Triumph GT6 Coupe MkIII

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The GT6 was originally designed as a four-cylinder tin-top counterpart to the Spitfire but when Triumph’s development team realised that the coupe was somewhat slower than the roadster, they came up with the obvious solution of fitting the straight-six engine as used in the 2000 and Vitesse.

What Triumph ended up creating was a miniature E-Type and a very effective rival to the recently-launched MGB GT. The GT6 soon earned a reputation for being great in a straight line, but not so good in corners. The MkI’s swing-axle rear suspension ensured that lift-off oversteer was a very real problem as the wheels tucked under but improved rear suspension made the 1969 MkII a much better car.

The MkIII GT6 was launched in 1970 and received the same visual changes as the Spitfire MkIV. They managed to turn a stylish car into a desirable one - not easy when you consider it was based on an eight-year old design. That all-important bonnet bulge remained, but the cleaner profile and more aggressive Kamm tail were really masterful styling tweaks.

There was no significant change to the 105bhp 2-litre straight-six, but like with the Spitfire, it appeared the power had dropped because of the change to DIN quoted power. It could still sprint to 60mph in just 10 seconds with a top speed of 112mph, leaving the MGB GT trailing in its wake. Only 41,000 were made in total (13,000 in MkIII form) and with fewer than1,500 still UK registered today, survivors are increasingly sought after.

Dating from May 1973, this yellow GT6 has been in the current ownership since 1994 and was in regular use until parked up in 1999 and forgotten about. Recently awoken from its 16-year slumber, it has been got running again with a new fuel pump and a new clutch master cylinder and it now runs and drives fine although the brakes need attention and the whole car will need a thorough service and clean up.

Supplied with a V5, original owner’s handbook, parts catalogue and Haynes workshop manual, it also has two old MOTs from 1994 and 1998 (at 107,824 and 109,561 miles) plus bills for new front brake calipers, pads and wheel bearings in 1998 and a hand-written note saying that the diff had been rebuilt.

Altogether a straightforward restoration project that could be MOTd and on the road with little effort and gradually improved over time as desired.