1971 Triumph GT6 MK3 |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1971 Triumph GT6 MK3

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Mileage~89,521 (calculated)
Transmission4-Speed Manual with O/D
Engine2.0-litre
LocationAscot

AUCTION CLOSED

1971 Triumph GT6 MK3

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

The GT6 perfectly captures the sporting tradition and racing competition of Triumph's heritage.

A big engine shoehorned into a small car has always been a recipe for effortless motoring and big thrills. Triumph continued to evolve the GT6 after its introduction in 1966, and by the time the MK3 appeared ~5 years later, it was developed to become a better, safer, more enjoyable and prettier car. An unusual feat for what was already a resolved Michelotti-penned design. Renowned for its excellent turning circle, complete accessibility to the engine and superb parts availability, the lightweight and stylish GT6 is quick off the lights and a genuine hoot to drive.

The MK3 version of the GT6 had enough to differentiate it from the original, with a deeper windscreen, flared wheel arches, smoother nose and Triumph Stag-inspired rear end. However, it was the mechanical aspect of the car that helped to maintain its strong sales. The inclusion of the ~95bhp straight-six 2.0L engine, coupled with the previous generations' re-engineered rear suspension bore out a car that could rightfully be described as a pint-sized Jaguar E-Type.

Registered in March 1971, this beautifully presented MK3 in Valencia Blue has been in the hands of several previous long-time owners and saw a body restoration around 8 years ago. Since then it has only covered around ~6,000 miles and has a good number of maintenance invoices. Recently benefiting from £1,600 worth of work, it is MOT and road tax exempt and comes with two keys.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Sarah the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I bought the car for my son, but he felt it too good and was wary of damaging it!

Sarah bought the car for her son but it has never been passed over to him and she has very much enjoyed driving it herself on an occasional basis.

Although stored in a dry garage, they are aware that old cars need to be used and enjoyed - to this end, they feel it's best to find a new owner who will enjoy the charms of this particularly well-sorted GT6.

Sarah will be on hand to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Sarah

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The pert and poised GT styling is enhanced by the pleasant visual and structural condition of this car.

Wheels and Tyres

The iconic Wolfrace 13” Slot Mag alloys are smartly presented, with no notable damage.

Shod with four Delinte tyres, they were fitted around 4 years ago and display minimal wear with even thread.

Bodywork

The bodywork was subject to a restoration around 8 years ago, the exterior is smartly presented with no immediate signs of panel damage. The panels fit flush to the body, and the bonnet is true. There is a mild alignment issue with the driver's door but all open and close easily.

The car's structure is in excellent order, with no issues spotted on the separate box section chassis frame. The underside looks good, with no problems noted in the wheel wells. There is the mildest sheen of age on the underside of the floor pan and sill edges. The boot floor, front bulkhead and suspension mounts are all look solid.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The fetching Valencia Blue finish has an even coverage and is free from road wear. The lustre is good, with just mild age-related swirling noted in the sunlight.

There is a minor paint crack on the bonnet and the odd surface scuff in places, but overall, the car displays very well.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good order, with no issues with their seals. The driver-side glass has mild scoring, as is common place on these cars. The rest of the glass panels display well. It appears to have been fitted with uprated headlamp units and all of the other lenses are in good shape.

The chrome trim is complete and correct for the MK3, the front bumper, door handle plates, quarter light and rear emblem/number plate light unit show signs of age, but are not a distraction.

The boot trim has a minor dent, visually the rest of the chrome embellishments are well-mounted and in good shape.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cockpit treatment is almost pure racer - snug yet comfortable, the cabin is in excellent shape.

Seats and Carpets

The interior was restored around 8 years ago and is cleanly presented throughout, the seats are all in great shape with decent piping.

Only mild marks were noted on the back and sides of the front seats.

The carpets are very clean, with no signs of wear - they are all bone dry.

The boot is also furnished with a quality carpet fitting and appears to be hardly worn.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good shape, with no fractures. The veneer facia also is free of marks or damage. Some of the switchgear appears to be original which is reflected by their condition. The dials are in good visual shape and easily legible.

During the visit, Julian, who took us for a spin, told us that all works as it should.

The centre console is in decent shape, the transmission tunnel has received additional heat-absorbing / sound-deadening protection. The rest of the trim is in decent order, with no issues spotted on the headlining or door cards.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The Moto Lita steering wheel, its mount and gear knob show mild signs of age but is free of significant wear.

The gear lever gaiter is in good shape.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Well maintained, with thousands spent over the last ~25 years, the engine’s heart continues to beat strong.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine started up without any issues, firing up without hesitancy and idling on its full choke with no undulations or spluttering. The stainless steel exhaust didn’t emit any plumes of smoke on start up and it remained smoke-free throughout the day. The car runs smoothly on tick-over. The ignition light was on during the cold start process but remained off throughout the test drive.

The engine presents well, with evidence of maintenance. Visually, the decent ancillaries, hoses and parts should add additional confidence.

The gearbox was proven to work with no problems, Julian threw some slick short shifts, changing up and down the gears with no crunching. The overdrive works instantly, the reconditioned gearbox was installed in 2008.

No issues with the clutch were reported.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension geometry appeared well aligned, and the car held the road without issues. We didn’t notice any loud knocking from the wheels and the steering remained direct with no fight.

The car brakes very well and evenly. Julian demonstrated this with an abrupt stop with no ill effects.

The Drive

The original incarnations of the GT6 were not known for their handling, but by the time the MK3 appeared, the negative effects had been ironed out. This is likely to be improved by historical renewal work on the suspension. The drive was free of significant clunks from the wheels.

The low centre of gravity, rapid gear changes and driving position offer a great driving experience, and the ride is surprisingly supple with good grip. The engine remained smooth throughout the drive, increasing as the engine warmed up to temperature.

The car pulls well, the steering becoming lighter and ‘quicker’ as we increase speed. The aftermarket stainless steel exhaust delivers a pleasing note. No issues with oil pressure or high engine temperatures were noted on the day, as Julian told us that the engine has not given any problems in that respect.

Electrics and Other

The car comes with a few spare parts, including its original centre caps and steering wheel.

The front registration plate has been replaced by smaller item but the original full-size plate will be included.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with dozens of maintenance invoices and evidence of historical renovation work.

First registered in Stockport in March 1971, it comes with its original bill of sale and has appeared to have stayed in the North West for much of its life. It was bought by its former keeper in 2006, who had obtained the car from a previous long-term owner. It comes with a folder full of invoices and MOTs stretching back to 1988, including a ~£2K invoice for chassis welding, engine, brake and suspension work, and a reconditioned gearbox with overdrive was installed in 2008. According to the previous owner the engine was rebuilt in the late '80s too. Around 8 years ago the bodywork and interior were both restored. The car was also stripped down and repainted in the hands of last owner in 2020 and we have included a few shots of this in the history gallery, the car comes with many more photos from the restoration.

There is a documented invoice from 2008 stating a speedometer head change which was reading 82,744 miles to the new one reading 783 miles. Continual maintenance and mechanical renewal have been carried out, with dozens of invoices for parts from Triumph specialists, including a new starter motor fitted a few months before it was sold to Sarah.

Over the last two years, the car has since seen a £1,660 bill for a service, steering, brake, ignition and other electrical parts. MOT and road tax exempt, it comes with two keys and a selection of spare parts.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Sarah will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
21-03-2023	Service	6,489
16-06-2016	MOT	5,177
01-04-2015	MOT	4,666
09-05-2013	MOT	3,970
01-12-2011	Service	3,275
01-12-2011	MOT	3,275
04-12-2010	MOT	2,642
16-09-2009	MOT	1,755
03-09-2008	MOT	785
18-04-2008	Gearbox Replacement & Sports Exhaust
03-10-2007	MOT	82,744
28-09-2006	MOT	82,744
26-04-2000	MOT	82,744
04-02-1999	MOT	82,619
30-08-1988	MOT	79,426
12-03-1988	Gearbox Recondition