History

The triumph spitfire is a stylish little car by anyone's standards, but when it was new sports car enthusiasts felt it lacked performance. The company responded by developing the Michelotti styled GT6 equipped with the running gear from the two litre Vitesse. The GT6 was released in 1966 with an engine giving 95bhp and loads of torque from the straight six engine. The GT6 sported a power bulge to accommodate the new larger engine. The car was both attractive and performed well. However Triumph initially favored soft rather than sporting suspension, and fitted a devious swing axle rear end which was susceptible to abrupt lift-of oversteer. This earned the car a poor reputation which lingered long after this problem was ironed out. The Mk2 was launched in late '68 with improved rear suspension,a new cylinder head(gave a 9bhp increase in power) and higher gearing. Somewhere in the region of 12000 Mk2's were produced compared with 15000Mk1's and in October of '70 the newly restyled Mk3 was released. This was the best GT6 to date with about 13000 produced but by '73 the design was showing its age and sales tailed off. later models included brake servos and better trim in an attempt to push them onto the market.

 

Practicality

The GT6 was sold as a 2+2 but it should be looked upon as a two seater, it does have rear seats but they are so cramped that they are more useful as an extension of luggage space. The two litre straight six engine gives the car relaxed performance, but overdrive models are recommended for high speed trips. Whilst the Mk1 suffers criticism for its handling, the poor handling is only evident if pushing the car to its limits. If you have a more relaxed driving style then you will have no problems with it.
Due to a narrow radiator size overheating can be a problem in town. however fitting an aftermarket electric fan can overcome this problem. Due to its checkered history the GT6 can still be bought relatively cheaply and due to the way the bonnet hinges, access to the engine bay is excellent.
Pretty much all parts are readily available but trim can be expensive.

 

Buying

Due to their low price, GT6's are often bought by "bodger's" who will gloss over body panels with filler rather than repair them properly. however most panels are easy to find so replacing them properly is not a problem. Sills should be checked as these are structural, if these are badly rusted the body will sag affecting door and bonnet shut lines. Check the chassis carefully especially the outriggers and around the front suspension mountings. Check the correct engine is fitted (should begin with a K, M denotes a Saloon engine). The engines are pretty rugged but can suffer from thrust washer wear.

	MK1	MK2		MK3
Years Produced	1966-68	1968-70		1970-73
Engine	In-line 6-clynder ohc, all iron,
Capacity	1998cc
Bore/Stroke	74.7x76mm
Max Power	95bhp	104bhp		104bhp
Max Torque	117lb ft
Transmission	Four-speed manual, Optional overdrive
Suspension	Front: Ind, wishbones, coil springs, anit-roll bar
	Rear: Ind, swing axles, radius arms, transverse leafspring		Rear: Ind, Wishbones, radius arms, transverse leafsprings
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum, servo-assisted('73)
Steering	rack and pinion
Length	12ft 1in			12ft 5in
Width	4ft 9in
Max Speed	106mph	119mph
0-60mph	12sec	10sec
Fuel cons	25mpg	24mpg		25mpg