1972 Triumph GT6 MKIII
Discussion
Thought I show you another one of my projects
Bought this in 2016 and have slowly been making it better.
The car has all history from new, it was owned by a lady from new until 2001 when she passed away. She did 81k of the 84k the car has on it. It was then owed by two separate gentlemen who did around 2k between them up until I got it.
It was in good honest condition but needed a thorough overhaul. The coolant had gone solid so I cleaned it all out and replaced everything. (It's amazing how these will still run and drive with literally no circulation). I installed an entirely new cooling system and had the intake manifold refurbished as the end banjo bolt had snapped off in the inlet manifold (common on these).
I realised the floors and sills were in a poor state (probably should have looked harder when buying it but I know it wouldn't have put me off tbh) so had these all replaced.
I've also installed a NOS gearbox with uprated synchros and OD as well as a refurbed diff, this made a great difference to its cruising ability and it was also nice to be able to engage second gear..
One of the downsides to a 72 car is that it has Rotoflex. Now, I'd replace these with new donuts but the newer part quality is just not as good and only last 20k miles or so. Therefore, im currently carrying out a CV conversion which, along with new suspension, should be the final piece of the puzzle.
The main bonus of a GT6 is the engine, sourced from the Vitesse. With a set of stainless boxes the 2.0 straight six sounds epic with pops and bangs on the overrun and a real shriek at the top when giving it the berries. All good fun.
Piccies:
Bought this in 2016 and have slowly been making it better.
The car has all history from new, it was owned by a lady from new until 2001 when she passed away. She did 81k of the 84k the car has on it. It was then owed by two separate gentlemen who did around 2k between them up until I got it.
It was in good honest condition but needed a thorough overhaul. The coolant had gone solid so I cleaned it all out and replaced everything. (It's amazing how these will still run and drive with literally no circulation). I installed an entirely new cooling system and had the intake manifold refurbished as the end banjo bolt had snapped off in the inlet manifold (common on these).
I realised the floors and sills were in a poor state (probably should have looked harder when buying it but I know it wouldn't have put me off tbh) so had these all replaced.
I've also installed a NOS gearbox with uprated synchros and OD as well as a refurbed diff, this made a great difference to its cruising ability and it was also nice to be able to engage second gear..
One of the downsides to a 72 car is that it has Rotoflex. Now, I'd replace these with new donuts but the newer part quality is just not as good and only last 20k miles or so. Therefore, im currently carrying out a CV conversion which, along with new suspension, should be the final piece of the puzzle.
The main bonus of a GT6 is the engine, sourced from the Vitesse. With a set of stainless boxes the 2.0 straight six sounds epic with pops and bangs on the overrun and a real shriek at the top when giving it the berries. All good fun.
Piccies:
AndyF52 said:
My sister had one of these in same colour, saffron, and I drove it a few times in the 1970’s. I remember helping my brother in law remove the diff. Lovely memories! I had Mk4 spitfire in same colour reg. SBN 848J. I wonder if it still around? Enjoy the car.
Thankyou. Just did a quick check. Your Spitfire is still alive, currently taxed and MOT'd.Spinakerr said:
Great to see another GT6 - fantastic work completed too, nicely done.
For the Rotoflex - perhaps contact Andy Cook on the TSSC GT6 register for any info on the best quality replacements. The setup is great when all in fine fettle. Let us know how you get on!
Thanks very much for that. I've been guided by a most knowledgeable fellow by the name of Dennis Benson. He seems to know what's best for the car and is quite well known in GT6 circles so it would seem. If I had known earlier there were good replacements I would have persued this avenue but I feel it's a bit late now I'm this far in! For the Rotoflex - perhaps contact Andy Cook on the TSSC GT6 register for any info on the best quality replacements. The setup is great when all in fine fettle. Let us know how you get on!
Lovely car, I think they now look bettter than ever. Do not remember the last time I saw one but I'll bet they seem tiny amongst modern traffic? Amazing now, looking at just about all cars from this era, how tall the windows are and how much glass there is!
Fond memories of this straight 6 engine when my father surprised us all in 1973 by trading in his ancient Morris Oxford for a brand new Triumph 2000. Sounded wonderful on the school run!
Fond memories of this straight 6 engine when my father surprised us all in 1973 by trading in his ancient Morris Oxford for a brand new Triumph 2000. Sounded wonderful on the school run!
I've never liked convertibles, so I love cars like this!
When I was at primary school the E-type I lusted after was the FHC - like the red Corgi model (mind you if I wanted a full size one now I'd need to sell the house and move into it).
Same with MGs - the only MGB I wouldn't refuse would be a GT.
From the GT6 era the only competition was the Datsun 240Z - I'd love to have either!
Maybe you need to sneak a Triumph 2.5 into your engine bay OP.
I only have outdoor parking now so a classic isn't a realistic option, but I do have a BMW Z4 Coupe - N/A straight 6 and RWD so some similarities. Lovely!
When I was at primary school the E-type I lusted after was the FHC - like the red Corgi model (mind you if I wanted a full size one now I'd need to sell the house and move into it).
Same with MGs - the only MGB I wouldn't refuse would be a GT.
From the GT6 era the only competition was the Datsun 240Z - I'd love to have either!
Maybe you need to sneak a Triumph 2.5 into your engine bay OP.
I only have outdoor parking now so a classic isn't a realistic option, but I do have a BMW Z4 Coupe - N/A straight 6 and RWD so some similarities. Lovely!
Mr Tidy said:
I've never liked convertibles, so I love cars like this!
When I was at primary school the E-type I lusted after was the FHC - like the red Corgi model (mind you if I wanted a full size one now I'd need to sell the house and move into it).
Same with MGs - the only MGB I wouldn't refuse would be a GT.
From the GT6 era the only competition was the Datsun 240Z - I'd love to have either!
Maybe you need to sneak a Triumph 2.5 into your engine bay OP.
I only have outdoor parking now so a classic isn't a realistic option, but I do have a BMW Z4 Coupe - N/A straight 6 and RWD so some similarities. Lovely!
I'm the same, I had a Chimaera and the main reason I have it up was the wind noise and faff with the roof. My gf has a Z4 Roadster and loves it though. If only they'd done the Alpina Roadster in tin top..When I was at primary school the E-type I lusted after was the FHC - like the red Corgi model (mind you if I wanted a full size one now I'd need to sell the house and move into it).
Same with MGs - the only MGB I wouldn't refuse would be a GT.
From the GT6 era the only competition was the Datsun 240Z - I'd love to have either!
Maybe you need to sneak a Triumph 2.5 into your engine bay OP.
I only have outdoor parking now so a classic isn't a realistic option, but I do have a BMW Z4 Coupe - N/A straight 6 and RWD so some similarities. Lovely!
I'm happy with the 2.0, it'll never be a rocketship either way. Plus, it's nice to keep the originality of the engine.
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