Description
This is amazing value! The subject of an older restoration and repaint, this little Spitfire has just arrived at Shore Classics and we don`t expect it`ll be around for long. A really solid example in Vermillion Red with Black and White Houndstooth Check trim, the car is on the key and runs brilliantly despite sitting in a farmer’s barn for the past 3 years. With scope for further cosmetic improvement, this would make a great winter project albeit could be used and enjoyed immediately, taking full advantage of that Indian Summer to come!
Launched by Triumph in October 1962, the Spitfire was seen as an inexpensive 2-seater sports car designed to compete with similar offerings from Austin-Healey and MG. Bodywork was styled by Giovanni Michelotti, whilst underneath sat a shortened Herald chassis and running gear all powered by an 1147cc Standard 4-cylinder engine with optional Overdrive from 1964 onwards. In 1965, the Mk. II was introduced with more horsepower and carpets (as standard!) whilst 2 years later, 1967 saw the first major restyle with the advent of the Mk. III. With changes to front and rear bumpers, a folding hood and wood-veneered interior with smaller steering wheel, the Mk. III was mechanically upgraded too with the 1147cc being bored out to 1296cc developing 75BHP allowing an achievable top speed of 95MPH. Further styling changes to the rear of the car came in 1970 with the introduction of the Mk. IV which also saw an entirely different bonnet pressing eliminating the weld lines seen previously. The engine remained the same albeit slightly detuned but the biggest change was that of the swing-axle suspension set-up, much criticised on the Mk. III. Triumph effectively omitted one leaf and only the bottom leaf was actually attached rigidly to the differential, allowing the remaining leaves to pivot freely. The result was much improved handling, so much so it was adopted for the final incarnation, the 1500 that ran from 1974-1980. Very similar in styling to the Mk. IV, the 1500 featured the torquey 1493cc Standard engine albeit overall power was still down from the Mk. III and by now, the car had become somewhat heavy at 850Kg. Production ceased in August 1980.
Our car was registered in the West Midlands in September 1977. Unfortunately, we know little of it`s early history but are aware that by the early 2000`s it was residing local to Dorchester. Evidently the subject of a restoration and repaint in Vermillion Red, the car was ultimately sold to a gentleman at Stinsford House who after some remedial work (ignition parts, exhaust system, fuel lines and clutch) sold the Spitfire in June 2021 to a farmer in Moreton Forest. A price of £4000 was agreed and our new keeper then invested a further £1000 “getting things right”. Sadly, a young family and business commitments soon took over and other than a run out to nearby Studland, the car became parked up in a barn more or less forgotten until a few weeks ago. Covered in straw and a thick layer of dust, we acquired it and immediately set about what has become a light recommissioning exercise. Brakes freed off, levels checked, tyres pumped and freshly fuelled, the car now starts instantly and presents well after an afternoon of T-Cut and polish.
The photographs I hope give a clear indication of the Spitfire today. All bodywork is generally very good with only minor issues apparent to the passenger side rear wheelarch and some bubbling to the boot-lid. Sills, doors and bonnet panel are excellent as is the underside. Photos of this can be provided on request. Paintwork displays some scratches and storage-related blemishes whilst flat panels (bonnet and boot) have gone rather dull. However, we have mopped a small section of the bonnet and were both surprised and delighted with the results. With further effort, it would polish back to a high gloss lustre. The chrome is all good with minor pitting evident whilst original steel wheels and branded tyres are clean and presentable. Hood is very good with no apparent rips or snags and goes up and down with ease. The cabin is clean, tidy and largely original with period Black and White Houndstooth Check seats in good condition, carpets and door-cards serviceable and wooden dashboard correct and in smart order. Turn the key and the little 1493cc fires up instantly settling down quickly off-choke to a distinctive burble. Given that the car has only just come out of hibernation, it drives surprisingly well with the sweet-sounding 4-pot providing plenty of peppy acceleration whilst gearbox, clutch and brakes all inspire spirited driving. Subject to a detailed check-over, I can see no reason why the Spitfire couldn`t be used and enjoyed immediately and then tinkered with over the forthcoming winter. Electrically, everything would seem to work as it should (lights, wipers, horn and heater) albeit indicators are somewhat intermittent. But we are selling as a light project and as such have gone as far as we would wish.
The Spitfire comes with a few sundry bills for work undertaken in 2021, a Bill of Sale from June 2021 in the sum of £4000 and a current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A really solid little car with great potential. Superb value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
