by Mike Gulett –
I spent part of my childhood in the Los Angeles area in the 1960s. Looking back on those years now I am surprised that I was not exposed more to European sports cars. My experience in those days was limited to American cars: hot rods, custom, muscle cars and Shelby (Mustangs and Cobras). It did not occur to me then that the Cobra has deep roots in Great Britain. My friend who lived across the street had an adult brother who came over one day driving a beautiful white Austin Healey and he was kind enough to give me a ride. I was impressed with the seating position and this small agile sports car.
But yet it was not until many years later in college in the Mid-West that I was struck by the sight of a Triumph GT6 parked on campus. I looked it over admiring the sleek style and small stature. I decided then I wanted one when I could afford it.
After graduation I went in search of one (long before the Internet). I visited the Triumph dealer in town and was told the GT6 was no longer in production but they had a new TR6 convertible on the showroom floor. I bought the TR6, and loved it, but I never forgot the GT6.
Triumph GT6
Overview:
The Triumph GT6 is the coupe version of the Triumph Spitfire roadster both designed by Giovanni Michelotti. The GT6 has a 6-cylinder 1,996 cc engine instead of the Spitfire’s 4-cylinder 1,147 cc engine. The GT6 has a 4-speed manual transmission with an optional electric overdrive.
Triumph used the GT6 body design on the Spitfire chassis with the 4-cylinder engine to race at Le Mans where they were 13th overall and first in class in 1964.
There were three models of GT6 produced designated as Mk I, Mk II (GT6+) and Mk III. The only major criticism of the GT6 was about the rear suspension where the GT6 used the swing-axle system from the Spitfire, which in turn was copied from the Herald small saloon. This was changed for the subsequent Mk II version (also known as the GT6+). The rear suspension was re-engineered using reversed lower wishbones and Rotoflex driveshaft couplings, correcting the handling problem.
Even though there were more than 40,000 produced they are rare. I see TR6s at car shows and even on the road but almost never do I see a GT6 anywhere.
The GT6 has Italian styling with British engineering and a successful Le Mans race history. They would make fun weekend drivers or historic race cars. Why not?
Number made: 40,926 (all variations from 1967 to 1974) according to Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide.
Hagerty Price Guide value for a condition 2 example: $20,500 to $22,800.
Sports Car Market Pocket Price Guide median price: $10,000 to $15,000.
You can read about other Interesting Collector Cars For Less Than $50,000 USD here.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
I had had two GT6+’s. My 1st one was totalled after some punk made an illegal left turn, or so I was told. I woke up in the hospital with no memory of the accident, thankfully.
Looking like a scaled down Jaguar XKE they were fun to drive with the 6 cylinder engine.
I’d love to have another one but I’m too old, fat and rigid to fit into one.
Great article. Thanks for the memories.
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