The GT6
used the Vitesse's chassis and two-litre, six-cylinder engine. With its elegant body,
designed by Michelotti, it is a true grand touring car. The GT6 began when the Triumph
planners, ignoring the plea for a "Spitfire-6," asked Michellotti to design a
fastback body for the popular Spitfire. His design added too much weight to the car so the
idea was shelved. The fastback body was in fact fitted onto a Spitfire chassis in Turin,
christened the Spitfire GT, and driven home where it joined the small band of experimental
one-offs used by a few members of the company. The pleasure the car gave to those who
drove it worked an insidious magic and the Spitfire GT project became official policy in
1964.
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 hood bulge they managed it. The GT6's debut was in 1966, a few
months earlier than the Vitesse 2 litre. In 1968 the GT6 Mk2 was introduced. It was fitted
with an advanced lower-wishbone rear suspension layout ; double-jointed shafts located by
a spring at the top. The effect on the handling of the GT6 was very positive. The Mk2 also
acquired a new cylinder head, borrowed from the TR5 , ( giving potential for the engine to
become a 2498cc, an advantage never utilized ) , but resulting in an increase of bhp from
95 to 104. Internal facelifting of the seats,steeringwheel and badging took place prior to
the official launch of the GT6 Mk3 (known at the GT6+ in the IS) in 1970. In line with the
Spitfire MkIV, the tail was "chopped-off" and the bonnet flattened out. The rear
roof line of the GT6 was altered and petrol cap and door handles ceased to protrude
creating a more svelte look.