Final year: 1973 Triumph GT6 MkIII
Its lines are hard to resist. Originally penned by the well-known Italian designer, Giovanni Michelotti, the last iteration of the GT6 debuted in late 1970 with a host of aerodynamic tweaks including recessed door handles, smoother front clip, and a rear Kamm tail. The result was improved top speed — 112mph — and improved fuel economy, too. Performance was now decidedly better than its closest competitor, the MGB GT, making the MkIII the GT6 to own. In total, just over 13,000 GT6 MkIIIs were produced, of which the vehicle offered here on eBay was one, with bidding at $8,300 and reserve not yet met at the time of writing.
For starters, it’s not surprising there has been limited interest for what appears to be, from a distance anyway, a very tidy GT6. A prospective buyer has just six photos to look at. And they’re unflattering photos on an overcast day, with the car a bit dusty and not many detail shots (unless you appreciate a well-stacked wood pile). The detail shots that are in place are a bit blurry and poorly lit, such as this engine bay picture. Looks good from what little can been seen — Solexes Strombergs are there in place, but not sure what happened to the airbox. Doesn’t appear to be any leaks, but then we don’t know when this photo was taken (a personal suspicion is that it’s not contemporary with the exterior shots on the listing). What a shame (and missed opportunity) when sellers don’t understand the genuine value derived for all parties when proper photos are in place.
The eBay description is a bit surprising, too. Talk about minimalist! Almost no info is shared and most importantly, not even the commission (VIN) number is listed. So it’s hard to know where this GT6 sits in relation to production. “Older restoration late ’90s” is probably the most useful of the three, highly succinct points made in the seller’s description. The dash looks tidy from a distance, but it would be nice to see mileage, for example, superficially confirmed on the odometer. Or if there is any wear and tear on the switchgear. At any rate, we have what we have, which is sadly not much.
Depending on the reserve price, someone smart is going to pick up this Signal Red MkIII for a song, correct the flaws that exist, and either enjoy having the car in their collection or else flip it for way more money. Given the limited production, plus the strong GT6 clubs that exist, tracing this car’s history is eminently doable. With some smarter words, better photos, a wash and polish, and maybe even a few historical records, this GT6 could be a great resale play or a great investment over time that lives up to its moniker ‘Poor man’s E-type.’
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now7 hours$15,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
Like Stephen said…..
Great little cars,. Extremely simple to work on, just tilt the hood and get comfortable sitting on the from wheels to do all the engine work. Go like the clappers with the 6 cylinder engine.
Uh,, the carbs are Strombergs and the top caps are rotated 90 degrees CCW . Based on the carb screwup, a thorough inspection would need to be done.
Fordor — Appreciate the catch! @bobhess, lower down in the comments, suggested upgrading to SUs was the way to go.
I believe what bobhess was saying is that he put 2″ SUs on, which are not available for Strombergs, which max out at 1 3/4″. btw, the Strombergs are VERY easy to nullify the “pollution” stuff bobhess mentioned.
One of the better UK sports cars. The upgrades on the final version were more about making an aging design more fashionable than aerodynamic improvement.
However, the results were good and the Mk III version finally got a good irs design.
My brother had one, drove it to work Monday through Friday. Worked on it Saturday, took it out for a test drive and on Sunday worked it again.
I took one of these for a test drive, from a used car dealer, way back when. I got it on the road, put it in second, and floored it. The seatback broke, and I ended up in a prone position. Talk about driving while blind! Crept it back to the dealer and said farewell. Good times!
Fun car if not rusted out. Most Triumph cars and bikes when back home during the collapse of the US dollar years ago.
My favourite shape of GT6; the back panel was starting to almost have a family resemblance over the Triumph range, especially when painted black. I’d love one based on a Stag…
Mine was a ‘69 with wire wheels and knock offs. Talk about poor electrical wiring!!!! OMG!!!
If it wasn’t the carbs it was the electrical wiring!
Was my college car from Shingle Springs to Sacramento!!!! Fun car but a 5 point took it away from me one day on my way home!
Working on tuning the GT6s and TR6s we chucked the carbs for the big SUs. Big difference and you could actually tune them for more power. The Strombergs were pure emission units and nothing else. The engines also responded positively to three SU conversions. Lost some gas mileage but gained noticeable power.
A lot of these were raced to death, it’s nice to see one in this condition.