Trim: similarly, the trim shouldnt pose any problems as most of it is being remanufactured. The rubber steering rack mounts can also perish, usually after theyve been marinaded in leaked engine oil. Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. It overheated when I bought it, but a new oversized radiator cured that. Engine all-iron, ohv 1147/1296/1493cc four, with twin 11/4/11/2in SU/Stromberg (late US cars) carbs; 63bhp @ 5750rpm-71bhp @ 5500rpm; 67lb ft @ 3500rpm-82lb ft @ 3000rpm, Transmission four-speed manual, with optional overdrive on third/fourth, driving rear wheels, Suspension: front double wishbones, coils, anti-roll bar rear transverse leaf spring, fixed-length driveshafts, radius arms, swing-spring from 1970; telescopic dampers f/r, View all Triumph Spitfireclassic cars for sale in our classified listings, The enduring charm of the Triumph Spitfire 4, Separated at birth: Saab 99 vs Triumph Dolomite, Malcolm McKay is a regular contributor to Classic & Sports Car. We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience, personalize content and ads, and analyze how our sites are used. 1973 Triumph Spitfire MKIV 1300 Two Months and A Thousand - YouTube 2016, 2017 and 2018. Check the steering for knocks rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. The result on all these cars was improved handling. Overdrive is a highly desirable extra; if not fitted, budget to convert. All Spitfires should have adequate braking for modern traffic; if not, allow for a rebuild. , a concours condition example, today will fetch about $16,500, as will the similar Mk Is and IIIs. IV engine displaced 1,296cc (79.1cuin) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. Triumph was caught flat-footed by rival BMCs introduction of the Austin-Healey Sprite and the MG Midget. While the rest of the world saw 1500s with a compression ratio of 8.0:1, the American market model was fitted with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor and a compression ratio reduced to 7.5:1 to allow it to run on lower octane unleaded fuel. During nearly two decades of production the engine grew, the bodywork was restyled and the suspension honed to make the cars handling more predictable. Draughts are inevitable, but many soft-tops could be better fitted. The easiest way to check this is to push and pull on the front pulley; any detectable movement means possible disaster as the crankshaft and block could ultimately be wrecked. With an experienced team and a lot of data. In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance. Michelotti was commissioned in 1970 to redesign the Spitfire. 1493cc/57hp 2x1bbl Add to watchlist Sorry. 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. Current value for 1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE collector cars. l4 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated [Clutch Slave Cylinder] . The older saloon's drum brakes were replaced upfront with discs, and the body was made stiffer to aid in performance around the corners. Even if you do find a first or second-generation car, the chances are the engine will have been swapped for a later unit by now. Drivetrain vibration or knocking may just be worn universal joints in the prop or driveshafts, or soggy mountings: fairly cheap to repair. Listen out for rattling and blue smoke. The most desirable Spitfires are those with odd numbers; the delicate and pretty Mk1, the powerful Mk3, and the usable 1500. U.S. pollution and safety regulations began to hit the Spitfire after 1967 with the Mk III heralding revised (and less attractive bumpers) and less horsepower in spite of a displacement increase to nearly 1.3 liters. (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. Here is a great example of a 1970 Triumph Spitfire convertible. Thrills dont come much cheaper than with one of these; even less costly than an equivalent MG Midget or B, the Spitfire is perhaps the cheapest way of enjoying topless motoring. 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. This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. I hope you enjoy these videos of me working on and playing with or driving my Triumph Spitfire . Entering production in '62, the Triumph Spitfire featured a few improvements mechanically when compared to the Herald on which it was based. All Rights Reserved. Even with twin SU carbs, the Heralds tiny 1.1 liter engine made little power and the swing axle rear suspension made for potentially hazardous handling near the limit. Theoriginal soft top and frame require restoration and are not currently fitted, though they are included in the sale. $4,500. Rover, Land Rover, and Triumph were not part of British Motor Holdings but became part of British Leyland in 1968. http://www.motorgraphs.com/heritage/malines-belgium-factory-leyland-triumph-1972_a156434.aspx, SPITTY TIPS 19. 1965 saw the introduction of the Spitfire Mk II. Copyright Autovia Ltd 2023. Thankfully, after Leyland Motors acquired triumph, Michelotti's design was rediscovered. 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. Here's How Much A Classic Triumph Spitfire Is Worth Today - HotCars Its been repainted with new upholstery, new. Product worked and fit as expected. Michelotti made the prototype in 1960; two years later Triumph found the funds to produce it. Later American-spec models are even more hampered, with 5mph bumpers, extra rear outriggers and a single carb; the speedo only goes up to 80mph. More rot: so too can the A-posts, wheelarches (inner and outer) plus the headlamp surrounds and front valance. Values Reference Profiles Exotics Order MENU 1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 4cyl 1493cc (57hp SAE) 4M #4 #3 #2 #1: 1500 Roadster : 3200: 6700: 11700: 17800: Profile Condition Truck Table. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Springs and dampers: the only other likely problem, apart from worn or leaking shock absorbers, which are easy to replace, is a sagging leaf spring. Protect your 1973 Triumph Spitfire from the unexpected. We empower classic and exotic car buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts with insights for the collector car industry - including market values, price comparisons, listing alerts and more. Online quotes are fast and easy. There are plenty of project Spitfires about, but if you want to restore the car properly, even at home, youll be doing well to break even if you buy something that needs a complete overhaul. 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. This fun and proper sports car has enjoyed 95,000 original miles. Free delivery for many products! Thrust washers: a problem that affects the 1296cc engine all too often is worn thrust washers, given away by excessive fore-aft movement of the crankshaft. Buy wisely and you should enjoy many years together. 1967:The MkIII arrives, with a 1296cc engine, a hood thats much easier to use and revised styling. 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. The Mk III saw an increase in top speed and acceleration thanks to the new 75 horsepower engine. 2 Door Roadster. For Triumph Spitfire & GT6 1968-1973 New KYB Rear Shock Absorber TCP [1] The factory claimed that at highway speeds (70mph (110km/h)) the car achieved 38.1 miles per imperial gallon (7.41L/100km; 31.7mpgUS).[1]. 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. Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith: somebody please talk me out of this, Video: The Classic & Sports Car Show 2018 highlights, Corrosion can penetrate almost everywhere, so thoroughly inspect the chassis and body. Exterior trim featured a new grille and badges, and the interior featured revised seats, covering most exposed surfaces with rubber cloth. All Spitfires are attractive, inexpensive to maintain, easy to find parts for and offer a great deal of fun for the money. The cabin presents well with somewear present on the dash pad, wood fascia, and door panels. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Itis sold with a factory hardtop and a clear California title. The Spitfire's introduction was delayed by its company's financial troubles in the early 1960's and was subsequently announced shortly after Standard Triumph was taken over by Leyland Motors. Bucket-list classics: whats on your list? 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 2dr Convertible 4-cyl. Triumph GT6 -Ultimate Review for Car Enthusiasts - Sports Car Digest A lack of originality isnt generally an issue (although it may be to you), but poor restorations are a problem because many home restorers cut their teeth on cars like the Spitfire. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. [4] It was manufactured at the Standard-Triumph Canley works, with approximately 315,000 produced over 18 years.[5]. The stock exhaust manifold has been replaced by a header, and a Pertronix flamethrower electronic ignition has been added. We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Because the Spitfire was generally the most highly tuned of the lot, you need to make sure the engine fitted is the one that belongs there, as less powerful units are often substituted from other Triumph models. Your CA Privacy Rights (Shine the Light) It was progressively improved from the charming 1147cc Spitfire 4 and MkII to the livelier 1296cc MkIII. Classic & Sports Car values them at just under $12,400 for a concours condition car. Buying Guide: Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980) | Hagerty UK Full wheel covers of two styles were used including the 1969 introduced model with "SPITFIRE" circumscribing the hub and a unique derivative without the branding. It sold well in the US, where it was cheaper than a Midget; some have been imported to the UK. I have no intention of parting with it, but I am planning to fit an overdrive gearbox.. Even in subsequent versions of the car, the engine always remained an inline-four. During the 2007 restoration, the suspension received a complete overhaul with a new steering rack, new shocks, springs, control arms, and pivot parts. Viable projects can still be found for around 850. It produced 63 horsepower and 67 ft-lb. Classic Triumph Stag For Sale | Hemmings 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. Then take a look at thesepotential future classics Not every car manufacturer will survive the Chinese revolution, BYD overtaking VW in China signals a tectonic shift in the global car industry. 3rd owner. 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. 5,450. In 1970, the rear suspension was decambered, by incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". Far more Spitfires were sold in the US than the UK (80%), though few have come back; emissions equipment took the MkIV 1300 down to 48bhp and US cars used a detuned 1500 from 73. The Mk. The interior dashboard was updated; the instruments were now in front of the driver rather than in the center console. /valuation-tools/Triumph/Spitfire/1973/1973-Triumph-Spitfire-Mk_IV Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. 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. Bodywork was bolted to the much-modified Herald chassis, the outer rails and the rear outriggers having been removed; with structural outer sills to stiffen the overall design. Popular in street and rally racing, Spitfires won numerous SCCA National Sports Car Championships in F and G Production classes; won its class at the 1964 Tour de France rally, coming in second overall, and won the 1964 Geneva Rally. The Herald's rack and pinion steering and coil-and-wishbone front suspension carried over, having derived from systems used by the former Alford & Alder company that had been acquired by Standard-Triumph in 1959. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Base Price : $3,000. The same goes for the rest of the front suspension; there are all sorts of potential weak spots but theyre all quickly and cheaply fixed. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Market - CLASSIC.COM by babetskt Jun 12, 2019. The mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of the sleek lines of a Lamborghini Miura. A heater and seat belts were now standard equipment. Popular Cars for Sale. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. The Triumph Spitfire Mk II, launched in 1965, was very similar to its predecessor but with a more highly tuned engine. 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. While British cars of the '60s (and other periods) have a reputation for failing to hold up. Cosmetically, the wood dash was replaced with a matte black finished assembly intended to imitate an aircraft cockpit. The front bumper was raised in response to new crash regulations, and the front coil springs were slightly raised. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. We introduce a new project and a new author as 2012-10-14er Tim Suddard's son, Tommy, tackles the restoration of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire on a teenagers budget. These cars were essentially MkIV's with 1500 badges and engine. 1973 Triumph Spitfire - conceptcarz.com Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. The seller notes that the energy absorbing bumper covers were removed when the car was painted. Giovanni Michelotti, Triumphs favorite Italian designer came up with a design for the Herald chassis that unlike the Sprite and Midget, was truly beautiful. 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. I would purchase again but expect this one to last a long time. The worst case scenario is a rebuilt overdrive for around 250. 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). One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. Get 1973 Triumph Spitfire trim level values and reviews. If the car has been in a major shunt, the damage will be obvious; any prang big enough to distort the main chassis will have wrecked the cars delicate panels. Unfortunately, the Spitfire fell victim to Triumph's existing financial troubles. and enthusiasts with insights for the collector car industry - including market values, price comparisons, listing alerts and more. [9], In UK specification the in-line four produced 63bhp (47kW) at 5,750rpm, and 67lbft (91Nm) of torque at 3,500rpm. CLASSIC CARS. Everything is available and there isnt anything thats a problem to fit. [6] Select a vehicle trim below to get a valuation. The engine was also detuned to meet new emissions regulations. Synchro: synchromesh is usually the first thing to go, so check if theres any baulking as you go up and down the gears. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. Power - NADAguides Has very good convert, 1975 Triumph Spitfire British Sports Car 4 cylinder 1500cc engine 4 speed manual transmission.Starts, 1980 Triumph Spitfire Originally from Florida 1980 Triumph Spitfire seats gray, have black covers ne, 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed, 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. The car was an instant hit and outsold BMCs Spridget rivals, ultimately sharing its 1500 engine with the last Midgets. Are you looking to buy your dream classic car? Budget for a top end rebuild. The Triumph Spitfire has been a card-carrying classic for decades, and values are finally out of banger territory across the range. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, province and other factors. Theres a good chance that youll pay over the odds for a car that needs plenty of work. You are not connected to real-time updates. Thanks to its separate-chassis construction, Triumphs Herald provided the perfect platform from which to develop a new two-seater open-topped sportscar, even if the mechanicals were derived from the 1953 Standard Eight. The 1980 model was the last and the heaviest Spitfire, weighing 1,875lb (850.5kg). The gearbox gained syncromesh on its bottom gear. Panelfit is a good guide to the quality of restoration and likelihood of problems: dont be taken in by shiny paint alone. The model was named after the famed Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane of World War II.[7]. Mechanicals derived from the Herald saloon/sedan, with the notable addition of front disc brakes. [citation needed] Options included wire wheels, factory hard top and a Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Hardtops rust, so check around the front lip and side/rear windows. Please try again later or you may try to reload page. The "Spitfire 4" name indicated the possibility of the appearance of a six-cylinder version. In SU twin-carburettor form, the engine put out a claimed 75bhp (56kW) at 6,000 rpm, and 75lbft (102Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm, and made the Mark III a comparatively quick car by the standards of the day. The American market Spitfire 1500 is identified by large plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings/fenders. [1] With the addition of a catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculating system, the engine only delivered 53bhp (40kW) (DIN) with a slower 060mph time of 16.3 seconds. However, none of these cars are really fast and none will ever provide the lan of an Elan, but then youre not paying Lotus prices either. Reconnected! Triumph Spitfire Market - CLASSIC.COM 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Original 1500cc Engine in Excellent Running Condition. The easy access to the engine with ample room to make repairs was something no other small car manufacturer was offering at the time. The two small bumpers found on the previous Spitfires were replaced with a single-piece unit. Basic items such as rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel helped keep the Spitfire inexpensive. CAR SPECIFICATIONS - TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MK IV 1971-1974 . Current value for 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE collector cars. 1970 Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars for Sale - Autotrader Classics The rear suspension was also modified which made . The MkIV had been rebuilt; Ive done 45,000 miles in it over the years its my general hack in the summer and it has been extremely reliable. While the rest of the world saw 1500s with a compression ratio of 8.0:1, th Country Classic Cars Click for Phone Staunton, IL 62088 (1,604 miles away) 27 1975 Triumph Spitfire Images are general in nature and may not reflect the specific vehicle selected. Average fuel consumption was 31 mpg. If you don't win, the pre-authorization will be released. 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. Importantly, the heavily criticised rear suspension was decambered, incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". values them at just under $12,400 for a concours condition car. Some bits for early cars are tricky to get hold of however, but if youre looking at a MkIV or 1500, you can re-trim the car to original spec or upgrade it easily and relatively cheaply. BaT MOTO Alumni Gathering: May 6 at The Quail in Carmel, CARegister Now. As no six-cylinder version ever appeared as might have been planned, the Spitfire 4 moniker was phased out as insignificant. [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. Assess the box for worn synchros and a noisy layshaft, heard at tickover in neutral; dip the clutch to see if the noise stops. Like new 1979 new tires new breaks new shocks everything is, Car has new fuel tank, new hydraulic clutch, new seat upholstery, new carpet. [1], On 8 February 1968, Standard-Triumph general manager George Turnbull drove the 100,000th Triumph Spitfire off the Canley production line. Home repairs: many owners restore their Spitfires at home and dont brace the bodyshell when the three-piece sills are replaced, twisting the bodyshell. 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. If not, the oil level has probably fallen below the minimum. Carpeting replaced the original moulded rubber floor mats. Entering production in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire featured a few improvements mechanically when compared to the Herald on which it was based. 1965:MkII edition goes on sale, with more power and a stronger clutch. The four-cylinder engine originates from the Standard Eight of the early 1950s, but is lively enough and can be tuned for more performance. With a focus on the economy, the Spitfire's trim options were not extravagant. 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. A new quieter exhaust gave a sweet distinct note and reduced cabin noise. Your daily digest of everything happening on the site. 1972 Triumph Spitfire. Pioneer after market CD player with USB. If you would like to discuss your Hagerty Insurance policy, please call us at 877-922-9701. It was possible to buy a Spitfire as a Hardtop, with bolt-on roof and no soft-top. [1], For 1964 an overdrive became optional to the four-speed manual gearbox. RELATED:Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today. Boosted to 903cc for 70, the rear-engined, Bertone-styled soft-top was only built in LHD. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for The BaT Service Fee is 5% of the bid, with a minimum of $250 up to a maximum of $5,000. 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. built 226,526 Mpg 30-42 0-60mph 12.3 secs Top speed 101mph Price new 928 (1971) Price now 3-5000+. A super little machine that fits like a glove and feels remarkably sporting for its limited pace. conceptcarz.com . . The Spitfire went on to see three more revisions, the Mk III debuting in 1967, the Mk IV in 1970, and the Spitfire 1500 hitting the roads in 1974. Spitfire & GT 6 Models and Options - Triumph Spitfire 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. Theres not much difference in values between the various Spitfire incarnations; the later cars are more usable but the earlier ones offer greater design purity. Beware rampant rust and poor parts supply. *Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in, Membership by Hagerty Drivers Club (HDC), a non-insurance subsidiary of The Hagerty Group, LLC. 1962 OctSpitfire 4 launched (45,753 made), 1964 Feboptional wires and Hardtop added, also tuning kits giving 70-90bhp, with eight-port cylinder head and twin Weber carbs, 1964 MarSpitfire MkII (37,408 made) replaces 4; carpets, vinyl-trimmed dash, 67bhp, tubular exhaust manifold; 0-60mph 14 secs, 94mph, 1967 MarSpitfire MkIII (65,320 made); 9in higher front bumper, one-piece hood, wood centre dash panel, bigger brake calipers, 1296cc eight-port four, 1969 Alloy-spoke steering wheel, black plastic grille, 41/2in wheels replace 31/2in, new rear lights, 1970 OctSpitfire MkIV (70,021 made); all-synchro gearbox, alternator, higher final-drive ratio, 1974 Dec1500 (95,829 made); stronger, single-rail gearbox, diff ratio raised again, 1979 Jandual-circuit brakes, 5in wheel rims.