Highlights
- Freshly restored early Spitfire in desirable Powder Blue
- Barely any use since body-off work completed
- Vanishingly rare with just 22 currently road registered in the UK
- Highly original example of this stylish classic perennial
- MOT to November 2023 with no advisories
The Appeal
Into the burgeoning post-war market for budget two seater sports cars, Triumph launched the Spitfire 4, its name carefully referencing its 4cyl engine and delineating it from the wartime V12 Spitfires.
Crisply styled by Triumph’s Italian designer-of-choice Michelotti, the early Spitfires were squarely aimed at delivering maximum fun for minimum budget. It was a winning formula with 45,753 sold in two years.
60 years on their are remarkably few survivors, with just 22 currently road registered. This is one of them, a freshly restored 1964 car in desirable Powder Blue with barely any use since the work was completed. It is a rare and enticing opportunity to buy a box-fresh and very rare early example of one of Britain’s best loved and most enduring classic sports cars.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st April 1964
- BMIHT certificate with the car confirms it was built in March 1964 and first registered in Scotland
- Originally left the factory painted Conifer Green, which was changed to the current finish on 19th May 2021
- Supplied by the factory with optional heater and windscreen washers
- Restored between 2021 and 2022 with comprehensive photographic record recording the work
- Very limited use since, with no distance covered between the last two MOT tests
- MOT runs to 9th November 2023 and car has only covered 3 miles since the last test
- No MOT advisories on last test
- History file of old invoices, record of work and photographs covering restoration and more recently
- Unfortunately there is no history for the car prior to the restoration work
- Original owners manual - well thumbed!
The Interior
- Simple but carefully restored interior that balances freshness with originality
- Black vinyl bucket seats in good condition and appear to have good shape and cushioning
- Black carpets in good condition and also trimming boot area
- Wood rimmed three spoke steering wheel and wooden gearknob
- Clear Jaeger dials in good condition with auxiliary oil gauge under dashboard
- Original switchgear with lightly patinated but still clear decals
- Door cards in good condition with complete and good chrome fittings
- Painted dashboard matches body colour with no visible chips or scuffs
- Dashboard central cowl in good condition with clean black vinyl
The Exterior
- Originally Conifer Green, repainted in popular Powder Blue during 2021 restoration
- Body-off restoration completed in 2022 with photographic record in history file
- Classic Michelotti lines with distinctive clamshell bonnet and small rear lights
- Car sits evenly across its axles indicating good quality rear springs in particular
- Very little use since so paintwork remains in superb condition
- The only area of paintwork deterioration is around the offside bonnet clasp which is cracked
- We could not spot any other scuffs, marks or chips on the bodywork
- There are some areas of poor paintwork under the nearside front headlamp where there are two paint runs
- The paintwork inside the boot lid could be improved but is not unsightly
- Refurbished dark grey steel wheels with unmarked hubcaps
- The vendor states that the car is fitted with four new tyres
- Appears to be fitted with its original chromework which is in excellent condition
- Original badges in good, patinated condition
- Lights are clear and not cracked or damaged
- Underside reflects the body with good chassis and floors
- No structural advisories on recent MOTs
- We are told that the vinyl roof is new and fits well
The Mechanics
- 1,147cc 4cyl Triumph engine generating 63bhp
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Twin SU carburettors
- Engine bay is very clean and tidy indicating attention during the restoration work
- Vendor states that the car has recently been serviced
- Recent attention to the electrics and brakes by the vendor
Summary
Like its be-winged wartime namesake, Triumph’s Spitfire has become an icon of British design, as readily identifiable as any classic 60s two seater. Early cars like this one illustrate how clever the original Michelotti design was, delicately detailed and evocatively styled.
This Mk1 Spitfire is one of the few remaining survivors and, with a recent body-off restoration, likely one of the best available. It makes this a rare opportunity to acquire an early example of these iconic and very usable British sports cars.
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.
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