Highlights
- Body off restoration completed eight years ago by Anglia Triumph Services
- Lovingly maintained and correctly dry stored
- Great history file from the current owners time with the vehicle
- Desirable 1500 model
The Appeal
Based on the Herald, the Spitfire was made possible by the former cars separate chassis design - ensuring that while the designer, Giovanni Michelotti, could put a pen to paper and design a nice new set of overalls. Rebodying the already existing chassis not only made for a cost effective approach, it also allowed Triumph to expand its range far wider than a monocoque could have done with the same amount of cash.
This particular example is the later and largely desirable 1500 model, produced between 1974 and 1980, fitted with the more powerful 1,493cc engine increasing the torque greatly thanks to an increased cylinder stroke - making for a much more drivable car on the streets. Thanks to a loving restoration done on the car somewhat eight years ago, the vehicle presents itself in lovely condition and thanks to some careful custodianship from the current owner over the last two years, it still remains to be in very charming condition - it may not be concours, but sometimes that's what makes cars perfect.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 1st of April 1977
- V5C present and in the current owners name
- Haynes manual present with the vehicle
- 16 previous owners, last purchased from an auction by the current keeper
- Body off restoration completed around eight years ago by Anglia Triumph Services
- Some photos of the restoration process are available with the vehicle
- Vehicle colour changed from the original red to green, akin to the favourite British Racing Green
- Servicing and most other works carried out by Enginuity Triumph in Acton, London
- Completely new suspension setup including shocks, springs and leaf springs carried out under the current owner in the last two years, along with a number of other mechanical works
- Dry stored during the current keepers ownership
- Taken on multiple road trips proving to be undoubtedly reliable thanks to the mechanical work carried out
- December of 2020 seen an MOT failure for front vehicle structure corrosion, however this was a patch in the passenger side footwell which was immediately professionally cut out and repaired by Enginuity Triumph
- Recently professionally cleaned
The Interior
- Retrimmed during the restoration process
- Soundproofing applied to the rear and the floors
- Heat proofing applied to the interior firewall
- Pioneer radio and speakers
- Momo style steering wheel (original wheel can be provided with the vehicle)
- Chrome rear view mirror (original can be provided with the vehicle)
- Walnut dashboard
- Dash panel in great condition with no apparent cracks or damage
- Hard top roof lining is said to be in poor condition and could do with being retrimmed
- Very small tear in the driver's seat located right in the centre
- Leather on the seats, door cards and the centre armrest all appears in fantastic condition aside from the aforementioned tear
- Floor carpets in great condition throughout
- Spare wheel located in the boot featuring the leather cover
- Boot carpets in fantastic condition
- Overall a very charming and well maintained interior, somewhere you could easily spend a lot of time in!
The Exterior
- Repainted in green from the original red during the restoration process
- Paintwork remains to this day in very nice condition with just some small signs of age in the form of paint bubbles, located on the bonnet, front bumper, bootlid and side skirt
- Some small signs of corrosion at the base of the hard top
- Some gentle signs of corrosion on the passenger side front wing
- Brand new wing mirrors fitted to the vehicle
- Small blemish located on the front chrome bumper, we’re told this could be buffed out
- Convertible roof seemingly in lovely condition, waterproofing has been applied to prevent the ingress of any water
- Leather tonneau cover present and in fantastic shape
- Brightwork appears to be in good condition with just some gentle patina on the door handles
- Wire spoke wheels are in great shape
- GT6 style rear exhaust exits
- Front and rear lights in great condition with no signs of any damage
The Mechanics
- 1,493cc inline four cylinder engine
- Four speed manual transmission with optional overdrive
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- In the last two years, the following has been carried out:
- Full new suspension set up including shocks, springs and leaf springs
- Professionally cut and replaced corroded floor panel in the passenger footwell
- Head gasket has been replaced
- New ignition system
- New stainless steel exhaust system with GT6 style exits (the original exhaust can be provide with the vehicle)
- Exhaust headers wrapped in professional grade exhaust lagging to help keep the engine bay run colder and smoother
- New fuel pump and fuel filter
- Carburettors reconditioned
- Excellently maintained and dry stored with the current owner
- Reported to drive wonderfully, successfully completing multiple 200+ mile road trips with no hiccups
- Engine bay is wonderfully presented
- It should be noted that the choke should be rewired, occasionally required to lift the bonnet to manually release. It has been reported that this is a relatively simple and straightforward fix
Summary
With a name like Spitfire and charming looks, it’s no surprise that this little B-road cruiser withstood the test of time. The vehicle's restoration brought life back into the car, however thanks to it being done a good eight years ago and having been used over the years it remains to have its little hints of patina and character - making it that bit more appealing to anyone looking for a fantastic little top-down runner.
You’ll struggle to have more fun at this price point, and you’ll be doing it while turning heads down every street you drive down - guaranteed!
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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