Lot Ended
Description
Current lady owner 32 years; recently recommissioned following 20
years in storage; runs very sweetly; large history file; straight and solid
example with scope for cosmetic TLC
Instantly dubbed
‘the poor man’s E-Type’, the GT6 was styled by Michelotti in response to a brief
from Triumph to make a GT version of the Spitfire.
Much more than a Spitfire with a hard top, it featured a fastback
body that was so aerodynamically efficient it was later copied for the Le Mans
Spitfires, and also had the same powerful 2-litre six-cylinder engine as fitted
to the Triumph Vitesse. With 105bhp on tap, it could sprint to 60mph in 10
seconds and topped out at 112mph – figures that comfortably trounced the rival
MGB.
Launched in 1966, the first cars had the
same wayward swing-axle rear suspension as the Spitfire and the Herald but this
was ditched in the MkII versions of 1968 for a more conventional reversed lower
wishbones set up. The MkIII came out in 1970 with a host of detail improvements
which mainly improved crash safety and handling. Only around 41,000 were built
in total before production came to an end in 1973, of which just 13,000 were
MkIII models.
First registered in September 1972,
this GT6 MkIII was acquired by our vendor way back in 1992. She used the car
regularly until 2004 when a growing family meant it was parked up in a nice dry
garage adjoining the house where it has remained ever since. Started and moved
regularly to keep everything free, it was fitted with a new battery and given a
check-over by a local garage immediately before the auction.
It comes
with a large file of invoices extending back to the mid-1980s to show regular
upkeep. There are also 16 old MOTs, many old tax discs, many SORN certificates
and an original owner's handbook.
We are
told that it runs and drives well, and it has certainly been starting promptly
and running very sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil
pressure. As with all Spitfire/GT6 models, the steering is light and responsive
with a remarkably tight turning circle which makes parking a doddle.
As you can see in the photos, the bodywork looks
reassuringly straight and solid, with good panel fit and nice shiny paintwork.
The interior is a bit scruffy in places and could do with a good clean and a new
set of carpets. It is currently fitted with an after-market smaller-diameter
Mountney steering wheel but the original is also included along with sundry
useful spares and a Haynes workshop manual. The engine bay could also do with a
good clean.
On offer here at a modest guide
price which should leave plenty of scope for the cosmetic TLC required,
this quick and stylish GT is crying out for an enthusiastic new owner who can
give it the more regular exercise it deserves.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com