1969 Triumph GT6 Fastback Coupe

This 1969 Triumph GT6 Plus was built by the Standard-Triumph Company, based in Coventry, England. By 1969, Standard-Triumph had been absorbed by the British Leyland Corporation. This was part of a series of take-overs driven by turbulent labor issues and financial crises. Only about 5,700 GT6 Plus' were built for export outside of the U.K.

The Triumph GT6 Plus was a 'Grand Touring' version of the popular Spitfire, which was created by the Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. Michelotti also designed cars for Lancia, Maserati, and BMW. For the GT6, Triumph replaced the Spitfire's convertible body with a hardtop style inspired by the Jaguar E-Type. The car was also an off-shoot of Triumph's entries in the 24 Hours of LeMans race.

The GT6 Plus has an inline 6-cylinder engine, replacing the Spitfire's four-cylinder. Its much greater output and high power-to-weight ratio make it an exciting performer. The rear suspension of the 1969 GT6 Plus was also upgraded from the Spitfire's swing axle design, improving the unpredictable handling of earlier models.

This car was discovered in a shed in 1978; nearly all body panels were rusted and damaged beyond repair. New bodywork was ordered from England, and subsequent restoration put this GT6 Plus back on the road.