TRIUMPH GT6

Shortly after the launch of the open-top Spitfire in 1962, Triumph's competitive success with it led straight to the creation of the GT6. Improved aerodynamics by adding a fibreglass roof to race-tuned Spitfires allowed them to win class victories at Le Mans and in 1966, keen to capitalise on this success, Triumph produced the GT6, a fixed-head, tin-top version of the Spitfire powered by the twin-carb 2.0-litre straight-six from the Vitesse. Heavily leaning on the promotional aspect of the competition cars, the sleek fastback was quicker than an MG B and provided buyers with a little more exclusivity.

The body-on-frame construction proved to be a useful selling point, allowing full access to the engine and drivetrain components, making the GT6 a viable DIY proposition. Often referred to as 'a cut-price E-Type', the GT6's handsome Michelotti-penned styling, 95bhp, better seats, and improved handling over the Spitfire, could entertain as well as impress. GT6s look fantastic, somehow packing lots of curves and a level of panache onto a pleasantly diminutive platform.

With a substantial part of the Collection based on sixties and seventies British Sports cars, it would not have been complete without the addition of an early Triumph GT6. Having had only two previous owners, this example has been subject to a full in-house restoration changing the original colour from New White to, what we understand is, Aston Martin Cambridge Blue, and the results are spectacular. The body was stripped to bare metal and sixteen of the panels were sent to Prostrip Ltd of Nottingham and received a base e-coat process. Much of the original well-preserved interior and rare original steering wheel have been retained.The mechanicals were also fully rebuilt including a brake refurbishment and a gearbox rebuild by Overdrive Repair Services with the car's history file containing listings of the parts used and some relevant invoices.

This is a stunning restoration of a low-ownership GT6 in its purest early Mk1 form and, with the market waking up to these delightful little GTs and with all the work finished to a superb standard, this 'swinging sixties' Triumph may turn out to be a rather sensible investment.