Triumph GT6 Coupés: The Stylish British Coupe the World Almost Forgot

Silent Icon - There’s something inherently magical about classic sports cars from the 1960s and early ’70s—their curves, their mechanical simplicity, the sound of an unfiltered engine roaring through a narrow backroad. Most people picture the legends when they think of this golden era: the Aston Martin DB5, the Jaguar E-Type, maybe a Bentley Continental if they're feeling extra posh. But tucked away in that same romantic realm, hiding in plain sight, is a car that offers much of the same allure—just in a smaller, more humble package. That car is the Triumph GT6.

The Triumph GT6 Mk I Coupé (in pictured 1967 model) was Triumph’s fastback answer to the growing demand for stylish, performance-driven coupes. (Picture from: Hagerty)

Built from 1966 to 1973 in three distinct generations, the Triumph GT6 was Triumph’s fastback answer to the growing demand for stylish, performance-driven coupes. It might not have had the marquee name of its pricier peers, but in many ways, it didn’t need to. Designed by the Italian maestro Giovanni Michelotti, the GT6 wore its sharp suit effortlessly, balancing timeless proportions with a tidy size that made it feel agile rather than overwhelming. At the heart of it all was a smooth 2.0-liter straight-six engine—a powerplant that elevated the car’s character and set it apart from most other small sports coupes of its era.

Front three-quarter of the Triumph GT6 Mk I Coupé (in pictured 1967 model). (Picture from: Hagerty)

Triumph had originally launched the Spitfire, a charming little roadster, in 1962. As delightful as it looked, the Spitfire’s modest engine meant a coupe variant was going to need something beefier to justify its presence. When engineers swapped in the six-cylinder from the Vitesse, tweaked the interior, and sculpted a new fastback body, the GT6 was born. It was Triumph’s bold way of saying you didn’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy the richness of spirited driving.

Rear three-quarter view of the Triumph GT6 Mk I Coupé (in pictured 1967 model). (Picture from: Hagerty)

The earliest GT6s had their flaws, particularly in the rear suspension department. The swing axle setup—borrowed from the Herald economy car—was ill-suited for a performance coupe. It made for unpredictable handling under pressure, enough to shake the confidence of even experienced drivers. But Triumph didn’t sit still. 

Front three-quarter of the Triumph GT6 Mk II Coupé (in pictured 1969 model). (Picture from: ClassicCars.BrightWells)

By 1969, the Mk II (known as the GT6+ in the U.S.) arrived with a reworked suspension, some cosmetic changes, and a touch more power thanks to an updated cam and cylinder head. Just a year later, the Mk III refined the package even further, sporting a revised tail design and simplified mechanics aimed at cutting costs without sacrificing the charm. 

Left side view of the Triumph GT6 Mk II Coupé (in pictured 1969 model). (Picture from: ClassicCars.BrightWells)

Across all three versions, the GT6 delivered something special. It wasn’t just a looker—it performed, too. Its racing pedigree includes a national championship win in the E-Production class in 1969, and while it never had the fame of more exotic track cars, the GT6 proved that small British coupes could absolutely hold their own. On the street, it turned heads. On the track, it earned respect.

Rear three-quarter view of the Triumph GT6 Mk II Coupé (in pictured 1969 model). (Picture from: ClassicCars.BrightWells)

For a long time, though, the Triumph GT6 remained an underrated gem. Prices were shockingly low for decades, with pristine examples often selling for less than a used compact car. But as the collector car market matured and enthusiasts began seeking out more obscure treasures, the GT6 began to shine. In recent years, values have climbed steadily, with well-sorted cars commanding prices in the $20,000–$25,000 range—still a relative bargain when you consider what you’re getting in return.

Front three-quarter of the Triumph GT6 Mk III Coupé (in pictured 1972 model). (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

There’s a unique appeal to the GT6 that continues to attract new admirers. It’s not just about the value—it’s about the complete experience. You get classic looks, a sonorous engine, a proper wooden dash, and a tangible connection to the road that modern cars simply can’t replicate. And as it turns out, younger collectors are paying attention. A notable increase in interest from Millennial buyers shows that the GT6 is resonating beyond nostalgia—it’s becoming a modern classic in the truest sense.

Left side view of the Triumph GT6 Mk III Coupé (in pictured 1972 model). (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

Each version has its fans. The Mk I is arguably the most elegant, with its clean design and purist feel, though it may need some upgrades to match the later models’ composure. The Mk II hits a sweet spot, combining beauty and better handling, but its short production run makes it rare. The Mk III is the most refined, trading a bit of flair for comfort and drivability. No matter which you choose, finding one in good condition is the real key—they’re all part of the same charming story.

Rear three-quarter view of the Triumph GT6 Mk III Coupé (in pictured 1972 model). (Picture from: RetroMania4Ever in X)

Of course, no British classic comes without quirks. Yes, they leak oil. Yes, rust can be an issue. But for a car this rare, parts availability is surprisingly good, and enthusiasts have long figured out how to keep them running happily. When you weigh everything—the styling, the engine, the rarity, the growing appreciation—it’s clear the GT6 punches well above its weight. It’s not just a budget alternative to more famous coupes; it’s a car worth celebrating on its own terms.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a vintage fastback with the soul of a racer and the elegance of a grand tourer, maybe it’s time to think small. The Triumph GT6 may not have the pedigree of a Jaguar, but it delivers the same thrill in a package that feels personal, approachable, and incredibly rewarding. And in a world where true character is getting harder to find, that’s something really worth holding onto. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HAGERTY | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X | CLASSICCARS.BRIGHTWELLS ]

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