Description
Restored but not to its original spec, as it now has the larger 1500 engine plus the 4 speed, overdrive gearbox and appropriate reconditioned differential. It has a minor oil leak the source of which I haven't found. All universal joints are new. It has an oil cooler fitted. All the fuel and brake pipes are new. The bodywork is now a bright yellow and is in near perfect condition. Underneath, the chassis too is solid and sound, painted and with just a few minor areas of surface rust. It has a stainless-steel exhaust. The chrome work is very good with some micro pitting in places. Internally, it has leather seats and door cards in a matching colour scheme. It has a new dashboard and all switches and dials work. In fairness the carpets are acceptable, a bit ill-fitting and depending on one's viewpoint might need replacing. So too the vinyl hood. Minilite wheels including the spare.
To sum up this little car has had much work done on it, drives well and is now ready for the summer. As small sports cars go the Spitfire has lovely lines and great character. I bought this car partially restored two years ago, as a project to tinker with. This is my third Spitfire (a homage to my youth) having had two in my twenty's. They were great then, but I forgot how low they were, and now, edgeing towards my seventies, climbing in and out is not so easy. Since then I have bought something more suitable to my advancing years, which means I could do with freeing up the garage. As to its provenance, it has had 13 previous keepers and I cannot vouch for the mileage which is showing at just under 54000 miles. Despite that, it still handles and feels like a classic sports car should - a bit noisy, it rattles, heavy on the steering at low speeds and at 30mph... feels like 60 :)
