CONVERSATION WITH A GT6 OWNER

introduces his 1967 GT6 MKI, which he has cherished for 22 years

Are you a GT6 man? 1

‘You could say that, yes! Back in 1999, I bought a Stag, but it was a bit too wafty for me. I wanted something a bit sportier. I then saw a GT6 at a show, and reckoned that was the car for me.’

Tell us about yours… 2

‘It was up for sale in Middlesbrough back in 1999 – some considerable distance from my home in Shropshire! He was a younger chap who’d bought an MR2 and the GT6 had been sitting around for a year. I got a lift up there and, while on our way, he’d agreed to MOT it in time for our arrival. When we arrived, it was still at the MOT station, so I had the luxury of inspecting it underneath.’

Love at first sight? 3

‘Definitely! It was in great condition and white, which was the colour that I wanted. Armed with a few tools, we set off on the long journey home. And all that failed on the way was the speedometer! I soon set about fixing some of the other issues, such as the noisy gearbox. I sorted pretty much all the running gear and anything that made it nicer to use, I replaced – such as renewing the brakes and fitting overdrive.’

What have you done 4 since then?

‘About 15 years ago, while visiting specialist TD Fitchett, I saw a brand new 2.5-litre motor on a crate. Soon after,

it was being loaded into a van I borrowed from a mate. He’d just built a double garage, so he kindly let me use it to do the engine swap. It was then a different car to drive and I haven’t looked back. From a tired 2-litre to a brand new 2.5 – the torque difference is unbelievable.’

Any plans for a trip somewhere?

‘The plan is to go on the postponed Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run in October. I’ve done four of those trips with no issues! Hopefully the Ten Countries Run will take place too. Can’t wait to get back out there!’