[ Owning a Triumph GT6]
Chris Edmonds, Leicestershire
‘I bought the GT6 MKII shown on these pages in 1971, when it was just 18 months old. For the first four years it was my everyday car, then in 1975 the engine started making expensive-sounding noises so the car was put away in my garage. Then in the mid-nineties I braced myself for an expensive engine rebuild. I started by removing the rocker cover and there was the problem – a broken valve spring, replaced for just a few pence.
‘Despite the low mileage I reground the valves, fitted new pistons and cleaned out the carburettors and the car has run perfectly since; it now has 80,000 miles on the clock. It’s great for road trips; I’ve taken it to Europe on numerous occasions, as well as all over the UK. I do all of the maintenance myself; the key is to insist on British parts where possible.
‘The GT6 is lovely to drive and frugal too; on a run it’s easy to get 40mpg. DIY maintenance is also straightforward and with parts generally cheap and readily available these cars cost very little to run. I do 3000 miles each year in mine and I average less than £300 per year for all maintenance because everything tends to last for so long.’
Jane Rowley, Gloucestershire
‘I bought my GT6 MKI 11 years ago; it keeps company with three Triumph Spitfires and a Herald. My GT6 was rebuilt by a fellow TSSC member who incorporated a series of modifications to make it more usable and since I bought the car I’ve made quite a few more changes to make it more comfortable or reliable; these include a hightorque starter motor, stronger brakes and uprated suspension. I use it for classic car runs, shows and also European touring; it’s crossed the Channel on several occasions. The GT6 is perfectly suited to such trips with its hatchback practicality and muscular six-cylinder engine, which is even nicer on twin SU carburettors instead of the original Strombergs.
‘Although these early GT6S are now unusual, there are still quite a few of the later models around, especially the MKIII. As a result it’s possible to buy quite a few things off the shelf to upgrade the GT6, while all sorts of bits from other Triumphs will also fit, which makes it easier and cheaper to make improvements – helped further by an army of club members happy to chip in with time and expertise when needed.’
Andy Cook, Hampshire
‘I’ve owned my GT6 MKIII since 1988 and have covered around 100,000 miles in it. Originally it was my only car and in reasonable condition, but rot necessitated an extensive body restoration and full respray in 1992 which cost £2500, then another in 2006 for £3500.
‘I do all mechanical repairs myself with virtually every mechanical component now rebuilt or replaced. The reconditioned engine fitted in 1993 cost £700 and has now clocked up 90,000 miles; in that time I got through three gearboxes, because they seem to last just 30k miles or so – the last one was £175 exchange in the late Nineties. I’ve swapped the original 3.89 differential for a Spitfire 1500 3.63 unit for greater durability and more relaxed cruising.
‘For many years it suffered from overheating and pinking in hot weather or traffic. The electric fan was the source of the problem and with this swapped for the standard mechanical one the car now always stays cool and it no longer pinks.
‘Removing restorations from the equation I spend on average about £600 per year for items such as wheelbearings, brakes, batteries, tyres and routine servicing.’