The bs is likely to be strong in this thread but I'll risk contributing

In summary, typical cars of their era in that they are so easy to work on

This link will give you some insights:

http://www.willowtriumph.com/page15.htm

In common with the Herald/Vitesse, underbonnet access is unparalleled

Everything is available and a well restored car doesn't need mods

I am biased against the 1500, so I would go for an earlier car if you can and don't buy a cheap earlier resto - buy one where you can see all the faults

Did I mention I have a '63 straight six Vitesse?

 

I was about to ask if the Dolly sprint engine fitted in the bay - helped a mate rebuild a Sprint years ago, I remeber being impressed by the clever SOHC 16v design

 

The sprint 16v engine, more specifically the head, was fundamentally flawed in that the head bolts were vertical so it could never be torqued properly. Hence all the head gasket issues.

 

Funnily enough I was helping him replace the head gasket

 

Ahhahaha, a Triumph with no rust issue, that's a good one!

 

I fell victim to 1960s vintage Triumphs.

Victim is the right word. Lil' Spitfires were indeed gay, the engine in my TR4(A?) seized at highway speeds in rural Alabama, and the GT6 electrical system would not power the headlights, defrosters and wipers at the same time or the engine will exhaust the battery and stop firing. Great fun in foggy rainy weather!

I see restored TR6s for sale in the US$30K+ range. Still handsome cars (the Spitfire never was) but I'll stick with my S2000.

-- Chuck

 

My old man had a dolly sprint engine in one of his tr7's,it was fully built to a high spec-cam,headwork,twin 45,s etc
Think a bloke called Brian kitley did all the engine work.sounded great when it's legs were stretched,always remember it being lumpy as hell on idle,must have had a pretty wild cam in it.

 

With you on the wipers on the GT6! so small and underpowered... easier to put your hand out the window and wipe the screen ! I have an uprated alternator that helps !

 

Hmm, another closet Triumph enthusiast ?

Is that the 1600 version six pot?

 

Didn't know so many around here were into SM.