Just a thought

Steve GS

Member
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1,526
I'm looking at getting something next year to add to my fun any thoughts on these image.jpgimage.jpg or something similar and age and price range.
 

Steve GS

Member
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1,526
They are both around the £10 k. Opel gt red one and triumph gt6. The blue.
Both 1972 so tax exempt.
 

zagatoes30

Member
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20,949
Matt is the expert on the GT, although i did have one for a while back in the day, nice little cars and certainly different. I do like the look of the GT6, and that straight 6 can should really nice with not a lot of effort.
 

Needamaser

Member
Messages
1,499
Later GT6 handling was better than the Mk1 etc which had the lethal Herald suspension. Mechanics are simple just usual rust issues. Much like most cars of the era!
Really just a Spitfire with a hard top but I lusted after one as a lad.
Not a fan of the wheels on that one in the photo.
 

Trev Latter

Member
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1,213
I've had a couple of GT6s years ago: a mk1 and a mk3. The mk1 was the nicest looking, but a late mk2 with the Rotoflex rear suspension is by far the better handling of the three models. The engines are very prone to crank end float, which is easily visible when an assistant is operating the clutch. Interesting handling, especially if you get it to the point where it's starting to break away under power as they are very prone to lift off oversteer, so in that situation you're very likely to be getting up close to the scenery.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,632
It surfaced in late 1968 the GT was available in base and AL trim level with 1.1 plus the more common 1.9 twin choke Solex carb and cam in head design with 90 Hp on tap both with 4 speed manual and the 1.9 with 4 speed auto box. 0-60 was a respectable 9 second topping out at 115mph. Later GTJ trim in 1971 with black bumpers and side decals and cut down trim with production ending in 1973. 100,000 we produced with circa 75% of them finding their way to the US. All left hand drive.

The narrow track, high ride height and transverse leaf spring front suspension lent itself more to comfort than sporting ride. The cabin and seats were very comfortable but it had poor ventilation. Factory Air was available in the US but is a very rare find.

The mechanicals are still very easy to come by as the GT was the forerunner of the Manta on a Kadett chassis. The mechanicals ran in various Opel and Vauxhal's with the block finally being used in 2.2 form in 90's Frontera's.
European examples suffered from rust and US examples suffered from sun damaged rubber and trim with dashboard cracking being the worst affected. Both original trim and body panels are non existent but most parts have been reproduced in both the US (Opel GT Sorce) and in Germany and Holland (Lenk/Susselbeek)

Special features were the mechanical revolving headlights, hands clap wipers, foot activated manual washer pump jets, no boot, rear luggage and spare wheel compartment.

Top examples in Europe and the U.K are £20k with solid project cars about half that.

The GT is a very small car but very unusual, always attracting attention.

I have had two over the past 25 years. In 91 I had a midnight blue 1.9 manual with tan interior and compomotive f500 split rims.

In 95 I purchased a part restored car (big mistake, never take on somebody's half arsed job) it's an ultra rare 68 1.9AL US car which was a 1.9 4 speed manual now being a Getrag 5 speed twin choke Weber. It's red with biscuit interior and has had £30k plus spent on her. I'll never part with it but is currently languishing under a sheet in the garage. It needs a respray as my novice restoration at the time, learning how to do it, resulted in a lot of nicks and chips.

With OEM wheels:

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With after market alloys, now removed from car:

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Steve GS

Member
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1,526
That's a lovely looking car. So getting The Opel gt. for £10k I'll be taking on a car that needs a lot of work. that's not what I'm after. I just want a second car that's a bit of fun not to expensive to look after. And I can't get till I have a garage have my name down on a list in my area.
 

Fair2

Junior Member
Messages
211
image.jpgMatt I now know what it is ,in the photo of the " old girl". A rare beast indeed. Thanks.
Robert
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,632
That's a lovely looking car. So getting The Opel gt. for £10k I'll be taking on a car that needs a lot of work. that's not what I'm after. I just want a second car that's a bit of fun not to expensive to look after. And I can't get till I have a garage have my name down on a list in my area.

It will be descent enough for £10k. If you need me to come along and inspect it for you I am happy to do so.
 

Steve GS

Member
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1,526
It will be descent enough for £10k. If you need me to come along and inspect it for you I am happy to do so.
That's a great offer. Like I've said I have to wait till I get a garage. I'm on a waiting list that's about 12 months long. So when that's sorted then I'll be looking and I'll give you a shout. Thanks.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,632
That's a great offer. Like I've said I have to wait till I get a garage. I'm on a waiting list that's about 12 months long. So when that's sorted then I'll be looking and I'll give you a shout. Thanks.

No probs. I know the cars inside out and backwards, they are very simple and I know how to tackle every job and I also have spares and the special tools to take the front transfers leaf spring out.

They are also very reliable, you'll just be constantly fettling it and trying to track down misc trim items.

5 Speed Getrag, 2L unleaded head, and lowered are a must.