Triumph GT6 Coupé Mk. III 1972 - World Of Classic Cars -

Triumph GT6 Coupé Mk. III 1972

A fastback Spitfire powered by the 2000 saloon's two litre, six cylinder engine, the GT6 arrived in October 1966 with production running until 1973. Like the Spitfire, it inherited what was essentially the Triumph Herald's chassis and running gear which had already proved capable of handling six-cylinder power when developed for the Vitesse saloon. A comfortable ride was considered vital for the all-important North American market so the GT6 inherited the Herald/Spitfire's softly sprung rear swing axle though the latter arrangement would be superseded by lower wishbones on the GT6 Mk. II. At the same time the engine received a power boost courtesy of the TR5 cylinder head and 'hotter' camshaft, maximum output increasing from 95 to 104bhp. The restyled, last-of-the-line, Mk. III adopted the contemporary Spitfire's simpler 'swing-spring' rear suspension. Brisk performance (100mph+) and stylish, the GT6 well deserved its 'mini E-Type' sobriquet and today, is one of the most sought after of post-war Triumph sports cars with only 13,042 Mk. III examples manufactured.