1971 Triumph GT6 MKIII - Performance Modifications: Tremendous Handling & Speed

Description for Triumph Spitfire GT6 1971

1971 Triumph GT6 MKIII
This is a great looking Triumph, ut it is not a pampered show car - it was built to be driven. Frankly,Irecently purchased this car but it is more of a track car than I expected. It pulls VERY strong and drives straight.
However, have found another classic car that has become my priority. It's not the right car for me but I'm sure it won't be for sale for long. These GT6 cars, ith a history born from LeMans racing, re very rare and gaining more interest these days. In fact, hese cars are arguably of more unique interest than an MGA, GB or Austin Healey.Triumph GT6 Development HistoryIn early 1963Giovanni Michelottiwas commissioned by Standard-Triumph to design aGTversion of their recently introducedSpitfire 4(also designed by Michelotti).An unmodified Spitfire 4 was delivered to Michelotti's design studios in Italy and late in 1963 the prototype Spitfire GT4 was returned to England for evaluation.Michelotti's fastback design for the Spitfire GT4 prototype was adopted by the Triumph racing programme for the 1964 season, s it was deemed to provide an aerodynamic benefit over the standard Spitfire body shape. Fibreglass copies of the Spitfire GT4's fastback were grafted on to the race-modified Spitfires destined for competition. The Spitfire racing programme was successful,and in 1965 resulted in 13th overall and a 1st in class at the prestigious24 Hours of Le Mans(beating their main rivals, he MG Midgets). The Spitfire's competitive success and the continuing commercial success of the production vehicle led Triumph to re-evaluate its shelved plans for a GT version of the Spitfire. To overcome the lack of performance inherent in the heavier body style the Spitfire's4-cylinder enginewas replaced with the more powerful 2-litre (1998cc) 6-cylinder engine from theTriumph Vitesse(which shared a similar chassis with the Spitfire andTriumph Herald). The car was further developed and refined and eventually launched as the Triumph GT6 (dropping the "Spitfire" prefix) to emphasise its GT styling and its 6-cylinder engine.

The new car was introduced in 1966 and called the Triumph GT6. The new body was a sleek fastback design with an opening rear hatch (This gave the GT6 the nickname "Poor man'sE-Type".)It was really a 2-seater, ut a small extra rear seat could be ordered if required and was large enough for smallchildren. The family resemblance to theSpitfire Mk IIwas strong, he longer 6-cylinder engine necessitated a new bonnet top with apower bulgeand the doors were provided with opening quarter light windows and squared-off glass in the top rear corner.
The motor in the GT6 is from a TR6 and was built with PRI Stage 1internals (Motocancelli:http://www.motocancelli.com/gt6/). The GT6 motor and TR6 motors are very similar with the TR6 utilizing a longer stroke to 2.5L vs. the shorter stroke and 2.0L in the GT6.
This GT6 also has the PRI six pack Keihin carburetor kit installed. This exotic carb kit sells for over $3,000 alone. It also has PRI coil over front adjustable shocks. A Toyota T-50 transmission was installed for a smoother shift and a lower rpm at high speed. It comes with headers a custom dual exhaust. 13x6 inch light weight Panasports and 285/60/13 Toyo tires. Air conditioning was recently added. Also a Crane ignition, elco 100 amp alternator, ear reduction starter, ew battery and fuel pump. All the lights and wipers and brakes are good.
The paint (I'm told) is a Jaguar green - it's abeautifuldeep dark metallic green. There are nicks on the door edges and the bonnet edge and bottom pinch welds from wear over the years, ut no signs of paint bubbles in any areas. There is a bottle of touch-up paint. It has been run in auto cross. The restoration work was done with a new speedometer by a prior owner, o I was told the motor has the 8k miles on it.
The car is being sold 'as is' and is also listed for sale elsewhere.