1968 Triumph Spitfire Mk3
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Fully restored in the early 90s
- Presents extremely well
- Later Mk4 engine
THE APPEAL
Designed by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Triumph Spitfire was launched at the London Motor Show in 1962. The Spitfire was a success from the start, and within three years, the Mk2 was introduced, which had more power and carpeting instead of rubber mats. The Spitfire received regular upgrades, and in 1967, the Mk3 was released. This was the first significant update to the car and included redesigning the front bumper and raising it to comply with new crash regulations. The hood was also redesigned, making it easier to raise and lower. The old 1147cc engine was replaced with a larger 1296cc engine, which was used in the Herald 13/60 and Triumph 1300 saloons. With twin SUs, the engine produced 75 bhp at 6000rpm, making the Mk3 the best-performing Spitfire yet. It could go from 0-60mph in 13.4 seconds, with a top speed of 95mph.
This lovely 1968 example has been with the vendor for the past five years. It was restored in 1992 to a high standard, which has stood the test of time and still presents extremely well. The Spirtfire benefits from having the later Mk4 engine, which has been rebuilt; it also has a full synchro gearbox with overdrive. The car has been well maintained and comes with an excellent history, including an extensive collection of photographs taken during the restoration.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5C present
- Registered 1st July 1968
- Extensive history
- Large collection of photographs taken during the restoration
- Owner handbook present
- Owner workshop manual
- MOT certificates date back to 1992
- The current MOT is valid until 16th August 2024
- The vendor has carried out regular servicing
- Some spare parts included
THE INTERIOR
- Very well presented
- The original seats were recovered during the restoration in 1992 and are in very good condition. There is a small amount of damage on the edge of the passenger seat
- Door cards are in good order with no damage
- The dashboard is free from any splits or cracks in the vinyl
- Jager instruments are in good condition with a bright finish and are working correctly
- The odometer shows a reading of 2,136 miles, which is actually 102,136 miles
- An additional oil pressure gauge has been installed
- The switch gear is said to work correctly
- Radio cassette plate fitted
- The original steering wheel has a few age related marks on the rim
- Gearknob has the overdrive button within it
- The carpets are in good order, having been replaced during the restoration
- Inside the boot is very clean and holds the spare wheel, jack and tonneau cover
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in two-pack of its original colour of Signal Red
- The restoration was carried out between 1991-1992
- New inner and outer sills were fitted
- New wings and quarter panels fitted
- New floor pan
- The shut lines are matching with an equal gap
- There are no dings or dents along either side of the car
- There is a small scratch in the bonnet, which has slightly dinked it
- Headlights and indicators are free from any damage and have a bright finish
- The chrome bumpers are in very good condition, with just a tiny amount of tarnishing
- Mirrors and badges are excellent
- The windscreen is free from any chips or noticeable scratches
- Rear lights are excellent with no splits to the lenses
- The roof is in excellent condition and fits tightly
- A full tonneau cover is included and in good condition
- The wire wheels are in excellent condition, held in place with two-ear spinners
- Matching Uniroyal tyres are fitted, which have plenty of tread remaining
THE MECHANICS
- Later Mk4 engine, which has been rebuilt
- Tuned cylinder head with bigger valves
- TR7 1.5” carburettors
- Four-branch manifold
- Stainless steel sports exhaust
- New clutch and master cylinders fitted in 2016
- Electronic ignition added
- An electric fan keeps everything cool
- New brake servo
- The car is reported to fire up without hesitation and sounds fantastic through the sports exhaust
- No issues have been reported by the vendor with the running of the car
- A full synchro gearbox with overdrive has been installed
- The change is smooth, and the overdrive operates correctly
- New petrol pipes were fitted in 2018, along with a choke cable
- New battery in 2021
- Spax dampers on each corner
- There is a slight leak on the differential, which is a common problem and thought to be the gasket
- The Spitfire comes to a stop, as you would expect, with no problems
SUMMARY
Are you looking for a usable British classic? Something which can be easily maintained, with readily available spares and a wealth of information on various owners clubs dotted up and down the country.
The Triumph Spitfire is a fun, agile British sports car that will bring enormous fun for any classic car fan. With a fresh MOT, the Spitfire is ready to go and looking for its next enthusiast owner. Could it be you?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Triumph
- Model Spitfire
- Colour Signal Red
- Odometer 102,136 Miles
- Engine size 1296
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town High Easter
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
34
bids
- ma•••• £12,750 20/09/23
- Ke•••• £12,500 20/09/23
- ma•••• £12,250 20/09/23
- Ke•••• £12,000 20/09/23
- ma•••• £11,750 20/09/23
- Ke•••• £11,500 20/09/23
- ma•••• £11,250 20/09/23
- Ke•••• £11,000 20/09/23
- ma•••• £10,750 20/09/23
- Ke•••• £10,500 20/09/23
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