An Extraordinary Arrival: 1972 Triumph GT6 MKIII

We are delighted to welcome this truly exceptional 1972 Triumph GT6 MKIII to The Forge Prees — without question, the finest example we have ever had the privilege to offer.

Subjected to an exhaustive, high-quality restoration between 2014 and 2017 — believed to have cost in excess of £56,000 — this GT6 stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and enduring passion for the marque.

Registered as CHP 606K, this genuine right-hand drive, UK home-market car was built on 9th February 1972, originally finished in Pimento Red with a Tan interior, and equipped from new with a heater, static seatbelts, and dip-left headlamps.

The first owner, Mr. Thomas Chapman of Slough, kept the car until 1977, when it passed to Mr. Ken Chapman of Iver Heath. In 1980, the car was taken off the road for minor repairs but remained stored in Ken’s garage for the next 34 years.

The story of this car is a personal one. As recorded in the history file, Ken and his wife Cheryl fondly recall that this GT6 was the car Ken drove Cheryl home in after their first date — and it later served as their honeymoon car. In 2014, they embarked on a full restoration, entrusting Justin’s Classic Car Restorations of Maidenhead with a comprehensive nut-and-bolt rebuild, most of which is documented in the extensive history file.

The restoration included:

- Body and chassis separation, with all panels repaired or replaced, including a brand-new bonnet assembly

- Full bare-metal respray inside and out

- Waxoyl protection treatment

- Engine rebuild and dynamic balancing, with carburettors and ancillaries replaced

- Refurbished radiator and new coolant system

- Gearbox overhaul and new clutch

- New exhaust system

- Replacement of all drivetrain joints

- Chassis shot-blasted, repaired, and powder-coated in Ferrari Rosso

- Suspension shot-blasted, powder-coated, with all springs, dampers, bearings, and bushes replaced

- Complete brake system renewal

- Refurbished fuel tank and new fuel lines

- All chrome parts re-chromed or replaced

- All anodised parts re-plated or replaced

- Full interior retrim, including headlining

- Refurbished wheels with new tyres

- All rubber seals replaced

Justin’s Restorations’ invoices totalled £46k+, with the Chapmans contributing a further £8k+ directly to other suppliers.

Sadly, shortly after the restoration was completed, Ken Chapman passed away in 2021. The car was subsequently sold for £25,000 to family friends in High Wycombe, who entered into joint ownership intending to share its use. Over the next three years, the car was sparingly driven but continued to be maintained by Justin’s Restorations.

By 2024, owing to the challenges of dual ownership and infrequent use, the decision was made to sell the car. It was offered at Historic Auctioneers with a guide price of £23,000–£26,000 (+ fees) and was purchased for £23,520 plus costs by a discerning collector in Shropshire.

Upon acquisition, the car was entrusted to Smallman Hall Classic Cars Ltd in Bridgnorth, who undertook a thorough recommissioning and refinement programme totalling £4,079.94, to bring the car fully up to the new owner’s expectations.

Today, this magnificent 1972 Triumph GT6 MKIII is ready to be enjoyed. Its condition undoubtedly surpasses that of when it left the factory, and at this price point, it represents one of the very best examples on the market — especially when considering the extraordinary level of investment and care it has received throughout its life.

If you would like further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact us today — this is a rare opportunity to own a truly special part of Triumph history.