Believed to be the only Rover V8-converted Spitfire in the country with logbook updated to reflect the 3.5L engine
LT77 five-speed gearbox
Through-bonnet intake, inspired by American muscle cars
Conversion documentation included, with part numbers and photos
Garage-stored
Significant history file detailing modifications
Mot, tax and Ulez exempt
The Appeal
The Americans are right about something. V8s make everything better.
The Triumph Spitfire is one of Britain's most recognised small sports cars, but this 1974 Mk IV takes the concept somewhere altogether more dramatic. Fitted with a rebuilt 3.5-litre Rover V8, an LT77 five-speed gearbox, and a raft of upgraded brakes, suspension, and cooling components, it is believed to be the only V8-converted Spitfire of its kind in the country.
The car underwent a thorough body-off restoration between 1989 and 2003. The chassis was stripped to bare metal, repaired, and painted, and extensive steel panel replacement was carried out before the shell was finished in Rover Eclipse Blue. Its owner carried out the V8 conversion in 2007–2008 with the help of a friend experienced in V8 conversions. The engine was rebuilt with a reground crank, new bearings, and SD1 cylinder heads, and is fed by an Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor on an Offenhauser manifold. The drivetrain, braking, and cooling systems were all re-engineered to suit, including an MGTF VVC rear disc conversion, GT6 front suspension and brakes, a stainless steel exhaust, and a modified Renault 21 radiator with twin electric fans.
Our vendor acquired the car in 2022. Having been garage-stored for approximately five years, the car is said to run, but the engine could benefit from a tune-up, and the bodywork carries a couple of minor dings. It comes with a detailed folder documenting the conversion with part numbers and photographs.image.png1.38 MB
Paperwork: conversion documentation folder with part numbers and photos, DVLA engine change letter dated April 2008, spec sheet listing chassis, body, VIN, and engine numbers
Chassis stripped to bare metal during restoration, repaired with welded patches, and painted with industrial rust-preventive paint
Steel panel replacement including boot floor, rear valance, both rear wings, both front wings, both door skins, both outer sills, and footwells
Painted in Rover Eclipse Blue in cellulose, with panels painted in reverse with rust preventive
Rover V8 engine rebuilt with new standard piston rings, reground crank (+10), new bearings throughout including cam bearings, new timing chain, and valves cleaned and lapped
SD1 cylinder heads fitted, noted as an upgrade with slightly larger valves
Edelbrock/Weber Performer 500 four-barrel carburettor on Offenhauser 360 manifold with MR Gasket 14-inch chrome free-flow air filter
Mocal remote oil filter housing and oil cooler fitted, with Tadpole oil pressure relief valve
Electronic ignition with new coil
Modified Renault 21 radiator with twin Peugeot 205 electric fans in a custom housing
All stainless steel exhaust with MGB V8 block hugger manifolds and twin straight-through rear silencers
Mitsuba electric fuel pump with Sytec Proflow pressure regulator, return line to tank, and inertia switch
LT77 five-speed gearbox with standard Rover clutch, TR8 master cylinder, and Sherpa van short-shift remote
New cross member fabricated and welded across the chassis for gearbox mounting, also bracing the centre of the chassis
TR8 propshaft with rear flange re-drilled to match the Spitfire differential
GT6 Mk III front coil springs, GT6 vertical links and hubs, and Spax gas-adjustable shocks front and rear
New leaf spring at the rear
GT6 front brake callipers with new pistons, seals, pads, and discs
MGTF VVC rear disc conversion with refurbished callipers on custom laser-cut 6mm stainless brackets
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