant that produced 79hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. A four-speed manual transmission performs shifting duties, with the ’73 GT6 capable of topping 110mph. The news for potential buyers is good, with the previous owner performing an engine rebuild around nine years ago. The seller recently lavished the same treatment on the transmission, refacing the flywheel before installing an entire new clutch assembly. They replaced the fuel tank, lines, shocks, springs, exhaust, and tires, and rebuilt the carburetors. The effort was worthwhile, with this Triumph a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The seller listed this 1973 Triumph GT6 here on eBay in Westwood, Massachusetts. Nine bids have pushed the price to $5,100, which is below the reserve. It has no immediate needs, making it ideal for someone seeking a turnkey classic. There is still enough warm weather remaining before winter sets in to enjoy all this British sports car offers, and depending on where the bidding goes, it could be an affordable candidate to park in your garage.
Good looking, plenty of power, excellent condition, what more could you want? Nice car.
There is a GT6+ in the St Petersburg Florida area that swapped out the coach to a Spitfire. He has a ragtop GT6, and it is nice!
So basically ruined TWO cars.
Obviously not your cup of tea, so why should you care?
Because there aren’t that many left and I hate to see them trashed.
The GT6 is a much better-looking car than the Spitfire and provides a much quieter and refined driving experience. So, yes, a GT6 is ruined if you give it a rag top.
@MKG Installing a Spitfire tub on a GT6 frame is a relatively straightforward project as they share the same basic frame…I’m doing it now. Some folks simply put the GT6 engine in a Spitfire, but the GT6 had larger brakes and improved suspension bits. Sure, the GT6 I-6 engine is heavier than a Spitfire I-4, but it has at least 50% more power (in stock form). The GT6 bonnet is needed with the “power bulge” to accommodate the longer six.
If that is not enough to make the purists scream, I’m considering putting the spare GT6 tub on the leftover Spitfire frame along with improvements to the suspension, brakes, etc., and use the Spitfire bonnet. Engine would likely be a Miata twin-cam four so I could have A/C.
First project is underway and unsure if I’ll live long enough to see the second one through completion…I’ve probably tested my wife’s patience enough!
Yes, I was aware of the constraints of putting a GT6 on a Spit. But always thought, if I had the means I would have both coach’s in the same livery and change them out on the GT6 according to season. LOL.
w a y into these along w/other affordables of the era like the the 1800ES, MGB GT, geez I cant remember other’s names now (mustang had 1 to match but a lill too big). The 240z was of the same ilk (those aero roof/tails). The Ferraris, jag, 300SL, 1900SS, Glas 3000, etc were pictures to look at, never around my locale and up in expense so unachievable~
I wonder if I could get my big head to fit under that roof. Otherwise very tempting. Nice restoration, good work. I like it.
@ Fox owner I have both GT6 Mk II & Mk III versions, and there is a knack to getting into the car. First, one has to fold one’s torso, and after so many years of beer & pasta, I don’t fold like I used to. Second, one must tilt one’s head to the point where it almost touches the shoulder. Third, let gravity do its job and “fall” into the car.
Getting out is much the same in reverse, but it is easier to fall out of the car. Perhaps not very graceful, but easier.
With all that said, I still LOVE my Triumphs. My Spitfires are more forgiving as one does not have to contend with the roof so no “folding” of the body. Same with my TR6, which sits a bit higher, so the effects of gravity are less pronounced.
TomPDX, You are certainly entitled to your personal opinion, as I am.
There are several owners out there that would disagree with you.
Absolutely agree with you – 100% … just offering mine. I thought that was okay. I hope I did not offend. I also admit to being a purist, so drastic modifications from stock don’t sit well with me. So, I admit it, I’m biased! Nonetheless, I wish you, @cobra steve, luck with your project.
I’m a purist too.
Since they are both from the same company, I do not see anything wrong in making something the company missed. A convertible GT6. It really seems a natural. The Spit was underpowered. With the underpinning of the GT6 and the convertible coach, you get a true sporting car.
As mentioned, the owners of such cars, that I have met, really enjoy the open air feel.
It isn’t as if you were destroying one to make something that it isn’t. It’s a straight forward swap out.
But, since a few of you on here don’t care for that. I would advise you not to do it.
I’m not sure we agree on the definition of “purist.” In any event, no, I would never consider it. Instead, I owned a TR250 and a GT6 at the same time, which seems to me to be the better solution to the conundrum.
I’m not entirely against all resto-mods, I just think the more appropriate canvas is, for example, a Camaro that Chevy made millions of. Relatively speaking, all Triumphs are quite rare and therefore – again in my opinion only – should be preserved. But any owner of any car can do with it whatever they please.
Hope he put the GT6 transmission and rear end when he swapped the parts.
Ended at $7,800.
Reserve Not Met.