Description
Triumph Spitfire MK3
Reg: CXD 485H
Previous keepers: 9
Colour: Signal red
Engine: 1296cc
Modifications: Sierra Type 9 gearbox paired with a 1500 Spitfire clutch
A rare opportunity has arisen to own one of the best MK3 Spitfires in the UK, this is the car you’re looking for if you want to turn heads, invest in an appreciating classic or win trophies at car shows across the country.
Affectionately named ‘Snoopy’ after a drawing found on the bonnet mid-resto, you won’t find a better MK3 for sale anywhere!
If the registration looks familiar, it might be due to the fact this particular car is the ‘good example’ used in all the buyers guides and was shortlisted as Practical Classics ‘Restored Car Of The Year’ in 2016.
Not only does the car boast an enviable heritage unrivalled by any other MK3 Spitfire, we have copies of all the books and magazines the car has featured in to prove the heritage and add kudos to the car, making it a real solid investment.
The car is one of the best restorations we’ve seen come into The Motorist and not only was it shortlisted for the best of 2016, but prospective purchasers can also peruse over 250 photos of the car from beginning to end of restoration supplied on a memory stick by the restorer.
This lovely Spitfire was restored over a period of three years by Vince Gunning. The car was stripped in October 2014 and in November of the same year, the entire floor was replaced in addition to the inner and outer sills and other areas. No expense was spared in removing the rot and this stage of the project was led and supported by Paul Cull of Triumph Auto Classique, who comes highly recommended by the TSSC and other Triumph experts.
Paul’s work is well known as being some of the best in the business and the floor was taken in and out 14 times to get a perfect fitment, every weld replicated those of the originals at the factory and to give the car a cleaner line, the badges were removed and welded up to create a cleaner finish on the car and add a personal touch.
The car was painted by Ian Hawson of ICC Vehicle Body Repairs as per recommendation from Paul Cull; with the car bare metalled and painted over the course of several weeks to achieve the flawless finish you see today.
In the January of 2015, Vince rebuilt the engine at home and it was noted pre-rebuild it had done 75, 000 miles and he took the head off and the sump. Vince added a new cam, pistons, conrods and bearings; virtually everything was replaced other than the block. The head was left as standard and we believe this is still a leaded head and would advise running it with additive.
The gearbox is a Type 9 Sierra box and it’s paired with a 1500 Spitfire clutch and the car has been finished off with a 3. 89:1 diff.
As part of the unbelievably well done resto, the car benefitted from a new windscreen frame due to the old one being rotten.
The front bumper has been rechromed and there are various other jobs and small touches like the French polished dash insert and rebuilt instruments which really finish the car off to give the wow factor.
There are receipts, documentation and endless logs of all the work undertaken and everything has been documented in huge press features. This is a car that will be unbeatable at both local level and at Triumph marque exclusive shows. It has a great heritage, is well known within the Standard-Triumph community and has been finished to a level of perfection so rarely seen.
Photographs do not do this car justice and we recommend and encourage viewing. Ramp inspections are also available and we urge all interested parties to book viewings by ringing or emailing prior to arrival onsite.
