Based on the Spitfire
The Triumph GT6 was based on the Spitfire, with, among other things, the same frame and body parts, as well as components in the undercarriage. The GT6 got 6-cylinder engines and was built as a coupé with a fixed roof and tailgate - and could be delivered as 2+2 seats. Thus, the GT6 was considered a larger car that could compete against the MG MGB, while the Spitfire was more of a competitor to the MG Midget. The engines in the GT6 were either 2000 95 hp or 2500 125 hp - both straight sixes. Bearing in mind that the curb weight is only 964 kg (1973 Triumph GT6 2000 mk3) the forces stretch to give sporting characteristics - at least compared to the cars of the time. In the first series of GT6, the driving characteristics did not match the performance. To save money, Triumph used technical solutions from the affordable passenger car model "Herald" in both the Spitfire and the GT6. Later, in 1969, the mk2 came with an improved rear suspension. Further changes were made to the mk3.
As a hobby car
There are 11 Triumph GT6s listed in the vehicle register, of which at least 4 are mk3. It is uncertain whether they all have license plates. The Triumph GT6 ticks a lot of boxes as a hobby car. It is a relatively simple car that you can work on yourself. They have large engines where it is relatively possible to extract extra power. Like similar English sports cars, you don't have to drive very fast to feel the speed and driving pleasure. Neither the Spitfire nor the GT6 are suitable for tall people. The prices of mk3 GT3s can vary a lot depending on condition and history. Moreover, there are not that many for sale. At The Parking, prices start from 150.000 NOK up to half a million for original cars with low mileage.
GT6 or Spitfire?
Both visually and technically, there are similarities between the GT6 and the Spitfire. The reason we ask the question is that the Spitfire is designed as an open car with a canopy or fiberglass hardtop, while the GT6 was only made as a closed coupé (FHC – fixed head coupé). The design of the GT6 led many to draw similarities to the Jaguar E-Type FHC. The GT6 was then also referred to as the "Poor man's E-Type". Today, a sports car like the GT6 will only be a "good weather car". Several have taken it seriously, in that they have converted their closed GT6s into open cars. Since the Spitfire and GT6 sit on the same frame, you can put a Spitfire body on the GT6 - there should only be 12 bolts holding it in place. But the doors should be taken from the original GT6, with the GT6's original side windows with 3-edged ventilation windows. The image in the photo above is of an open GT6. Then you can imagine what a shame it was, that Triumph did not make the GT6 as a convertible as well. That might have made it more popular.
About the pictures
The white car in the main picture is a 1973 or 1974 model mk3 2000. It was photographed at a Cars & Coffee meeting at Skui Gård 2023. It was then for sale. The blue car in the main picture was photographed on the occasion of a car meeting at Sjøflyhavna, Fornebu, under the auspices of Norsk Sportsvogn Klubb. It is a 1973 model mk3 2500 without a roof. The silver-grey car is photographed at an exhibition of classic cars in Loriol-sur-Drôme, France (Photo: Trickhunter).
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