Parked In 2008: 1973 Triumph GT6
This 1973 Triumph GT6 is an older restoration that was parked in a garage back in 2008. Just prior to being taken out of service, the owner had a significant amount of mechanical work performed on the car, so hopefully, it won’t take too much time or effort to return this British classic to the road once again. It is located in Novi, Michigan, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $5,000, and at that price, the reserve has now been met. It is a car that has generated its fair share of attention because there are currently 187 people who are watching the listing.
The Triumph is said to be an older restoration and was originally finished in Magenta. It underwent a color change during the restoration, and if I was undertaking a repaint of the car, I would probably take the trouble to return it to its original color. The body itself looks to be quite good, with minimal rust issues. Having said that, the rust that appears to be present is actually in some pretty unusual spots. There is rust visible around both front wheel arches, along with a spot in the front apron. The floors and rockers look really solid, with no other visible issues anywhere else. There are a few minor dings and marks on the car, but it is generally pretty reasonable.
Just prior to the Triumph being placed into storage, it appears that the 1,998cc 6-cylinder engine received a rebuild, and receipts for this are included with the car. At that point, the Triumph also received a host of new suspension components, along with a new brake booster, new master cylinders for both the brakes and clutch, and a new clutch slave cylinder. The owner can get the car to fire-up on starter fluid, but it sounds like the entire fuel system might need a clean before it will run on gas from the tank. It appears that the brakes and clutch operate as they should, but the car is going to need a thorough inspection and a full service before it is ready to resume active duty once again.
The Triumph’s interior is certainly serviceable as it is, but I wouldn’t describe the condition as being startling. There is nothing major that would need attention, but there are a lot of detail things that add up to an interior that isn’t quite up to scratch. It looks like the foam in the seats might have started to compact, and the result of this is a pair of seats that are sagging a bit on the edges. New foam might also bring the stretched covers back into shape without the need for replacement. The timber on the dash could do with a refresh, while the carpet needs a clean. I really don’t like the aftermarket oil pressure gauge that has randomly been installed where the radio should be, and if it has to be retained, I would be seeking a better location for it. The fact is, the interior could definitely look better, but I think that it could be improved with more time than money. That means that it should be possible to achieve some pretty reasonable results in a home workshop without the injection of piles of money.
As a British sports car, the GT6 tended to appeal to a niche market when new. For those who were seeking the “wind in the hair” experience, this was not the car of choice. However, as a classic British sports car that could be enjoyed all-year-round, this was a good alternative. With so many people expressing an interest in this particular car, it will be interesting to see just how high the bidding eventually goes.
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Comments
The color is pleasant but for me, subdues the look and the lines. The car seems well sorted and fairly solid. If the price does not accelerate, it could be an excellent British starter project.
Having had two British cars and full well knowing the issues, the itch for another returns at times. Restraint is imperative. lol
I found a really nice one of these and after looking and poking around the better part of two hours with the seller I got in it. Or rather I tried. At 6’3″ and a 36″ inseam I had to be a contortionist to get in there. Then I found out my legs were too long to clutch and my knee would hit the back of the steering wheel. Actually it was against the door trim and the back of the steering wheel without even trying to depress the clutch.
So, my suggestion is that if you are over 6 foot tall take a hard pass. If you have a really long torso and short legs it may work better for you. In any case it was a way for me to save $5,000!
I’ll bet that seller was ticked off that you wasted 2 hours of his time!
I took my Spitfire in for emissions testing once and the tester who was quite large, got in, did the test and then could not get out again. He had to call for help and several other workers dragged him out by his shoulders with his butt on the ground. I watched the whole thing from the observation room peeing myself laughing.
You are lucky he passed you after that, LOL
Why, all of a sudden, are people on Barn Finds referring to wood laminate dashes as timber? Is this something new, and hip? I’d better “get with it.”
Keep in mind the writer. Adam talks and writes weird. LOL
Timber folk also seem to care when the car was parked. What’s up wid dat ?????
Great looking car. I hope who ever rebuilt that engine did not repair the center armrest. Why no jumbo bumpers on this car? I guess I am not hip either Francisco.
Big bumpers hit in ’74 about the time they quit making the GT6.
Thanks Bob, kind of seeing a 240Z look here and there on this thing.
Good looking car, I use to have one and regret selling it. From experience I will say dropping a 2.5 from a TR6 is not as simple as it first seems, but it makes a heck of a car. It would be nice to have another but I suffer the curse of to many projects and cars.
I think the term “timber dash” came from the British magazines. I have heard that description for so long it doesn’t phase me. It is kinda like “door cards”.
Oh I am 6’2″ and never had a problem getting in and driving one, and it has only been a couple of years since I last drove one. The earlier version is smaller and tighter and makes my back hurt to drive, but these aren’t bad.
Front-wheel arches are the last to rust. I’ll bet a good third of that car’s weight is bondo.
Last time I sat in one, I had a bit of trouble adjusting my own inseam length to the room alotted for working the pedals, and my head was brushing the ceiling just enough to be annoying. Roughly fifty years later I think I’d fit just fine. Now all I need is some free money and the assent of The Boss. I’m pretty sure the money would be easier …
These last versions with the Stag-like tail treatment are my favorite, I think. The second series with the slightly modded looks and the double-jointed rear suspension is maybe a little purer but I think the last version would be a more comfortable driver. It’s on my list for sure, just not now.
The GT6 is NOT a “poor man’s E-Type”. Rather, the E-Type is an overgrown GT6.
Yes, I’m biased and a present owner (with a 29″ inseam) of both Mk II & Mk III GT6 variants. Every time I get the urge to buy an E-Type, I ask myself if an immaculate GT6 sells for $25K, and a comparable E-Type coupe sells for $125K, will I get five times the pleasure from the Jag? The answer is a resounding “No!”
I had a ’71 back in the day; purple with one yellow door. It was fun while I had it.
I was a skinny 22 year old. I can’t imagine trying to stuff my considerably larger, 40 year older frame in there now, but its fun to dream….
Some random thoughts:
The “timber” actually looks to be in pretty decent shape. As an ode to US safety specs, these dashes had more of a “satin” finish, unlike the highly polished look of the first GT6s.
I also would consider returning to the original color if I were to obtain this car (which I’m not). However, as the original color appears to have been Magenta, one of those love or hate colors, I understand why others wouldn’t be so hasty to do so. ;)
The rust I see actually looks pretty typical of these cars. I’ll wager, though, that there’s lots more hiding! :(
As much as I love these cars, I personally feel it’s already overpriced.
Just think, you have choices. You can buy the chopped up POS Triumph GT6s that appear in the other Barn Find post, sitting in a pasture with pieces scavenged and cut from what’s left of their body, or buy this one. Suddenly, the Michigan stash of British cars seems like all scrap destined to become cubic.
These were neat and better than than the usual British junk
But still tiny inside and if you could get it to 80 Mph you might face a crank regrind due to bearings giving out.
Put it in a museum.
I have owned 2 GT6+’s and know from experience that this GT6 is going to need new rocker panels likely along with inners too, if not floors as well. Mine showed even less than this one, and the hood needs metal replacement too.
Rather than a mini-E-Type Coupe, I now have the real thing in a late S1 4.2 Coupe, and my Triumph is now a TR250. More interior room and a steering wheel angle that is more normal. Still love the lines of the GT6 though, and the rebuilt engine should be a plus!
I have a 1969 and despite being a Pacific Northwest car it is rust free. The hard top helped a lot compared to the convertibles.
I’m 5’6″ but I think I’ll go measure my inseam….
I had a 1970 for years as a daily driver. I’m 6’2″ but with a 32″ inseam. My long splne fit just fine.
Ended:Oct 24, 2019 , 9:00PM
Winning bid:US $6,010.00
[ 25 bids ]
25 bids to get to $6000? Shows me someone REALLY wanted this car.
…and somebody wanted it more than he.
I always liked the earlier body style better… Until years after passing up buying a mk2. Have regretted it ever since. It really is the better car. At 6′ 1″ I felt it had enough room.