Triumph GT6 Mark 2 (1969-70)

The Triumph GT6 Mark 2—a spirited little sports car that's both charming and occasionally temperamental, like a feisty terrier with a penchant for oil leaks.

1. **Oil Leaks and Rattles**: The Triumph straight-six engine, while endearing in its own way, is notorious for its oil leaks and morning grumbles. It's like the engine wakes up, stretches, and says, "Right, time to mark my territory!" But fear not—these "characteristics" can be tamed with a bit of engineering magic. So, if your GT6 leaves a little oil trail behind, consider it a love letter from the engine to the pavement. And those rattles at startup? Well, think of them as the car's way of saying, "Good morning, sunshine!"

2. **Final Drive Drama**: Now, the GT6's Achilles' heel lies in its final drive. Picture this: universal joints and the differential trying to cope with the torque unleashed by that 2.0-liter engine. It's like asking a delicate ballerina to perform a powerlifting routine. If the final drive is well cared for, it won't leave you stranded by the roadside, but it's worth keeping an eye on. Think of it as the car's way of saying, "I'm a six-cylinder, not a pushover!"

3. **Rust, the Silent Saboteur**: Rust is the nemesis of classic cars, and the GT6 is no exception. Areas particularly prone to rust include wheel arches, sills, floors, battery boxes, rear corners of the boot, door bottoms, wings, bonnet edges, and screen pillars. It's like rust has a secret crush on vintage Triumphs—it sneaks in and wreaks havoc. So, keep your GT6 dry and well-protected, like a knight guarding its castle.

4. **Handling Evolution**: Early GT6s had a swing axle rear suspension borrowed from the Herald. Now, the swing axle was fine for the Herald, but when the GT6 tried to dance a tango, it stumbled. Hard cornering could lead to sudden breakaway moments, scaring drivers witless. Thankfully, this was ironed out in the Mk2 and Mk3 versions. Think of it as the car's way of saying, "I've got moves, but let's keep them predictable!"

5. **Electrical Enigmas**: Ah, the mysteries of electrical systems! If your GT6 decides to play hide-and-seek with its fuses, don't panic. There's usually a culprit—a purple fuse, perhaps—that needs a gentle nudge. Think of it as the car's way of saying, "I'm just testing your detective skills!"
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Generations
1. **Triumph GT6 Mk I (1966–1968)**:
- The GT6 saga began with the Mk I, which rolled off the production line from 1966 to 1968. Picture this: a sleek fastback body, reminiscent of a Spitfire that hit the gym and grew a few extra cylinders. Under the bonnet (or hood, if you prefer), you'd find a feisty 2.0-liter inline-six engine. It was like the Spitfire's cooler, more sophisticated sibling—the one who knew how to waltz at a ball.

2. **Triumph GT6 Mk II (1969–1970)**:
- The Mk II strutted onto the scene in late 1968 and stayed for a brief but memorable two-year stint (1969 and 1970). This version brought some significant improvements and addressed a few quirks from its predecessor. Here's the highlight reel:
- **Rear Suspension Revamp**: The Mk II waved goodbye to the old swing axle setup and embraced inverted wishbones. Translation: better handling, fewer surprises during cornering, and a nod of approval from driving enthusiasts. It was like the GT6 had been to sports car finishing school.
- **Tweaked Styling**: A nip here, a tuck there—the Mk II's styling got a subtle makeover. It was still unmistakably GT6, but with a touch more elegance. Imagine the car saying, "I've been working on my angles, darling!"

3. **Triumph GT6 Mk III (1970–1973)**:
- The final act—the Mk III—graced us from 1970 to 1973. By now, the GT6 had matured like a fine wine (or perhaps a good cup of tea, given its British heritage). What did it bring to the table?
- **More Refinement**: The Mk III smoothed out any remaining rough edges. It was like the GT6 had swapped its tweed jacket for a tailored suit. The handling was crisper, the ride more composed, and the engine note—oh, that throaty symphony!
- **A Touch of Luxury**: Inside, the Mk III treated occupants to a bit more comfort. Plusher seats, perhaps a hint of walnut veneer—it was like the car had whispered, "Let's make this journey delightful, shall we?"
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Engine
The Triumph GT6 was powered by a **2.0-liter inline-six engine**—a gem of British engineering that knew how to balance performance and charm. Here are the key details about this spirited powerplant:

- **Displacement**: 1,996 cc (that's 2.0 liters of pure enthusiasm!)
- **Valves**: It had **2 valves per cylinder**, doing their synchronized dance to orchestrate power.
- **Output**: When you turned the key and awakened the GT6, it responded with **104 bhp (105 PS/78 kW)** at a rev-happy **5,300 rpm**. Imagine the engine saying, "Hold on tight, we're about to have some fun!"
- **Torque**: Down in the guts, it churned out **159 Nm (117 lbft/16.2 kgm)** of torque at a leisurely **3,000 rpm**. Torque—that magical force that pushes you back into your seat when you floor it.
- **Transmission**: The engine's power flowed through a **4-speed synchromeshed manual gearbox**. Each gear change was like a well-choreographed dance move—the GT6 leading, and you following.
- **Weight**: The GT6 wasn't heavy—it tipped the scales at around **863 kg** (that's lighter than a herd of fluffy sheep).
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Performance
**1. Power and Heartbeat**:
- Under that sleek bonnet, the GT6 Mark 2 housed a **2.0-liter inline-six engine**—a gem of British engineering. Picture it humming to itself, "I've got this!"
- This engine was tuned to develop **95 horsepower (71 kW)** at a lively **5,000 rpm**. Imagine it flexing its pistons, ready to sprint!
- Torque? Oh, it had a healthy **117 lb·ft (159 N·m)** at a relaxed **3,000 rpm**. Torque—that magical force that pushes you back into your seat when you floor it.

**2. Acceleration and Top Speed**:
- When you unleashed the GT6 Mark 2 from a standstill, it sprinted from **0 to 60 mph** in slightly under **12 seconds**. That's like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission!
- And the top speed? Hold onto your flat cap—it could hit **107 mph** (that's faster than a brisk gust of wind). It was like the GT6 saying, "Autobahn, here I come!"

**3. Handling Evolution**:
- Now, let's talk handling. The early GT6s had a bit of a wild side due to their **swing-axle rear suspension**. Imagine it as a rebellious teenager—sometimes unpredictable in corners.
- But fear not! The Mk2, born in 1968, brought a remedy: **Rotoflex rubber driveshaft couplings**. These tamed the GT6's mid-corner grip breakouts. It was like the car had taken a deep breath and said, "Okay, let's waltz gracefully through those bends!"

**4. Rivalry with the MGB GT**:
- Ah, the friendly rivalry! The GT6 and the MGB GT exchanged glances at classic car gatherings. Both knew they were cut from the same vintage cloth.
- But guess what? The GT6 had a little extra swagger. Its acceleration and top speed were **slightly better** than the MGB GT. Imagine it winking and saying, "I've got a few tricks up my exhaust pipe!"
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Spares
Here are some splendid places where you might unearth those elusive Triumph GT6 Mark 2 spares in the UK and Ireland:

1. **Rimmer Bros**: Picture a treasure trove of genuine Triumph parts, where the shelves whisper stories of classic cars. Rimmer Bros offers a comprehensive **Triumph GT6 parts catalogue**—a magical scroll that reveals the secrets of well-maintained GT6s. Whether you need a fresh set of spark plugs or a mysterious widget that makes the wipers dance, they've got you covered.

2. **CarSite.co.uk**: Imagine a bustling marketplace where GT6 parts gather, like old friends catching up over a cuppa. CarSite.co.uk connects you with a network of **250+ breakers** across the country. Their prices? Better than a bargain at a village fête. So, if you're hunting for that elusive carburetor or a door handle that winks just right, this is your spot. It's like the GT6 saying, "Let's piece me back together, shall we?"

3. **Abingdon MG Parts**: Ah, Abingdon—the name alone conjures images of British motoring heritage. Their dedicated sales team knows the GT6 like a favorite novel. If you're after a specific part, give them a bell (or a ring, if you prefer)—**0121 544 4444**. They'll guide you through the labyrinth of bits and bobs. Remember, the GT6 was produced between 1966 and 1973, so they've got the blueprint etched in their minds.

4. **Scparts.co.uk**: Here's where the GT6 parts fairy waves her wand. Scparts.co.uk offers a large selection of spares for your beloved GT6. Their support? Professional. Their delivery? Faster than a GT6 hitting the open road. It's like the car saying, "I need this widget, and I need it yesterday!"
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Specialists
1. **TRGB Ltd. (Triumph Specialist)**:
- These folks have been waving their magic spanners since 1986. Imagine their workshop—a symphony of classic cars, each with its own story. Triumphs are their bread and butter, and they've got the knowledge to prove it. From simple services to major restorations, TRGB has your back. Plus, they stock and supply a full range of new and used parts for Triumphs, including GT6s. So, if your GT6 needs a little TLC, give them a nod.

2. **James Paddock Limited**:
- When it comes to Triumph parts and spares, James Paddock is like a seasoned detective—always one step ahead. They specialize in various Triumph models, including the GT6. Whether you need a widget, a gasket, or a mystical bolt that holds the universe together, they've probably got it. Check out their treasure trove of Triumph goodness.

3. **Southern Triumph Services**:
- These folks have a soft spot for Stags and all TRs (especially the 4s, 4As, 5s, 250s, and 6s). But fear not—they also embrace Heralds, Vitesses, Spitfires, GT6s, and more. Imagine their garage—a chorus of Triumph engines humming in harmony. If your GT6 needs a spa day, they're the ones to call.

4. **JY Classics Ltd**:
- Established in 1996, JY Classics knows their way around TRs, Spitfires, GT6s, Heralds, and Vitesse. They're conveniently located near Great Missenden train station, so your GT6 can hop on a train for a spa retreat. Free lifts to and from stations? Absolutely! They're like the fairy godparents of Triumphs.

And hey, if your GT6 ever needs an engine rebuild, consider joining the Club Triumph forum. They've got a thread where enthusiasts share recommendations for reliable engine rebuilders. It's like a secret handshake among Triumph aficionados.
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Racing
**1. The GT6's Racing Roots**:
- The GT6's journey from road to racetrack had a twist of fate. You see, Giovanni Michelotti's fastback design for the Spitfire GT4 prototype caught Triumph's eye. It promised aerodynamic benefits, and they decided to graft fibreglass copies of that fastback onto race-modified Spitfires. The result? A successful Spitfire racing program that even conquered the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 (beating their MG Midget rivals).
- But wait, there's more! Triumph's marketing spin was so effective that people started believing the Le Mans Spitfires were actually GT6s. It's like the GT6 whispered to the wind, "Hey, let's pretend we're Le Mans winners!"

**2. The Stillborn GT6R**:
- Now, let's talk about the elusive GT6R. It was a prototype—a glimpse into what could have been. Ray Henderson worked his magic, fitting Weber carburettors and coaxing around **170 bhp** from the engine. But alas, fate intervened. After a hiccup at the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally (where the winning Minis got disqualified), Triumph halted the racing program, and the GT6R prototype met a bittersweet end. Or did it?

**3. The True Racing GT6s**:
- Fear not, my racing enthusiast! The GT6, as a true sports car, has been—and still is—successfully raced. While the GT6R remains a legend, other GT6s have danced on circuits and conquered corners.
- Unfortunately, only three surviving photographs of the GT6R exist. It's like a tantalizing mystery—a glimpse into a parallel racing universe.

Fun Facts

1. **Two Wheels Before Four**:
- While Triumph is famous for its motorcycles, did you know that they initially focused on two-wheeled wonders? The Triumph Motor Company was founded in 1921, but it wasn't until 1937 that they produced their first car—the Triumph 10/20. So, before they hit the road, they were all about hitting the open road on motorcycles.

2. **Triumph Dolomite's Prewar Promise**:
- Before the chaos of World War II, Triumph teased us with the Dolomite—a promising little car. It came in two body styles: a coupe/sedan (14/60) and an open-topped two-seater (the Roadster). The Roadster even had a bench seat that could squeeze in three people if they were feeling cozy. Imagine a small sports car saying, "Come on, let's all fit!"

3. **Italian Flair by Giovanni Michelotti**:
- Every Triumph model from 1959 onward (except the TR6, TR7, and Acclaim) owes its good looks to one man: Giovanni Michelotti. He's like the unsung hero of car design. Michelotti's portfolio reads like a who's who of Italian marques—Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lancia, to name a few. So, when you admire the curves of a Triumph, tip your hat to this Italian flair.

4. **Bond, James Bond**:
- Triumph had its moments in the spotlight, even in the Bond universe. In the film "Diamonds Are Forever," James Bond (played by Sean Connery) drives a Triumph Stag. It's like the car whispered, "007, let's have an adventure!"

5. **Triumph Spitfire's Huge Sales Success**:
- The Triumph Spitfire—a delightful little roadster—was a sales sensation. It's like the British public collectively said, "Yes, please!" The Spitfire's blend of style, affordability, and open-top fun made it a hit during the swinging Sixties.

6. **Untapped Potential: Triumph Fury**:
- Ever heard of the Triumph Fury? It's like the missing link in Triumph's story. Designed in the late '60s, it was meant to be a successor to the Spitfire. Sadly, it never made it to production. But in our automotive daydreams, the Fury still roars down coastal roads.