OT: Triumph GT6 Mark III, Pic Options

[415PB]

I was thinking of getting into another project. I located this GT6, I think it's a Mark III, at a friends tow yard. Does anyone know anything about these cars? Do you think parts would be hard to come by? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[fiid]

I used to have a spitfire, which is like a GT6 only with no roof and a smaller engine.

The GT6 has a pretty good engine in it, but it's heavier than Mueller's new mill, which means they understeer a bit.

The rear suspension IS AWFUL. It's just tragic that these things were built until 5 years after the 914 wasn't being made. The rear on GT6s has a rubber rotoflex joint, which I have heard are pretty bad (they fall apart).

I had my spit in the UK and it had less electrical problems than my 914 does. Your mileage may vary.

There is a weak point on the front suspension - the bottom of the stub axle carrier can break off and leave your chassis on the ground. Aside from that, the front suspension was actually one of the best around.

The chassis is a seperate backbone affair - the body is held on with about 6 bolts, which is not a problem, but chassis rot is a big something to look out for.

They do have tons of character and are fun to drive. They are low to the ground. The engine is by your feet, the shift knob connnects straight into the gearbox. If you can get one, get an overdrive unit with it - those things are hella cool - basically it's a planetary gearbox behind the main transmition. You flick a switch and the gearing gets taller, and you don't have to use the clutch. It only operates on 3rd and 4th (there is no 5th) so you go:

1 2 3 3O 4 4O

The overdrive is sort of like a half gear, so what you can do is just drive in 3 and 3O on a twisty road, and you don't have to use the clutch.

I had no end of fun in my spit, but I was an irresponsible 18yr old, it was my only car, and nothing really mattered. I blew loads of cash on keeping it running. Nearly wrecked it twice (nearly died in it) and sold it for a little more than I paid for it. It's utterly primative next to a 914 though.

Just my couple of cents. I wouldn't own one again. If you want something unreliable and british - I would recommend a Jag, or a Lotus.