1973 Triumph GT6

HISTORY OF THE TRIUMPH GT6

The genesis of the Triumph GT6 can be traced as far back as 1963 when renowned Italian Car Designer Giovanni Michelotti was commissioned by Standard-Triumph to design a GT version of the recently introduced Spitfire 4. Michelotti took possession of an unmodified Spitfire 4 at his studio in Italy and in late 1963 the Fixed Head prototype was returned to England for inspection by the Standard-Triumph Designers, Engineers and Corporate Brass. Ultimately, the design was enthusiastically received across the board, but the additional weight of the GT bodywork proved too much for the Spitfires diminutive 1,147cc four-cylinder engine, and the project was shelved.

Triumphs competition department took note of Michelottis prototype in time for the 1964 racing season, recognizing that its improved aerodynamics could provide an advantage in long-distance and endurance events. To help keep the weight down, Triumph Racing made fiberglass copies of the fastback roofline to fit over the existing Spitfire shape. The results were particularly notable during the 1965 racing season, when the Fixed Head Spitfires earned a first-in-class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing ahead of their principal rival, the MG Midget.

The sales success of the Spitfire, combined with the racing pedigree of the fiberglass-bodied fastback competition cars, encouraged Standard-Triumph to revisit Michelottis prototype design for full-scale production. The GT6 name reflected both its Grand Touring configuration and the 2.0-litre inline-six beneath its bonnet. Derived from the Standard Vanguard Six, the 1,998cc OHV engines relatively short stroke endowed it with an eager, free-revving character that remains beloved among Triumph enthusiasts-many of whom prefer its sporting nature to the longer-stroke 2.5-litre six later fitted to the TR5, TR250 and TR6.

Production of what Standard-Triumph promoted as the race-winning Le Mans Spitfire began in the summer of 1966, with the GT6 evolving through three generations from the original Mark I through the Mark III before production ceased in December 1973. While the model enjoyed success both at home and abroad, increasingly stringent U.S. safety and emissions regulations made further development difficult to justify. Its relatively short production life has given the GT6 a certain mystique today, and surviving examples remain highly coveted by Triumph collectors and enthusiasts alike.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The 1973 Triumph GT6 Mark III offered here is finished in the stunning color combination of British Racing Green over a Black interior. According to the accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust E-certificate, this GT6 was completed at the Coventry works on September 20th, 1972, originally in the color combination of Sienna Brown over a New Tan interior.
Interestingly, despite being completed in September 1972, the car was not dispatched to British Leyland Motors, Inc. of Newark until February 20th, 1973-exactly five months after its recorded build date.

While Commission No. KF20223Us early history remains unknown, the car was clearly the recipient of an incredibly thorough and meticulous restoration within the past two decades. Evidence of the work is readily apparent in the complete color change from the factory Sienna Brown to a lovely shade of British Racing Green, accompanied by a change from the original New Tan interior to Black. The restoration was clearly performed to a high standard, with surfaces beneath the bonnet and along the frame rails finished in the same shade of BRG as the body.

Under the bonnet resides a correct 1,998cc inline-six bearing Engine No. KF20299UE. Interestingly, the accompanying Heritage Certificate records the original engine as KF20243UE-just 56 engine numbers earlier than the unit installed today. While therefore not numbers-matching, the remarkably close sequence indicates an engine extraordinarily close in production to the cars original unit, presenting an intriguing piece of its history. The engine is presently in a fine state of tune following recent carburetor service by ITS ALIVE!, while an aluminum radiator provides improved cooling.

The interior features comfortable, plush seats and carpeting, while the semi-matte woodgrain finish of the dashboard closely resembles its original appearance. An upgraded PIONEER AM/FM/CD stereo provides AUX connectivity for streaming music from a mobile device, and its operating instructions still accompany the car today.

Exterior appointments include a set of 8-spoke bolt-on alloy MINATOR wheels and a Matte Black LH exterior bullet mirror. These subtle but distinctive touches lend the GT6 a slightly personalized appearance reminiscent of what an SCCA racer might have chosen for his own road car in the early 1970s-an especially appropriate aesthetic considering the Mk IIIs competition pedigree. Triumph even fitted a round brass plaque to the passenger side of the dashboard commemorating the GT6s 1969 and 1970 SCCA E-Production National Championship victories.

ITS ALIVE! is pleased to present this beautifully restored GT6 from the final model year of production to the next collector or enthusiast who appreciates its distinctive styling, competition heritage and wonderfully free-revving six-cylinder character.

If you are the next owner of this classic then give us a call at 314-710-6600 or email us at Sales@ItsAliveAuto.com.