Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Michelotti Fastback: 1972 Triumph GT6 MK III

The Triumph GT6 is one of the undervalued heroes of the classic sports car world.  It offers the best combination of exotic looks, minimized weight, "big" engine, and low seating position in a classic 2-seat fastback shape, but for some reason doesn't get much love from the big bucks collectors.  Actually, this is a good thing if you aren't some trust fund kid, because it means you can buy a decent one, and drive it around without taking out a loan from your 401k.  Find this 1972 Triumph GT6 MK III here on eBay bidding for $3,050 with less than 1 day to go, located in Salisbury, MD.


The Mark III Triumph GT6 was built from 1970 through 1973, and was a last hurrah for the poor man's E-Type before poor sales ended its short lifespan.  The GT6 is a good looking car, with decent build quality, but for some reason was outsold 3-to-1 by the MGB GT.  The result is that you don't see many GT6s on the road today, and if you drive one, expect to get a lot of questions from random folks when you fill up the tank.


The GT6 is powered by Triumph's overhead valve inline-6 that displaces 2.0 liters and put out a wheezy 79 horsepower by the time the 1972 models hit the road.  Fortunately, you can up the fun/performance with a rebuild to higher compression and added intake/exhaust flow. The GT6 isn't a fast car in today's overpowered minivan traffic, but it would dust the itty-bitty inline-4 powered Triumphs, Austins and MGs of the day.


I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of those 80s style digital gauges, and that steering wheel needs to go somewhere else, but for the current asking price, this car seems like a good deal.


See another affordable classic fastback? tips@dailyturismo.com
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11 comments:

  1. BobinottJanuary 12, 2016 at 7:51 AM

    At the current bid (only $2650 now - did someone retract the $3050 bid?) this is interesting. There are some things that make me wonder: the addition of a pretty beefy roll bar, but not a cage; the conversion to a Merkur 5-speed box; and of course those gauges. Nonetheless, for the money, once could have some fun for a while, and then struggle to pass it on to the next guy.

    What is that canvas rag on what looks like a big honkin' fuel line (top of the engine shot in this post)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HunsblogerJanuary 12, 2016 at 10:40 AM

      a wick?

      Delete
    2. doctordelJanuary 12, 2016 at 1:13 PM

      Some sort of fire retardant barrier??

      Delete
    3. Paul WellsJanuary 12, 2016 at 5:35 PM

      A wick HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Good one.

      But then Lucas Electrics butts in and says "I got this"

      Delete
    4. Paul WellsJanuary 12, 2016 at 5:46 PM

      A wick HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Good one.

      But then Lucas Electrics butts in and says "I got this"

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 12, 2016 at 8:20 AM

    The nice ones of these have seen prices jump the last few years. Having owned a few of these over the years I consider myself a fan. Speaking of which, if one is also a fan of fresh, not engine temperature air, this may be a poor choice. Only wide panel gaps and ill fitting door and window gaskets allow for a trickle of wisps of fresh air. Window down weather is 12 months by necessity.

    I'd own one again in a nanosecond because silly gripes, like being able to breathe aside, I did well and truly enjoy these cars. Putting this drive train in a Spitfire is also a very nice enhancement, and fresh air is not a problem.

    ReplyDelete
  3. mrkwongJanuary 12, 2016 at 10:40 AM

    I'm going to guess this car's been 70% sorted after the rebuild, there's some stuff that didn't work out as planned and you'll have to clean it up.

    The sensible person with a 60-hour-a-week job will buy a Miata. If you've got the time or the perseverance and want something, uh, slower, but with a bit more character (read 'Lucas electrics'), this is your car.

    ReplyDelete
  4. doctordelJanuary 12, 2016 at 1:08 PM

    The rear valence is killing my buzz in this one... And those gauges... And the unknowns... And the hotbox reputation for broiling occupants..

    I still want to bid... I have a few more hours to come to my senses. I leave for DC in less than 48 hours and could arrange shipping while I'm there... I need to stop looking at this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ZachJanuary 12, 2016 at 3:52 PM

      Just find a nice folding roof from Webasto and your HVAC-related challenges will be solved. http://www.webasto.com/us/markets-products/car/aftermarket-sunroofs/our-sunroofs/folding-roof/

      Delete
    2. ZachJanuary 12, 2016 at 3:53 PM

      But yes, that rear valence is unfortunate. I do like the mags, however.

      Delete
  5. doctordelJanuary 13, 2016 at 11:11 PM

    Went for over 4K. Probably a good thing as I've just dove into replacing the entire interior of my 1800es. No more smurf hides.

    ReplyDelete

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