∙Solid basis for restoration

∙Rare factory metal hardtop included
∙Desirable factory wire wheels

It’s hard to believe that the diminutive Triumph Spitfire is on the cusp of celebrating its 60th birthday but despite its age it is still a hugely desirable starter classic that’s still affordable to buy and run. 

The Spitfire was Triumph’s answer to the MG Midget and the Austin-Healey Sprite and was based on the successful Triumph Herald. It used a shortened version of the Herald’s backbone chassis along with its trusty four-cylinder engine all wrapped up in a pretty two-door body styled by Michelotti.

The first two generations of Spitfire, known as the Spitfire 4, used the 1147cc engine from the Herald but for the Mark III the larger 1296cc unit from the Herald 13/60 was used and with twin SU carburettors it provided the little convertible with better performance. There was a change to the styling too, with a raised front bumper to bring it in line with the latest crash regulations.

The Mark III was produced from 1967 to 1970 and today it’s perhaps the most coveted of all the Spitfire models. Nearly half of Mark III models were exported to America and the example here is a left-hand drive model that was imported last year from California. It requires a complete restoration.

The Spitfire was manufactured in 1968 and finished in Valencia blue with a black interior and comes with a rare factory metal hardtop finished in contrasting white. 

It was imported by the vendor from San Diego, California, a year ago with a view to restoring it to its former glory but other projects have called on his time and what with work commitments he knows he’s not going to be able to find the time in the foreseeable future to complete the restoration.

The number of former owners is not known and there is no history to accompany the car. The tax and duty has been paid and the car has a clean Californian
 title.

There is very little paperwork to accompany the Spitfire and there’s no way to verify the number of owners or the car’s mileage. Perhaps it’s best viewed as a blank canvas on which the next owner can stamp their identify on the car.

The original seats – black with white piping – are present along with the dashboard, instrumentation and steering wheel and the majority of the components look like they would clean up well. The seat coverings have become brittle over time and will require recovering with new seat covers available from Triumph specialists.

The original carpets are no longer present but a full set of new carpets from the specialist Moss accompany the car. While the floor has surface rust it does appear to be generally structurally sound bar one section behind the seats. 

There’s no hood fitted to the frame but prior to the car being stored the vendor says the hood frame moved freely.  

The benefit of importing a car from a warmer climate is that they tend to have far less serious corrosion than those that have spent their lives in cooler, damper climes and the Spitfire does appear to be solid. We were unable to examine the chassis rails under the car but those in the ‘walk-in’ engine compartment all appear to be in fine fettle.

The bonnet and the doors generally present well with a smattering of surface rust and the trailing edge of the boot lid is probably the worst panel on the car with several rust blisters. The chromework that remains on the car is in generally good condition and the light bezels and fittings that are currently not affixed to the car are included with the sale. The badging is also said to be present.

One very desirable option this Spitfire is fitted with are the centre-lock wire wheels which look like they would respond well to restoration. The factory metal hardtop is another desirable option which will help to make this a good all year round classic.

While the Spitfire is obviously a restoration project the structure of the car does appear to be very solid and the doors, boot and bonnet still have good shut lines.

The Spitfire is currently a non-runner although the seller does say that the engine turns over freely by hand. The gearbox is a four-speed a manual and a spare differential is included with the sale. All mechanical components will require a thorough refresh during the restoration.

If you’re handy with spanners and have a decent garage then this Triumph Spitfire should provide the basis for a relatively straightforward restoration. The car’s structure appears to be solid and while there will be plenty to do this Spitfire would be an ideal project for someone with some time on their hands while lockdown lasts.

The Spitfire is a very pretty car and this one could look superb when finished, especially in this colour combination and with the desirable wire wheels and optional hardtop. With a plethora of marque specialists to call upon finding parts for the Spitfire will be straightforward and there’s obviously the potential to make some enhancements along the way, especially as the 1300cc engine fitted to this model is amenable to tuning.

It might look a little down at heel as it stands but it presents as a very honest car and should be a cracking little ‘baby E-Type’ when completed – hopefully in time for the Spitfire’s big 60th birthday party in 2022.

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