Highlights

Body-off-chassis restoration and respray in the 1990s
Engine, gearbox, and brakes rebuilt at the same time
Remains in extremely good nick with bright red paintwork
Retrimmed interior with new carpets, seat padding, covers, and panels
Recent voluntary MOT in October 2024 with no advisories

The Appeal

This very pretty Mk3 Spitfire has been extensively restored, yet the condition is such that you would hardly know it was done 34 years ago. The red paintwork and tidy underside all suggest a car that hasn't been back on the road long since the work was finished.

That renovation included a body-off chassis restoration, a full red respray, and an overhaul of the engine, gearbox, and brakes. It all adds to the appeal of a car that is arguably the sweet spot in the Spitfire's evolution. The Mk3 got more grunt from a larger version of the reliable Standard-Triumph engine, yet retained the sculptural Michelotti styling of the earlier cars.

The vendor states the car is in very good mechanical and cosmetic nick. He notes minor age-related paint defects and suggests that a bit of cosmetic attention could bring it up to concours standard. The last voluntary MOT in October 2024 backed this up, with no advisories. As it stands, this Spitfire is a well-restored, well-documented example ready to enjoy.

The vendor says:

“The car has undergone a complete restoration in the 90s, body off chassis re-spray, and mechanical overhaul and rebuild. The car would benefit from some slight cosmetic improvements to get it up to concours condition but overall it is in excellent condition mechanically and bodywork-wise.”

Key Information

Mileage: 6,283 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last voluntary test valid to October 2025
Technical specs: 75bhp 1,296cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Photographic evidence of restoration and mechanical overhaul work, handbooks, two folders of history

The Detail

Restored in 1994 and put into a private collection where it remained until TRGB bought the car and recommissioned it, when it was purchased by its current owner
Body respray and panel work completed as part of the 1994 restoration
Repainted in 1994 in red (previously black), which remains in very good nick
Vendor states bodywork is in very good condition with good structural condition
No advisories on last MOT in October 2024
Minor age-related paint defects noted
Vendor states that the car could reach concours standard, or the defects can be left as they are
Painted wire wheels in good order with matching tyres and matching spare
Very smart black vinyl and chequered cloth interior
Interior restored with new carpets, seat padding, seat covers, and interior panels
Wood dashboard refinished with French polish
Engine, gearbox, and brakes rebuilt during the restoration
Fitted with timber-rimmed steering wheel and period stereo
Black vinyl roof in very good condition with clear screens and matching tonneau

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ 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.

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