Highlights
- 5-speed conversion
- Previously restored
- Subtly upgraded
The Appeal
First released to the world in 1962 the Spitfire would stay in production for a further two decades. This example, a Mk.3, you see before you sit in the middle of the Spitfires generational timeline, and being a 1970 car, it was one of the last Mk.3’s.
Throughout this car's life, it has had a lot of time and money spent to get it to the condition that it is presented in. In 1994 the car went through a full body-off restoration and then further works were completed in 2012, with some smaller works completed in 2021 when the current owner acquired the car.
As you will discover this is a great little car with some amazing upgrades that allow it to be used comfortably day to day.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in May of 1970 this Spitfire has gone on to live a life with many happy, and loving, owners
- During the first 22 years of its life, it had only covered 55,123 miles, or an average of 2500 miles a year.
- In 1994 the car goes through its first restoration, it is completed by Chic Doig and is a complete body off job.
- During the restoration, a reconditioned Mk.4 engine with an unleaded conversion is fitted
- Along with the engine and alternator conversion is completed along with a new stainless-steel exhaust with 4 branch tubular manifolds
- The latter upgrade allows the engine to sing as you explore some of the best B-roads the UK has to offer
- This restoration period was documented with photographs, these can be found in the paperwork bundle.
- During the ’94 restoration the paint was also renewed, swapping the red it left the factory with, in favour of this fetching Triumph blue.
- After some more time spent with different owners, it receives some more recommissioning work in 2012
- Importantly the records show that the mileage increased by less than 2,000 miles during this time so the engine needed little to no work
- The original seats were swapped out for Mk.4 seats, a new rear leaf spring was fitted, along with a Kenlowe fan, a new radiator, x2 immobilisers, and a new hood.
- Although all of this work was carried out to bring a few areas up to scratch there is an addition during this restoration that is incredibly important to know.
- During the 2012 works a 5-speed Ford type 9 gearbox was added, this addition allows the car to turn into a comfortable cruiser.
- The current owner acquired this car in 2021 and upon collection they had to have some works carried out on the brakes, so you will benefit from new front brake callipers/pads and rear shoes
- A shiny new rocker cover was fitted along with a new radiator and heater hoses.
- An oil change and carb tune were also required but it now runs beautifully.
- They also replaced the thermostat and flushed the engine through.
- It now sits in great condition and is just waiting for you to hop in and take it on the next adventure.
- There is a big bundle of paperwork that will come with the car which includes MOTs, the V5, old invoices, and even old parts catalogues.
- It is now time for you to add to the history of this classic English sports car.
The Interior
- Mk.4 seats fitted
- New hood fitted in 2012
- Lovely overall condition
Classic cars always have a delightful interior, and this Spitfire is no different, with such wonderful features such as the analogue dials set into a wood veneered dash and the thin rimmed steering wheel. It really is a pleasure to sit in here and listen to the glorious soundtrack produced by the stainless steel exhaust.
Looking at the interior condition we can see that the majority of the elements are presented very well. The seats, for example, are in great condition with little to no wear, an eagle eyed Spitfire connoisseur will notice that these are in fact from a Mk.4 Spitfire, but they do sit well within the interior of this Mk.3.
The carpets have been replaced during one of the restorations, more than likely the one carried out in 2012, the condition is good on the passenger side footwell but there are a few pulls to the driver’s side carpet, in the boot section you will find a more interesting blue carpet this is where the spare wheel and the small toolkit are found as well.
Turning our attention to the smaller but equally as important features of the interior we can see that these too are present in good condition for you. The more tactile objects like the steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake are all in great condition.
Looking behind the gear knob we find the radio, unfortunately at the moment it doesn’t work but it is incredibly easy to find a single din/classic style radio online these days. Panning up we find the aforementioned wood veneered dash where the beautiful Jaeger dials sit, there is a slight crack to the plastic dash above this section. All of these provide the correct information and on the drive out to the photographic location they displayed the correct temperature.
Looking behind the gear knob we find the radio, unfortunately at the moment it doesn’t work but it is incredibly easy to find a single din/classic style radio online these days. Panning up we find the aforementioned wood veneered dash where the beautiful Jaeger dials sit, there is a slight crack to the plastic dash above this section. All of these provide the correct information and on the drive out to the photographic location they displayed the correct temperature.
The most important feature of the interior of this car is the fact that it is indeed a convertible. When you have the roof up you can see that the interior workings of the hood are in great condition, and when the hood is retracted it sits neatly behind the seats and under a tonneau.
Overall, the interior of this classic is in good condition. Over the years the restoration efforts have preserved it very well and it is now ready for you to hop in and go for a nice summer's evening drive.
The Exterior
- All the chrome work looks excellent
- Presented in a beautiful blue
- Pretty little sports car
Much like the name’s sake of this car, the ever elegant Supermarine Spitfire, the Triumph Spitfire is an exercise in beautiful British design. With swooping lines and a pronounced rear haunch it never looks out of place, whether you are at a high society ball or stopping off outside a Cotswolds café you will always get a few adoring looks your way.
Originally this car left the factory finished in a very striking red, but by the time it had reached the age of 24 it was looking a little worse for wear. After some work to the bodywork the colour was changed in favour of this blue that it now sits before us in, this blue colour compliments the black roof and chrome details very well. The paintwork itself is also still in good condition.
The exterior of a classic car is usually characterised by a lot of chrome, and the exterior of this classic sports car is no different with a lovely chrome front bumper and rear bumper parts. The shiny hubcaps also add to the look.
The exterior condition of the hood is very good, casting your eye over it you will be hard pressed to find an issue with the material. As it was replaced during the 2012 restoration even the plastic rear window is in great condition.
Overall, the exterior condition of this beautiful little sports car is in very good condition, and it will look amazing sitting on your drive.
The Mechanics
- Minimal mileage completed
- Mk.4 engine fitted in ’94
- 5-speed gearbox fitted
Much like the rest of the car the mechanical features are in very good condition. When you get this car out onto the road it feels great, providing you with the thrills of classic motoring and many happy memories long into the future.
During the first restoration in 1994, a few key details were updated and renewed, firstly the engine was replaced in favour of a Mk.4 engine that had been reconditioned and modified to take unleaded fuel. Importantly this engine was put in only 5,000 miles ago. There was also an alternator conversion, and a new stainless steel exhaust with a 4 branch tubular manifold.
After another 20 years on the road, it was time for a little bit more work in 2012. Although it was 20 years since the previous restoration a little under 2,000 miles had been completed in the dry. During the 2012 recommissioning there was a new rear leaf spring fitted, a kenlowe fan, a new radiator, and x2 immobilisers. But the biggest job at this time was to fit a 5-speed Ford Type 9 gearbox, allowing more comfortable cruising.
When the current owner acquired the car in 2021, they had some work carried out on the braking system to rectify some binding. An engine flush and oil change then followed, along with a new thermostat and rocker cover. Under the bonnet does look wonderful now.
The key point to take away from the mechanical section is the small increases in the mileage on an annual basis, the MOT history seems to plot between 200-300 miles a year. An extraordinarily low amount for a car of its age.
Overall, the mechanical aspects are in very good condition and raring to go on your next adventure.
Summary
This is the perfect car for anyone’s collection, with the summer heatwaves rolling through in their droves why not experience them in a classic convertible. With a large history file, a couple of key upgrades, and lovely overall condition this should be your next car in your collection.
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