1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk3

Highlights

Beautifully presented, Signal-Red 'Round-Tail' Spitfire
Matching engine and chassis numbers
Subject to a recent respray and bodywork repairs
Beautiful retrimmed cabin

The Appeal

The Spitfire was pure gold for the Triumph Motor Company. Introduced in 1962, these cars made use of the Triumph Herald parts pile to an impressive extent - a 670kg, diminutive roadster that was capable of impressing, even with a relatively small four-pot under the bonnet. It earned its 'best of British' title ably and has gone down as one of the purest of the UK's mid-century British roadsters.

This 1970 MK IV example has had a very comfortable lifestyle, particularly in its current ownership. Since taking the reins in 2017, the car has been subject to plenty of work both inside and out, loading the car with plenty of new parts, a full cosmetic restoration and a retrimmed cabin.

When a car has been so clearly cherished, the passing of the baton is an equally cherished moment. We do not doubt that this car is bound to impress the new owner and will prove to be just as proud a possession.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1971
It's likely the car spent a year in the showroom before registration
The DVLA records 10 previous keepers
Current owner since October 2017
Invoices for any work carried out from 2017 onwards are present
MOT expired in May 2019
Vendor is happy to put the car through an MOT before sale
Matching engine and chassis numbers
Receipts for parts and work carried out since purchase
Some invoices and MOTs from previous owners indicating accurate mileage
One invoice would indicate that car got a significant strip-down and refurb around 2003
Valued at £11,500 on the TSSC insurance valuation scheme in March 2022
Currently indicates 52197 miles on a five-figure odometer
The vendor reports that the car is driven once a week for around 20 miles or so, only when it’s dry
Kept in a dry, clean garage

The Condition

Chassis and bodywork in very good condition with no evidence of corrosion in usual trouble spots
Bodywork's panel gaps look in good order
Recently treated to a respray of the entire body, including the front lower valance
Any corrosion or bubbling has been swiftly corrected, with much work completed in 2021
Stainless steel bumpers all round, with originals kept
Replica Minilite wheels for the four main tyres
All four tyres in good roadworthy condition, including the spare
Stone chip-painted underside with red overcoat for protection
Solid and rot-free cabin and boot floors
Refurbished cabin area with new fascia, walnut dash, parcel shelves, carpets, and seat upholstery
New door window seals, wood-rimmed steering wheel, wooden gear knob, boot tank cover panel, and door cappings
Convertible hood is old and patched but serviceable; hard top is available but needs refurbishing
The vendor notes that if he weren't selling, his next eye would be on a new hood, carpets and door cards - along with a new boot lining and carpet.

The Mechanics

1,296cc four-cylinder engine
4-speed manual transmission with overdrive
Gearbox reconditioned with new synchro rings and bearings
Engine runs well, idles smoothly, and holds a steady temperature
New engine ancillaries including coil, water pump, heater control valve, water pipes, fuel pipes, fan belt, reconditioned radiator, and wiper motor
New stainless-steel exhaust system
New brake pads, brake cylinders, hoses, clutch master and slave cylinders, and clutch/clutch plate
Suspension in good condition with cleaned and oiled trunnions
All suspension bushes are now polyurethane.
The dynamo charging system works well with a quick cut-off mechanism for the battery
The vendor informs us: "The engine runs well, using no oil, idling smoothly and holding a steady temperature."
We understand that it's ready and waiting to be driven away

BEFORE YOU BUY

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