∙Iconic British sports car design ∙Fitted with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears ∙Fully undersealed and always garaged in current ownership ∙Classic Motor Craft Bermuda Hard Top
The Background
By 1967, the Triumph Spitfire had already gone through two variants, and had only been on sale for six years with varying success. However, the MK3 - sold between 1967 and 1970 - built upon the feedback received from drivers and journalists regarding the earlier MK1 and MK2 models, and became one of the best-loved variants of the Michelotti-designed British sports car.
The biggest outward change for the MK3 compared to earlier models came in the form of the higher-level front bumper, raised to comply with increasingly stringent US crash standards. It may seem strange to do so on the UK cars, but with a large volume of the production destined for foreign shores, it was easier and more cost effective to simply stick to one design.
Most importantly, there were a number of other ownership and usage improvements over the earlier models. The original complex folding roof was remedied and turned into a much more conventional design, while under the hood the four-cylinder engine was bored out from 69.3 to 73.7mm, resulting in an overall engine size of 1296cc and an increased power output of 75bhp.
The brakes were also upgraded and improved, while the cars’ electrics were converted to a negative earth system. This, along with interior upgrades such as a wood veneer dash and a number of new factory options, made the MK3 Triumph Spitfire a very popular contender in the British sports car market.
This particular Spitfire is a 1968 model, so right at the start of MK3 production. However, it has been adorned with the all-important option of overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears, which makes the Spitfire far more usable as a daily driver car, especially on longer journeys with plenty of main roads.
The current owner became custodian of the car six years ago, and during that time has fettled with it and enjoyed it during the summer, which is the perfect time to enjoy such an icon of British Sports Car design.
Originally unveiled in Jasmine Yellow, the car has been resprayed into what the owner has affectionately dubbed ‘Kermit Green’ due to its more-than-slight resemblance to the fuzzy green frog puppet of the same name. The engine bay and chassis still remain the original factory colour, however.
When it wasn’t being used and enjoyed, the car has always been kept inside under a cover to protect it from the elements. The car also has a rare and very usable addition - a Classic Motor Craft Bermuda hard top, which can be seen in the photographs. While the original soft top (also included) is of course the best choice for the summer, the hard top means that should you need to take the car out in bad weather, or on longer journeys, you can do so with increased comfort - what’s not to like?
Accompanying the car is a range of old MOT test certificates, invoices and other history. There is also a number of period documents and servicing records from throughout the cars’ life, which make for interesting reading.
According to the vendor, only minimal upkeep work has been required during their custodianship - a lot of which he has done himself - which would explain why the paperwork file is perhaps a little on the light side for a car of this age; If it doesn’t need work doing, there won’t be any receipts!
Inside, the interior has clearly been cared for by the current owner. The characteristic bucket seats featuring in cars of this period are present and correct, and in generally excellent condition as far as we’ve seen, with only one rip on the drivers’ side rear, as shown in the photograph.
The carpet - still the original one the car left the factory with - also shows some minor signs of wear around the transmission tunnel and in the footwells, but that’s certainly to be expected in a car of this age.
The walnut trim, however, looks to be in great shape, retaining a deep shine and rich colour, complementing the black leather dashboard and chrome bezels (which are also in great condition) very well indeed.
The central dials on the dashboard all work as intended, though the seller notes that the battery monitoring gauges behind the steering wheel are not working as intended and are not in use.
One thing is for certain - you’re certainly not going to lose this car in a crowded car park!
The bright green ‘Kermit’ paintwork is in very good condition overall, with all the original panels present and correct, complete with a protective coating. The panel lines all look to be fresh from the factory, while the various chrome trims, badges and bumpers all look to be in top condition from the photos we’ve seen.
While the paint isn’t original, it certainly looks as if it were, and is kept in great condition by the current owner. The seller does remark that there are a few age-related marks as to be expected from a well-used car, but nothing that is immediately apparent, and which are barely noticeable.
In terms of the soft top, the correct folding top and frame are with the car, though the soft top windows have started to discolour. Bearing in mind this is the original roof from 1968, it is in good shape all things considered, and the material itself looks to be free from damage, with no reported leaks or waterproofing issues, which is the most important part!
The hard top, by contrast, looks to be in much better condition and is painted in the same green as the rest of the car. That condition also extends to the tinted windows, which as far as we can see look to be in excellent condition and are very ‘period’ in their appearance. The rubbers on the hardtop are starting to show their age, however, and could do with replacing for aesthetic and longevity reasons.
The wheels are all present and correct for the car, including a fifth matching spare wheel. The wire spokes could do with some attention, but are solid and in good condition, thought they would certainly benefit from refurbishing to bring them up to line with the rest of the car’s exterior appearance.
In terms of exterior issues, there is only one that we know of - the vendor points out that there is minor corrosion around the edge of the boot, which requires cleaning up, priming, and repainting.
Importantly for a car of this age, we have been told that underneath has been fully sealed and Waxoyled, which should put any potential buyers at ease straight away - clearly this is an owner that takes pride in the condition of the cars, even the bits that you don’t get to see.
The car starts instantly and idles well, with no smoke or warning lights according to the seller, who describes the car as “purring” when running - something you can take full advantage of when using the soft top.
There are no known leaks within the engine bay, though the twin SU carbs could do with servicing in the near future, while the fitting of a new choke has been advised. There is also an apparent mild oil leak, but in a car this age, that’s usually a given.
The aforementioned overdrive unit is also working perfectly as intended, which is all-important in a car with the device fitted.
This MK3 Spitfire has also benefited from a new fuel pump, points and plugs during the seller's ownership, while the seller also tells us that the brakes have also been serviced regularly to prevent seizing. The fuel tank has also been reconditioned and repainted to prevent corrosion.
Unfortunately, the mechanicals are the only bit that let the car down slightly. According to the vendor, there's a new issue that has developed recently when driving the car out on the road. In the words of the seller, the car gets up to temperature completely fine, but then begins to backfire after about 15/20 mins, eventually resulting in the car coming to a stop. With the carbs needing a refurbishment and tuning, it’s been put down to an air/fuelling issue, but this has not been independently verified.
If you’re looking for a way into classic British sports car ownership with the chance to learn about your car and work on it yourself, this MK3 Spitfire presents the perfect opportunity.
Yes, there are a few things that need attention, but thanks to the simplicity of these cars, the majority of work is doable on the driveway or in a home garage, with only basic tools and a willingness to learn.
This, coupled with the head-turning bright green paintwork, retro hardtop and stunning Michelotti-penned lines make this Spitfire one not to miss. Buy it now, and you’ll have it back to its best just in time for those glorious summer drives along the coast, with the wind in your hair and that revvy four-cylinder engine singing away!
** The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
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1968 Triumph Spitfire MK3
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