Pre-bids

1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV

Highlights

  • Complete and solid car
  • Rebuilt 4cyl Triumph engine 
  • Only five registered keepers 
  • Interesting project for right buyer 

The Appeal 

Triumph’s diminutive Spitfire has a key role in the motoring life of many enthusiasts: for many it was their introduction to two seater, open top motoring. This is particularly true of the final ‘kamm tail’ MkIV that was cleverly updated by Michelotti. 
Here is a chance to both indulge that nostalgia and commence an interesting and relatively straightforward winter project. This pretty French Blue MkIV is a solid and tidy car with a fully rebuilt engine. It all needs is a little TLC to bring it back to its full glory. 
The car is complete and generally well-kept. It has had just five keepers since first registration and has been little used since 2006. It even comes with its rare factory hard top. We know there are many canny buyers who can spot the opportunity here and expect this car to prove popular with bidders. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 15th March 1973
  • Five registered keepers 
  • Sold as part of a classic car collection 
  • Current keeper since May 2023
  • Mileage in 2006 was 28,764 miles and now showing 29,680 miles 
  • We cannot verify the mileage due to the five-digit odo 
  • Last MOT rn to June 2012 with 29,381 miles showing on test 
  • Badged as a 1500 in photos but DVLA and HPI state this car is a 1,300cc model 
  • HPI clear 
  • 1 set of keys as shown 
  • Sold as a project car with engine turning over but not firing 
  • Vendor advises that the engine has been fully rebuilt 
  • Hood, tonneau and driver’s door card removed from car but sold with it as shown 

The Condition

  • Smart French Blue paintwork in generally presentable order 
  • Some chips, scratches and marks to paintwork as shown 
  • Sold as a project car so some deterioration to paintwork to be expected
  • Bodywork generally presents well with no significant bubbles or corrosion to panels 
  • Arches, sills and underside appear to be in good order as shown 
  • Buyers should check the photographs carefully to reassure themselves about the condition 
  • Sold with factory hard top as shown but this is in a poor state requiring refurbishment
  • Folding vinyl roof and tonneau with car as shown 
  • We cannot verify if the roof frame mechanism is with the car
  • Chromework in older, unrestored condition as shown with some tarnishing 
  • There is also a small dent in the rear boot 
  • Exterior fittings largely complete with lights and badging in fair condition 
  • Fitted with factory steel wheels as shown in fair condition but with hub caps missing 
  • Older set of tyres fitted as shown which appear to hold air 
  • Bonnet appears to be in good order as shown inside and out 
  • Interior appears to be largely complete with driver’s door car included but not fitted
  • Black vinyl seats with headrests in fair condition with some mould as shown 
  • Black carpets and passenger door card in fair condition likely requiring restoration 
  • Wood veneer dashboard in deteriorated condition with cracks and delamination 
  • Switchgear shows some deterioration in photographs 
  • Steel spare wheel with cover in boot as shown 
  • Badged as a 1500 on bonnet but DVLA and HPI state this car is a 1300

The Mechanics 

  • Fully rebuilt 1,296cc 4cyl Standard Triumph 65bhp engine 
  • 4spd manual gearbox 
  • Car appears to be fitted with optional overdrive 
  • Additional stalk on steering column appears to be for overdrive unit on 3rd and 4th
  • Twin SU carburettors
  • Engine cranks but does not start according to seller 
  • Vendor states that due to the engine rebuild the non-starting is likely nothing serious 
  • Due to the non-starting the car will need to be recovered or transported by trailer 


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

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Auction Details

  • Year2000
  • MakeTriumph
  • ModelSpitfire
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer29,680 Miles
  • Engine size1296cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownBury
  • CountyLancashire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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