Lot details
Registration No: OHM707K
Chassis No: KE127960
Mot Expiry: Jan 2012

The GT6 was effectively a GT version of Triumph's Michelotti-designed Spitfire and would have started life with the same engine (and been called GT4) had the performance of the prototype not proved inadequate - the additional weight of the GT shell proving too much for the 1147cc four-cylinder powerplant. Two things resulted: lightweight fibreglass replicas of the new body were successfully grafted onto the Works race Spitfires for the 1964/1965 season, and the more powerful 1998cc straight six engine from the Vitesse was transplanted into the embryo road car to create the GT6. The swing axle rear end, unloved in the Herald and Spitfire caused heavier criticism still in this more powerful car. It was suitably revised in the GT6 MKII of 1969. Further upgrades for the model's final iteration, the MKIII introduced in 1970, resulted in a thoroughly sorted car, whose performance would comfortably outpace that of its main rival - the MG B. Some 40,926 GT6s were made all told - 13,042 of which were the MKIII variant.

The 1972 example on offer is no ordinary MKIII. Finished in British Racing Green with a black cloth interior, it was used for concours competitions until just over a decade ago, raced by the previous owner between 2000 and 2005 and then professionally prepared and successfully campaigned by the vendor during 2009/2010. The most recent work, which was carried out by a Triumph specialist, included a thorough engine overhaul and the fitting of: new pistons; heavy duty bearings; ITG race air filter; bespoke alloy radiator and shift light (while, previous fettling had seen the straight-six treated to a Newman camshaft, baffled sump and lightened flywheel). The running gear was upgraded to include: 4.1:1 differential; the replacement of the Rotoflex driveshafts with CV units; AVO dampers and uprated springs; Yokohama tyres. On the safety side, a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system and racing harness were also renewed in 2009. The vendor regards the coachwork, paintwork, and transmission as "good" and, the Triumph comes complete with V5, road tax (until the end of March 2011) and MOT (until January 29th 2012), plus the paperwork required for it to compete in the HSCC's popular 1970s Roadsport Race Series. Those seeking a cost-effective race car for the 2011 season need look no further.