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1972 Triumph Spitfire Mk4
Highlights
- Comprehensive renovation by Triumph Specialists
- Recent service by a Spitfire specialist in 2024
- Mechanical overhaul by specialist in 2022 costing £2,200
- Repaint in Pageant Blue with black interior
- Huge history file amassed by enthusiast keepers
- MOT to March 2025
- Very good example of these later facelifted cars
The Appeal
The Spitfire is part of a long line of uniquely British sports cars: small, nimble and above all fun, they hit the nostalgia button hard because they were many enthusiasts’ first taste of spirited motoring.
This Mk4 is finished in popular Pageant Blue and is one of the nicest we’ve seen in a while. That is thanks to its enthusiast keepers - the previous one owned it for 30 years - and a recent comprehensive restoration across the bodywork, paintwork, interior and mechanicals. The result is a car in genuinely rude health.
That is confirmed by the long MOT, which runs to March 2025. This car is usefully MOT exempt, but it is always helpful to have a test for reassurance. In great condition inside, outside and mechanically this pretty sports car looks a gem.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 14th June 1972
- 13 previous registered keepers, 3 from the same family
- Current owner since 11/08/2022
- Previous keeper and family owned it for approximately 30 years
- Major renovation carried out by Triumph specialists by previous keeper
- Serviced at Spitfire specialist in 2024
- Extensive maintenance history with numerous repair invoices
- MOT valid until March 2025 with minor advisories
- Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Veneer dashboard included
- Dry stored in Alderney, Channel Islands in recent times with sparing use
Notable maintenance:
2002:
- New floor pans
- Boot floor
- Rear valance
- Pair of cross members
- Rear inner wing repair sections
- New driver's side A post pillar
- Upper and lower driver's side outer sill
- Two new chassis outriggers
- New passenger outer sill
- Underside painted
2005:
- Bonnet replaced
2006:
- Rear wheel arches rebuilt
2007
- Boot lid replaced
- B posts replaced A posts rebuilt
- Driver's door skin replaced
- Two new rear inner wheel arches
- Two new rear wings
- Full repaint
- Car taken to Aldeney and little used
2022:
- Original 1972 Black dashboard refitted with rewiring
- Wood dash included in sale
2023
- New tinted windscreen
- New Hood
- 5½ GT6 wheels
- New carpets
- New headlining in hardtop
The Condition
- Fully restored bodywork refinished in Pageant Blue
- Sparing use since completion means car is in great order
- Very good panel fit across doors, bonnet and boot
- Underside similarly well kept with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Black vinyl interior in very good condition with no tears or visible wear
- We are told that the dashboard top trim has a small crack repair
- Black vinyl dashboard trim with wood finish included in sale
- Fitted with a Mountney three spoke wheel
- GT6 style steel wheels
- New hood with clear screens and vinyl finish
- Long list of improvements and repairs detailed above
- Factory hard top in matching Pageant blue included
- Chromework bright and well finished throughout
- Factory tonneau
The Mechanics
- 1,296cc triumph 4cyl engine rebuilt in 2001 with high lift camshaft
- 4spd manual gearbox with overdrive
- Twin 1.5in SU carburettors have been overhauled
- Recently serviced by model specialist
- Very slight engine and gearbox oil leaks typical of age and type of vehicle
- Vendor reports that the engine has been given a little extra power for modern traffic
- He reports that it drives very well with almost no vibration or rattles
- We are told that the gears shift well, the engine revs smoothly and the suspension and steering are very good
Mechanical maintenance highlights:
2001:
- Full engine overhaul, block and head to unleaded
- Compressions checked 2024, all above 155ft/lb
2002:
- New Radiator
2004:
- Gearbox overhaul
2010:
- Front suspension rebuild with new uprated springs and Koni shock absorbers
2011:
- Rear suspension rebuild with Koni shock absorbers
2013:
- Four branch stainless manifold
- New Exhaust tubular manifold and centre pipe and sports exhaust
2022
- Car brought up to a good running standard at Southern Triumph Services costing £2208
2023:
- New halford's Battery with 4 year warranty (inc paperwork)
- Two new fuse boxes fitted with modern fuses
- New Headlamps with integral DLR's
2024
- Reconditioned differential fitted (no backlash)
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ 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..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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