GT6 Mk1

The GT6 began when in 1963 Triumph were considering extending their range of cars. Following a discussion between Michellotti and Triumphs technical director regarding designing a fastback body for the popular Spitfire, a spitfire was delivered to Michellotti in Turin. Later that year the car was finished and returned to triumph, christened the Spitfire GT. His design added too much weight to the car so the idea was shelved but not forgotten and in 1964 the Spitfire GT project became official policy . The decision to turn it into a six-cylinder car was the result of progress with the up-grading of the Vitesse to a 1998cc. It was a bit of a squeeze getting the 1998cc six-cylinder engine into the Spitfire's engine bay, but by creating a rather complicated cooling system and a large bonnet bulge they managed it. Assembly of the production cars commenced in July 1966 and by 1967 the build rate had steadied at 500-600 cars per month.

PRODUCTION FIGURES :  Approximately 80% of GT6's were exported with over half of total production going to the United States.

MK I
No. Built: 15,818
Built: Jul 66 - Sep 68
Comm. No.: KC1 - KC13752
Engine: 6 cyl, 1998cc, 95 bhp at 5000 rpm .Cast iron block and head. Straight 6 engine with 4 main crankshaft bearings. Capacity:1998cc. Bore and stroke: 74.7x76mm. Compression ratio: 9.5:1 (8.5:1 for U.S., 1968-).Twin Zenith Stromberg CD150 carburettors. Max.power: 95bhp@5000rpm Max.torque 117lb-ft @ 3000rpm
PreTax Price £800

Transmission: Rear wheel drive from front-mounted engine. 4-sp gearbox bolted to rear engine plate. Direct gear change. Clutch: 8.5" diaphragm type. All synchromesh gearbox. Final drive3.27:1 (3.89:1 with opt. overdrive). Overall ratios - non-overdrive: 3.27:1 top, 4.11:1 third,5.82:1 second, 8.66:1 first. Reverse 10.13:1. Overall ratios with over- drive: 3.89:1 top (3.11:1 o/d), 4.86:1 third (3.89 o/d), 6.92:1 second, 10.30 first. Reverse 12.06:1