Description
After a lot of consideration, we have decided that it’s time for Sybil, our 1962 Spitfire4 to find a new home and custodian, sadly in the last few years we have not used her as much as we should. She is one of the very earliest ones made and one of the earliest still on the road, Sybil was built in December 1962 and registered in January 1963, only the 813th Spitfire made.
This is a very sound car, restored around 18 years ago. She is one of the most recognised round tail Spitfires around and quite the celebrity now having been on the cover of Triumph World in 2011, Classics Monthly in 2012 and Classic Cars in 2022, and recently in Practical Classics, although the photos in the most recent article actually date back to the 2022 Classic Cars photo shoot. She has also had many other appearances in adverts and general Spitfires articles.
The car had a full body off restoration which was completed in 2008, just in time to go to France for the Le Mans Classic. Overall this restoration work has produced a wonderful, very usable car. However, it was not done with concours in mind, rather to ensure she was as close to original spec as possible, bar the carpets – rubber mats not being available – and the OD gearbox.
The car has a few features not found on slightly later cars as the car's design was improved. She has the earlier longer rear wing chrome trim and original B post cappings, also the very early passenger grab handle.
The car is fitted with a later overdrive gearbox, operated via foot dip switch – the early MK 1 Spitfires did not have an overdrive option, (However, this was made available on 1964 cars and it really enhances the driving experience, and fuel economy).
Some things could be improved. For example the original 1962 bumpers would benefit from re-chroming, if that is what you want, but the car drives nicely and is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner who can decide whether to keep it as it is or to bring it up to a higher standard if that is their wish.
