The vehicle was based on a design produced for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. In 1962, the British company Triumph introduced a two-seater sports car named the Spitfire. The engine used a revised camshaft and a distributor with idle speed ignition timing retarded to address emissions. Water in the sills: also take a look at the leading edge of each sill; theres a good chance of holes here. 13 Appliance mesh wheels are wrapped in taller Sumitomo rubber that rub at slow speeds. There's a problem with connection to server. We also offer classic motorcycle values and classic truck values. The interior received a wood-veneer instrument surround and a smaller, 15-inch, wire spoked steering wheel. Pioneer after market CD player with USB. Steering: the rack-and-pinion steering is unlikely to have any problems, as it isnt under much strain, despite the Spitfires fabulously tight turning circle. It remained unchanged until 1979 when it gained large, rubber bumpers before bowing out entirely in 1980. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Assembled at Canley in August 1980 shortly before the factory closed, the last Spitfire was an Inca Yellow UK-model including the factory hardtop and overdrive options. Theres a good chance that youll pay over the odds for a car that needs plenty of work. Budget for a top end rebuild. This extra clean Spitfire is rust free and has a comprehensive frame on restoration. Home Markets Garage or $324/mo. Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home 1979 VW Beetle convertible. This was a different approach than that taken with the Triumph GT6 Mk II (GT6+) and Triumph Vitesse Mark 2, both of which received new lower wishbones and Rotoflex half-shaft couplings. Classics on Autotrader is your one-stop shop for the best classic cars, muscle cars, project cars, exotics, hot rods, classic trucks, and old cars for sale. Good quality. Propshaft: if the propshaft needs balancing, therell be a vibration at a certain road speed, which disappears once you accelerate. $24,997 Dealership CC-1714967 1978 Triumph Spitfire $9,995 Dealership CC-1708132 [1] The Mark III continued production into 1971, well after introduction of the Mark IV. [10] More than 75 per cent of this number had been exported outside the UK, including 45 per cent to the US and 25 per cent to mainland European markets. As no six-cylinder version ever appeared as might have been planned, the Spitfire 4 moniker was phased out as insignificant. The model was named after the famed Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane of World War II.[7]. Horsepower was increased thanks to engine tuning, a redesigned camshaft, and new intake and exhaust manifolds. The design used body-on-frame construction, augmented by structural components within the bodywork and rear trailing arms attached to the body rather than the chassis. Your bid has been posted in the comment flow on the listing, and you can see other bids there as they happen. [4] It was manufactured at the Standard-Triumph Canley works, with approximately 315,000 produced over 18 years.[5]. #1 Concours condition #2 Excellent condition #3 Good condition #4 Fair condition Let us watch the market for you Thats just as well because there are various bits that can give trouble but its all very cheap and beautifully simple to put right. Toledo Toledo (R4 cyl, 1296 cc, 58 bhp) Saloon 2-dr Saloon 4-dr. The engine was now rated at 63 horsepower for the UK market, with a 9:1 compression ratio and twin SU HS2 carburetors. This filter features a non-return valve to stop the oil draining back into the sump when the car is left; if theres much rattling when the car is started up, its because the crankshafts big-end bearings have had it, probably because the correct type of filter hasnt been fitted. Roadside services provided by/thru Cross Country Motor Club except in AK, CA, HI, OR, WI & WY where services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit. For all Hagerty Insurance clients: The values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. The Spitfire used a shortened Herald chassis, with many outriggers cut off and stiffening built into the sills instead to give it a low floor. , had already created a prototype of the Spitfire, it was delayed and eventually shelved indefinitely. A revised hardtop also became available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen. As did many manufacturers who used a swing axle arrangement (e.g., Mercedes, Renault, Volkswagen), Triumph would later modify the rear suspension. If so please use the bidding box above. In the event of a claim, the guaranteed value(s) on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. All Spitfire engine numbers start with an F: FC in the case of the MkI/MkII, FD for the MkIII, FH for the MkIV (but FK for US cars) and FH for the 1500 (FM for US cars). Theoriginal soft top and frame require restoration and are not currently fitted, though they are included in the sale. Other issues includea small leak from the oil pan gasket, and a clutch system that requires are-bleed to improve the shifting performance of the four-speed gearbox. If it needs replacing, consider upgrading to a higher ratio. (The less powerful North American version continued to use a single Zenith Stromberg carburetor and an 8.5:1 compression ratio) due to the German DIN system; the output was the same for the early Mark IV. built 226,526 Mpg 30-42 0-60mph 12.3 secs Top speed 101mph Price new 928 (1971) Price now 3-5000+. If you don't win, your existing pre-authorization will be released. Thanks to the Spitfire's striking good looks, Leyland executives approved production without hesitation. Congratulations! The Triumph Spitfire has been a card-carrying classic for decades, and values are finally out of banger territory across the range. The worst case scenario is a rebuilt overdrive for around 250. Thinking of buying a future classic? There were three different engines fitted throughout the life of the Spitfire, with each one also fitted to other models in the Triumph range. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. Sills: start by looking at the integrity of the sills; the area where they meet the rear wings is where corrosion is the most likely, and once rot takes a hold, long-lasting repairs will require skill. The first thing to check in the event of non-engagement is that the electrics are working okay; theyre often the main cause of problems. If not, the oil level has probably fallen below the minimum. Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today, This Is How Much A Ferrari F40 Is Worth Today, Here's How Much A Classic Jaguar SS100 Is Worth Today, This Chevrolet Corvette C8 Widebody Could Be Inspiration For The New ZR1, Pontiac Grand Prix: The Original Muscle Car Is Back For 2023 With Bold Intentions, This 2024 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Concept Proves GM Gave Up On Muscle Cars Too Soon, 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Here's What We Know, 10 Overrated Electric Crossovers We Wouldn't Waste Our Money On, The Owner Of This Neglected Lexus LS 400 Gets A Massive Repair Bill He Wasn't Expecting. A limited number of U.S. market 1970s were adorned with an RAF style "Spitfire" badge (U.K. models had a plain badge without the RAF roundel) that rested in the right corner (car opposing point of view) of the bonnet. Keep a copy in your records or to share with others later, Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles. The Triumph Spitfire is a British sports car and manufactured over five production iterations between 1962-1980. The interior dashboard was updated; the instruments were now in front of the driver rather than in the center console. Check the steering for knocks rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. The remaining leaves were mounted to pivot freely thereby eliminating the worst characteristics of the original swing-axle design. While the Mk IV's speed suffered from new American emissions regulations, it did feature a notable revision to the car's rear suspension, which remedied the oversteer common in earlier models. Rot is the main problem with these cars, but the body is largely single-skin and the chassis is easy to inspect on a ramp. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Buy wisely and you should enjoy many years together. 1975 Triumph Spitfire 45,504 mi $ 13,950 or $230/mo 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed manual gear box. Basic items such as rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel helped keep the Spitfire inexpensive. It claimed a top speed of 96 mph and a reduced 0 - 60 time of 14.8 seconds. Never sold to the public, it remains on display at the British Motor Museum. The car was largely based upon the chassis of the Triumph Herald saloon, but shortened and . Your daily digest of everything happening on the site. Free delivery for many products! Checking for missed updates, BaT Auctions Presents: The Monterey Touring Vehicles Collection from Mohr Imports, Live from The BaT Alumni Gathering: Randy Nonnenberg on The Horsepower Heritage Podcast, 4/27 Video Inspiration: Lapping Le Mans In Dearborn. In its first iteration, the car was referred to as both the Spitfire Mk I and the Spitfire 4, in reference to the I4 powerplant. The result was a design similar to the Triumph 2000 and Triumph Stag. Copyright Autovia Ltd 2023. The Mk IV and 1500, due mainly to the steps backward in performance from earlier Spitfires, sell for slightly less. [1] Top speed was now at the 100mph (160km/h) mark, and 0 to 60mph (97km/h) was reached in 13.2 seconds. Check the steering for knocks - rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. This 1973 Triumph Spitfire has been with the seller for two years and is in driver condition with 73k miles. A rebuilt engine costs 1340. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. [12] The separate "Triumph" letters on the front of the bonnet were removed and "Triumph" and "Spitfire" rectangular badges were used in the front, rear sides and rear. The instrument panel was moved in front of the driver, and new seats were introduced with integrated headrests to help against whiplash. The engine was also detuned to meet new emissions regulations. The remaining leaves were mounted to pivot freely eliminating the worst characteristics of the original swing-axle. The diff should be quiet and relatively clonk-free; it is prone to leak especially if the breather is blocked so topping up may help. 4 Speed Manual Tra, 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Why This Car Is Special The 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible is a, Gateway Classic Cars of Indianapolis is proud to offer this 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. Average fuel consumption was 31 mpg. Second-hand hoods and frames are readily available, so dont reject a car if it doesnt have a hood the chances are that such cars will have been better looked after and stayed drier inside. During the 2007 restoration, the suspension received a complete overhaul with a new steering rack, new shocks, springs, control arms, and pivot parts. During the restoration, it received a full body repaint and a suspension rebuild that includednew shocks, springs, control arms, pivots, and a new steering rack. 1- family owned, and 25,000 original miles per previous owner. The twin SU carburettors now included overrun valves in the throttle discs and anti-tampering features on carburettor fuel-air mixture nuts.[11]. Many know the company either for its popular TR series, which was built throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, or for its early days as a motorcycle manufacturer, which led to the establishment of the separate Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd. (since revived as Triumph Motorcycles). 1973:A 1500 edition makes its entrance, for the US market only. Features Power Transmission: 4 Manual Production Figures Handling Recall Information provided by NHTSA Data updated January 2023 1973 Averages You're the high bidder. First sold in 1962 and staying in production for a whopping 18 years, the Spitfire embodied the essence of the mid-century British convertible. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. 2016, 2017 and 2018. 1972 Triumph Spitfire. BaT MOTO Alumni Gathering: May 6 at The Quail in Carmel, CARegister Now. Listen out for rattling and blue smoke. Beware 2-litre conversions unless based entirely on a GT6 chassis Spitfire running gear cant handle the weight and power. For more info, read about our auctions or email us with any questions. Use Classics on Autotrader' intuitive search tools to find the best classic car, muscle car, project car, classic truck, or hot rod. However, if the panel fit is all over the place at the front, theres a good chance the front chassis rail, to which the valance attaches, has been knocked out of true. MkI and MkII Spitfires were fitted with an 1147cc engine, but because these early cars are rare, youre unlikely to find a car with one of these rather gutless powerplants. In the UK the 9:1 compression ratio, less restrictive emissions control equipment, and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models,[1] led to the most powerful variant to date. Longer-ratio diffs are desirable for non-overdrive cars. The stock exhaust manifold has been replaced by a header, and a Pertronix flamethrower electronic ignition has been added. Look for signs of overheating: recore the radiator every 10 years and youll have no problems. [4] Wire wheels and a hard top were also available.[4]. III's final production year (1970) included an integrated rear reverse and license plate lamp, side lamps at the front and rear and new badging. Anti-roll bar: the anti-roll bar links can also break, but at just 8 each thats nothing to worry about. [1] The coil-spring design clutch of the Mark I was replaced with a Borg & Beck diaphragm spring clutch; North American models retained the coil-spring housing and were also equipped with ACDelco distributors. Rear overriders were deleted and bumper mounted reversing lights became standard (initially as two separate lights on either side of the number plate, latterly as a single light in a new unit above the number plate). The wheel arches were flared, which gave it a more aggressive stance. The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such received rather basic trim by today's standards, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2022 Ram 1500; The Spitfire was first conceived to answer the Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite, an affordable, small sportscar that the average Englishman could take out for a fun weekend drive. Classifieds for Classic Triumph Spitfire. A super little machine that fits like a glove and feels remarkably sporting for its limited pace. During nearly two decades of production the engine grew, the bodywork was restyled and the suspension honed to make the cars handling more predictable. RELATED:Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today. Water will get in, wreaking havoc throughout the sill. It produced 63 horsepower and 67 ft-lb. Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home Values This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for Hardtops rust, so check around the front lip and side/rear windows. [14] Options such as the hard top, tonneau cover, map light and overdrive continued to be popular, but wire wheels ceased to be available. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Suspension: thanks to the flip-up bonnet, the Spitfires front suspension is simplicity itself to work on. . The rubber steering rack mounts can also perish, usually after theyve been marinaded in leaked engine oil. Engines: the 1147cc and 1296cc engines are very durable, but all Spitfire engines must have the correct oil filter fitted if theyre not to expire prematurely. Get 1973 Triumph Spitfire trim level values and reviews. These cars were essentially MkIV's with 1500 badges and engine. Did you mean to enter this number as a bid? Distributor and camshaft wear take the edge off performance. MkIV Spitfires are especially prone to these problems; listen for rumbling from the bottom end as the engine ticks over. Slightly revised bonnet pressings were carried over. Also listen for whining, indicating that the gears have worn, or rumbling, which signifies the bearings are on their way out. Panelfit is a good guide to the quality of restoration and likelihood of problems: dont be taken in by shiny paint alone. X. Suspension: the rear suspension can also give problems, but its generally easy to overhaul, with one key exception; the wheel bearings. 4 cyl., 79.10 CID., 58.00hp $2,650 - $2,650 Michelottis clever MkIV restyle for the 70s helped the car last to late 1980 with the long-stroke 1493cc unit, kept in production like the Midget due to BLs inability to replace it. Most cars have been restored by now and originality is hard to find; suspension systems, exhausts, engines and wheels are often upgraded so dont expect to find a time-warp car. The repaintin Gunmetal Grey Metallic shows agood shine over a straight body. Your CA Privacy Rights (Shine the Light) If the small British sports cars of the early '60s are the topic at hand, though, the chances are that it's one of Triumph's classic roadsters, which you will picture. In 1970, Michelotti once again turned his attention to the car, cleaning up the front and rear and engineers finally resolved the treacherous swing axles. The car was an instant hit and outsold BMCs Spridget rivals, ultimately sharing its 1500 engine with the last Midgets. The front end was revised with a new bonnet pressing, eliminating the weld lines on top of the wings, door handles were recessed, the convertible top received squared-off corners. Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. Overdrive is a highly desirable extra; if not fitted, budget to convert. Les meilleures offres pour For Triumph Spitfire & GT6 1968-1973 New KYB Rear Shock Absorber TCP sont sur eBay Comparez les prix et les spcificits des produits neufs et d'occasion Pleins d'articles en livraison gratuite! The mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of the sleek lines of a Lamborghini Miura. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc. The overdrive sliding switch, which had been located on the steering column, could now be found on the gear knob. US 1973 & 74 cars (FM commission numbers) received the 1500cc engine (to try to counteract the strangulating emissions regs in the US) while the rest of the world stayed Mk4's with 1296cc engine. 1973 Triumph Spitfire This is a cosmetically freshened 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that has been a rust-free California and Arizona car since new. Research, compare, and save listings, or contact sellers directly from 28 Triumph models in Dover-Foxcroft, ME. The Austin-Healey Sprite had proven there was a demand for small cars with sporty intentions. The 1980 model was the last and the heaviest Spitfire, weighing 1,875lb (850.5kg). Like new 1979 new tires new breaks new shocks everything is, Car has new fuel tank, new hydraulic clutch, new seat upholstery, new carpet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enable JavaScript to engage in the discussion on this site. Triumph 1973 Toledo 1500 - discontinued in October 1500 TC - new model in October Dolomite 2000 / 2.5PI Mk II Spitfire Mk IV GT6 Mk 3 - discontinued TR6 Stag Great Britain . All rights reserved.Auto Express is a registered trade mark. The doors were given recessed handles, the front end was changed now featuring a plastic grille and plastic bumper underrider covers. Your bid of $ is $ more that the current high bid of $. Its great fun, but less practical overall than the more spacious and comfortable Spitfire; rot is also a bit more difficult to repair. The Triumph Spitfire Mk II, launched in 1965, was very similar to its predecessor but with a more highly tuned engine. However, the 060 time of 14 seconds was still faster than the Mark II. We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience, personalize content and ads, and analyze how our sites are used. 1965 saw the introduction of the Spitfire Mk II. Always raise the top before your test drive it will help you to hear noises from the drivetrain (especially the differential) and to assess the fit of the hood. The Cost Of A Classic Triumph Spitfire The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. This improvement was short-lived, however, as the ratio was again reduced to 7.5:1 for the remaining years of production. The rear end was redesigned, resulting in improved cargo space. Worn universal joints are given away by clonks as the drive is taken up when moving off in forward or reverse. Please try again later or you may try to reload page. A sloppy gear-change is easily cured with new bushes. 1962:Spitfire breaks cover, with 1147cc engine. Find out how much a 1973 Triumph Spitfire is worth and Triumph Spitfire used car prices. (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. The first three generations of Spitfire featured the same four-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on all gears except first.