Description
Find another one! With a recorded mileage of just 26, 900 miles from new and documented history from 1979 to the present day, this original, unrestored example is an absolute time-warp. Presented in fabulous Saffron Yellow with Black Trim and benefitting from a colour-matched hardtop, this is probably a unique opportunity to acquire a classic Spitfire with such a provenance. Just 4 owners to 2018 and less than 3, 000 miles in the past 40 years - it is an amazing find and worthy of any serious car collection.
Launched by Triumph in October 1962, the Spitfire was seen as an inexpensive 2-seater sports car designed to compete with similar offerings from Austin-Healey and MG. Bodywork was styled by Giovanni Michelotti, whilst underneath sat a shortened Herald chassis and running gear all powered by an 1147cc Standard 4-cylinder engine with optional Overdrive from 1964 onwards. In 1965, the Mk. II was introduced with more horsepower and carpets (as standard!) whilst 2 years later, 1967 saw the first major restyle with the advent of the Mk. III. With changes to front and rear bumpers, a folding hood and wood-veneered interior with smaller steering wheel, the Mk. III was mechanically upgraded too with the 1147cc being bored out to 1296cc developing 75BHP allowing an achievable top speed of 95MPH. Further styling changes to the rear of the car came in 1970 with the introduction of the Mk. IV which also saw an entirely different bonnet pressing eliminating the weld lines seen previously. The engine remained the same albeit slightly detuned but the biggest change was that of the swing-axle suspension set-up, much criticised on the Mk. III. Triumph effectively omitted one leaf and only the bottom leaf was actually attached rigidly to the differential, allowing the remaining leaves to pivot freely. The result was much improved handling, so much so it was adopted for the final incarnation, the 1500 that ran from 1974-1980. Very similar in styling to the Mk. IV, the 1500 featured the torquey 1493cc Standard engine albeit overall power was still down from the Mk. III and by now, the car had become somewhat heavy at 850Kg. Production ceased in August 1980.
Our car was registered in Bolton in December 1972 and whilst we have little knowledge of the first ownership, understand that the Spitfire was sold in the Winter of 1979 to a gentleman living in the village of Breaston, Derbyshire. The MoT Certificate issued from Kennings Ltd. of Nottingham at that time recorded a mileage of 13, 540. In August 1979, the car returned to Kennings for servicing (16, 147 miles) and again in January 1980 and 1981. With 23, 400 miles now recorded, the Spitfire was sold to a lady owner living in nearby Ilkeston who subsequently used the car sparingly with MoT inspection and servicing being undertaken by a local garage in the town. MoT Certificates from the mid-1980`s show nominal annual mileage suggesting that the Spitfire was now almost permanently off the road. In September 1995, the car was sold again at 25, 050 miles to another lady owner residing locally in Heamoor. For insurance purposes, she commissioned an Engineer’s Report in the November in which the engineer both confirmed the genuine nature of the mileage recorded and commented on the originality of the car stating “the body panels are original”. Retaining the Spitfire for the next 23 years, our 4th keeper once again used the car very little recording around 1600 miles overall (around 70 miles a year). The car was however evidently presented annually for MoT purposes even if miles covered between inspections was in single digits. The Certificates themselves make interesting reading! In January 2018, the Spitfire was sold to a gentleman living in Nottingham who, like owners before, used the car sparingly, selling it 3 years later to a gentleman near Blandford in Dorset. Only lack of space has encouraged a sale now.
Today, the Spitfire presents just as seen in the photographs. It is very original and clearly has never been restored - the panels, as commented upon in the Engineer’s Report of 1995, would seem wholly original with excellent factory-fit. The Saffron paintwork too would seem predominantly the original from 1972. A few age-related marks and a couple of tiny bubbles on the drivers` side sill end still don`t detract from a finish that is still show-worthy and polishes up with a deep lustre. I would imagine that the Spitfire has been garage-stored for much of it`s life. Under the bonnet, the same story applies. The cabin too is just as one would hope with very light wear to the seats and carpets commensurate with age. Turn the key and the eager 1296cc fires into life sounding fruity and purposeful. On the road, the Spitfire feels unsurprisingly tight with crisp gearchanges, a firm but comfortable ride and brisk performance. It genuinely feels like a car that is 5 years old, not 51, and is a far cry from the rather rattly examples I have driven over the years. I took my son out for a drive along the coast road to West Bay and it drove superbly with nice, neutral handling and excellent brakes. It is a revelation and undoubtedly this is due to a cossetted life and very low mileage.
The car comes with comprehensive file of history including receipts and old MoT Certificates from 1979 onwards, a list of previous owners, an original Owner`s Handbook, original marketing literature, Haynes Manual, Triumph Repair Operation Manual, Engineers Report from 1995, sundry bills, old Registration Documents and a current V5C.
A unique opportunity to acquire a classic British sports car with fabulous provenance.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
