Triumph GT6 MkIII

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Styled by Giovanni Michelotti in response to a brief from Triumph to make a coupe version of the Spitfire, the wonderful GT6 was Instantly dubbed ‘the poor man’s E-Type’.

Much more than a Spitfire with a hard top, it had the same powerful 2.0 six-cylinder engine as fitted to the Triumph Vitesse and a fastback body that was so aerodynamically efficient it was later copied for the Le Mans Spitfires. With 105bhp on tap (in MkII and MkIII form, up from 95bhp in the MkI), it could sprint to 60mph in 10 seconds and topped out at 112mph – figures that comfortably trounced the rival MGB.

Launched in 1966, the first cars had the same wayward swing-axle rear suspension as the Spitfire and the Herald but this was ditched in the MkII version of 1968 for a superior set up using wishbones and Rotoflex couplings. The MkIII came out in 1970 with a few detail improvements which mainly improved comfort and safety. Only around 41,000 were built in total before production came to an end in November 1973, of which just 13,000 were MkIII models and all are increasingly sought after today.

This gorgeous Sapphire Blue GT6 dates from January 1973 and has recently emerged from a full nut-and-bolt restoration with all parts repaired or renewed as required, including a brand new bonnet, the whole process recorded in photos on file. A desirable overdrive-equipped model with Rotoflex suspension, a stainless steel twin pipe exhaust and a Heritage Certificate, it has covered minimal mileage since the restoration was completed.

At the time of cataloguing we had not had chance to see either the car or the history file, but we are assured that it is in first class condition throughout and could not possibly be replicated at the modest guide price suggested.