🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Triumph

Model:

GT6

Sub Model:

GT 6 Vitesse

Model Generations:

GT6 MkI, GT6 MkII, GT6 MkIII

Engine Code Family:

Triumph Slant-Four

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Triumph GT6 was positioned as a stylish, sporty coupe, offering a more performance-oriented and luxurious alternative to the Triumph Spitfire, sharing its mechanicals but with a more potent engine and sleek coupe bodywork.

Competitors:

Competed with other small, sporty coupes and convertibles of the era, such as the MG MGB GT, Datsun 240Z (later models), and Alfa Romeo Giulia GT.

Key Features Vehicle:

Distinctive Kamm-tailed coupe styling, powerful straight-six engine, comfortable ride for a sports car, versatile GT (Grand Tourer) capabilities.

Key Features Manual:

Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing a classic British sports car, crucial for owners who intend to keep their GT6 in good running order. Covers the specific nuances of the GT6's unique body and engine configuration compared to other Triumph models.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive service, workshop, and repair for Triumph GT6 and GT6 Vitesse models across all production years and variants.

Page Count:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and type).

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely a scanned reproduction or digital version (PDF/DOC) of the original factory workshop manual or a reputable third-party equivalent.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, carburettor settings (SU HS6, Stromberg CD series), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Manual gearbox (4-speed with Laycock overdrive on some models), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, gearbox overhaul, fluid types and capacities.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes (Girling), rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, adjustments.

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers), rear live axle with trailing arms, Panhard rod, telescopic dampers, bush replacement, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, universal joints, lubrication, adjustments, steering geometry.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams for all models and variants, lighting system, ignition system, starting and charging system (alternator), instrumentation, auxiliary equipment, troubleshooting.

Bodywork:

Body shell construction, panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window operation, trim, weather stripping, jacking points, chassis and frame inspection.

Heating And Ventilation:

Heater matrix, fan operation, ducting, defrosting system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, ignition timing adjustments, carburettor synchronisation, brake adjustments, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptoms and potential causes across all major systems, electrical fault finding.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for dismantling, reassembling, and repairing all major mechanical and electrical components.

Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhaul, carburettor rebuild, brake caliper/cylinder refurbishment.

Depth:

Full workshop level, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and factory procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

If PDF, expect searchable text, high-resolution scans, and potentially bookmarks for navigation. If a scanned print, clarity of text and diagrams is paramount.

Print Quality Description:

For printed versions, expect clear diagrams and text. For digital, high-resolution scans are crucial for legibility of fine details and part numbers.

Binding Type:

If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

If printed: Durable, possibly laminated or coated paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Engine Displacement:

2.0 Litre (1998 cc)

Engine Code:

Standard engine was the Triumph Slant-Four, modified and adapted for the 6-cylinder setup, often referred to by its displacement or internal designation related to the 2000 engine.

Horsepower:

GT6 MkI/MkII: 95-104 bhp (SAE) at ~5000 rpm; GT6 MkIII: 104 bhp (SAE) at ~5000 rpm.

Torque:

GT6 MkI/MkII: Approx. 117-120 lb-ft (SAE) at ~3000-3500 rpm; GT6 MkIII: Approx. 127 lb-ft (SAE) at ~3000 rpm.

Carburettors:

GT6 MkI: Twin SU HS6; GT6 MkII/MkIII: Twin Stromberg CD175 (or SU HS6 on earlier MkII) depending on market and emissions regulations.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded or Leaded Petrol (depending on year and modifications, manual will specify lead-free conversion if applicable).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant mixture (typically 50/50 with water). Manual will specify capacity and recommended type.

Oil Type:

Classic car engine oil with ZDDP additive recommended for flat tappet camshafts. SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Manual will specify original recommendations.

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Imperial pints (2.5 litres) including filter. Manual will provide exact capacity.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on all forward gears.

Overdrive:

Laycock de Normanville Type J overdrive available as an option on 3rd and 4th gears for most models.

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated.

Final Drive:

Salisbury-type live rear axle with limited-slip differential often available as an option. Standard differential ratios typically around 3.63:1 or 3.89:1.

Gearbox Oil Type:

Hypoid Gear Oil (EP90 is typical). Manual will specify capacity and grade.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3937 mm (155 in)

Width:

Approx. 1473 mm (58 in)

Height:

Approx. 1194 mm (47 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2134 mm (84 in)

Kerb Weight:

Approx. 965 kg (2127 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Not typically specified in the same way as modern vehicles; focus is on kerb weight.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

No formal crash ratings available from modern bodies for vehicles of this era. Design focuses on classic safety features of the 1960s/1970s.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Effective for the era.

Seatbelts:

Lap belts standard, three-point seatbelts often optional or fitted later.

Construction:

Body-on-chassis construction with a unitary body shell over a supporting frame. Safety cage elements are minimal by modern standards.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analogue instrumentation. Radio was an optional extra, typically an AM/FM unit. No advanced infotainment features.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Primarily focused on the driving experience.

Connectivity Features:

No connectivity features available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for classic cars. Manual will provide exact factory recommendation.

Spark Plugs:

Check and gap every 6,000 miles, replace as needed. Manual will specify plug type and gap.

Lubrication:

Chassis lubrication points (grease nipples) typically every 3,000 miles.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10 Imperial pints (5.7 litres). Manual will confirm.

Engine Issues:

Potential for oil leaks from seals and gaskets, carburettor tuning sensitivity, occasional overheating issues if cooling system is not maintained. Crankshaft bearing wear in high-mileage engines.

Bodywork Issues:

Rust is a common issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, floor pans, and the rear valance. Check chassis outriggers and suspension mounting points carefully.

Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring looms can lead to intermittent faults. Lucas components can be temperamental if not properly maintained. Headlight switch and dashboard illumination are common failure points.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Triumph:

Triumph is a historic British marque with a rich legacy in producing sporty, engaging automobiles, from pre-war saloons to post-war sports cars like the TR series and the Spitfire. Known for offering accessible performance and distinctive styling.

Gt6 Evolution:

The GT6 was conceived as a coupe version of the popular Triumph Spitfire. It utilized the longer wheelbase and chassis of the Triumph Vitesse sedan and fitted it with the more powerful 2.0-litre straight-six engine from the Triumph 2000 saloon. This created a more potent and refined sports coupe. Evolved through three main series: MkI (1966-1968), MkII (1968-1970) with updated styling and engine, and MkIII (1970-1973) with significantly revised styling inspired by the Triumph Stag and Spitfire MkIV.

Production Years:

1966-1973

Production Numbers:

Total production approximately 13,103 units across all series.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historic Reviews:

While specific awards from the era are scarce, the GT6 was generally well-received by automotive press for its performance and styling, often praised as the 'poor man's E-Type' or a more potent alternative to the MGB GT. Its success was somewhat hampered by the political situation within British Leyland and a shorter production run than originally planned.