Lot details Registration No: WPO490M Chassis No: KE241180 Mot Expiry: July 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, due to the additional weight of the GT shell. 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 installed in the embryonic road car to create the GT6. The swing axle rear end, unloved in the Herald and Spitfire, caused still heavier criticism 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 MGB. With 98bhp on tap, the GT6 could sprint to 60mph sprint in 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 110mph. The OHV engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox; suspension was by wishbones and coil springs at the front and, ultimately, by transverse leaf spring, lower wishbones and radius arms at the rear; braking was by discs / drums and the steering by rack and pinion. Some 40,926 GT6s were made all told - 13,042 of which were the MKIII variant.
The right-hand drive GT6 on offer left the factory in 1974, making it one of the more desirable MKIII models. It features Magenta coachwork and a Black cloth interior. According to the vendor, it is a former show car that is in "very original" condition and has "remained rust free and never required any obvious welding". A four owner example, it apparently comes with a fresh MOT, spare keys, extensive service history and paperwork to support the indicated odometer reading of a mere 58,500 miles. The specification includes optional factory fitted overdrive, a Webasto sunroof and new stainless steel exhaust system with chrome tailpipes. The vendor considers the bodywork, paintwork, trim, engine and gearbox to all be "very good". Attractively priced and easy to service and repair, the GT6 is an increasingly popular buy.
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