There really isn’t a more quintessentially British moniker than ‘Spitfire’ is there? A name that speaks of heroism and victory, desire and respect, it’s no wonder that Triumph chose it for their rakish new roadster back in 1962. And the formula proved so popular that the Spitfire lived on for a full five generations, right up to 1980.

 The example we have here is arguably the sweet spot in the oeuvre, the much-admired Mk3. This was the version built from 1967-70, featuring the robust 1296cc four-pot with the 4-speed ’box. This car is particularly interesting, not just for its generous ticking of the options box (it has the optional wire wheels and the overdrive transmission), but also for the fact that – quite incredibly – it’s only had one owner from new!

With a decent history file and evidence of some useful and desirable works having been carried out – including a replacement roof and a new rear diff – this is an honest and usable car that runs really sweetly and is thoroughly entertaining to drive.

 

It’s a properly attractive piece of design, isn’t it? The Italians call elegant and curvaceous roadsters like this ‘barchetta’ (meaning ‘little boat’) and it feels very appropriate for this tastefully styled little soft-top. It wears its years well too; yes, you’ll spot a little surface corrosion creeping beneath the paint here and there at the extremities, but it’s a car with good bones that looks to be impressively straight beneath. The white paint suits its character well, and the chrome trim is gleaming – particularly those shiny new bumpers.

The light lenses and window glass are all tidy and correct, as is the correct badging, and the car rides on a set of desirable wire wheels with matching Uniroyal tyres.

The engine is the Spitfire’s party piece. If you think the car looks good, just wait till you fire up that characterful 4-pot motor! The 1296cc unit may have been shared with the sober Triumph 1300 saloon, but don’t go thinking it’s sensible – sucking gleefully through its twin carbs, this engine is a proper little hellraiser that makes a positively glorious noise from the exhaust as you stretch its legs through the revs. It appears to be in fine fettle too, starting instantly on the first turn of the key and idling smoothly. At some point in its life it’s also been fitted with an uprated Kenlowe fan, operated by a switch on the dash.

 This car was specced with the optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive, which operates on 3rd and 4th gears. It rides impressively well on its suspension (if you’re used to harsh and crashy 1960s roadsters, the levels of comfort here really will surprise you), and the complete package is one that’s designed to thrill. A really enjoyable car to drive.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]