Oh, I hate the fact that several of the many Triumph projects I have are visible from my window as I type this. Because this 1978 Spitfire is only one county away from me and the overdrive transmission is pretty much worth the asking price if it’s in good shape. It’s located in Raleigh, North Carolina and is listed here on craigslist for only $1,000.
According to the owner, the car has been on blocks for four years and they can’t devote any time to it. Don’t be alarmed by the wheel angles; Spitfires have four wheel independent suspension. I think I have an over rider for that right rear that’s missing if you need one–you can have it if I can find it. The Monza exhaust system is pretty loud on a Spitfire, but some folks like it that way. The bumper sticker is from a local British car repair shop.
Based on the condition of the top, you can probably count on some rusty floor issues. Generally, that’s not too bad on a Spitfire as there are lower parts of the floor that the water pools in, and sometimes you can get away with floor patching rather than replacement. Be sure and check the rear of the floor where the radius arms for the rear suspension attach; rust there is pretty difficult to repair properly.
We’re told the engine only has 7,000 miles on it; based on the interior the car has a lot more. However, let me point out some good points, starting with that overdrive shift knob. There would be no reason to have an overdrive knob on a non-overdrive car, so let’s make the assumption that the transmission really is an overdrive one. I have seen those go for as much as $1,300 even used, although $600-$800 for a used one is probably more realistic. Secondly, someone has already either fitted a new dash pad or a “Coverlay” type hard cover. As we’ve noted before, the wood dashboard can be re-veneered inexpensively at home if you are willing to put in some labor, or replacements are available. Or I’ve seen some covered in vinyl (earlier cars even came that way) that didn’t look bad at all. Obviously, the already reupholstered seats will need it again, but kits are readily available, as are replacement tops. All in all, I’m still trying to talk myself out of calling about this one today–so you do it instead and swing by to pick up any parts you need on the way back to your house!
Overdrive, overdrive, OVERDRIVE,,,seems lately, all the (beater) Spitfires are coming out of the woodwork. They were very popular at one time. Some like them, it’s one of the few British roadsters I don’t care for, like driving a 350cc motorcycle compared to a 1000cc bike, fun, but not AS fun as it could be. While underhood repairs are easy, interior stuff is a bit cramped. So many decent Spitfires ( BF’s, for one) around, I wouldn’t even mess with this one, except to hook the O/D for a decent one.
Actually, Howard, as a long time driver of both, the Spit is surprisingly more roomy inside than a TR4-6, with the one exception of the angle you end up with for your right leg and foot. That caused me to install cruise control (successfully) on one Spitfire I used for long drives.
Hi Jamie, let’s make one thing perfectly clear, I was NOT the one who thumbed you down. ( I don’t participate in that foolishness, up or down) I guess, I would have to say, that’s one of my biggest gripes about a Spitfire, is the driving position. With the steering wheel so far away, it’s “arm’s out, legs out” driving. To be honest, I’ve never driven a TR6, I may not like that either, compared to my MGB, which was a very comfortable car, for me. Some cheap MGBeaters coming thru, maybe I should stick with that.
Howard, I don’t thumb down either. Even as a Triumph lover, I admit an MGB has a more comfortable driving position, especially if you are taller. The only issue there is the low windshield/side windows; I used to feel that I peered out the front in my B’s. MUCH more legroom in a B. Of course, the windshield issue doesn’t apply if the top is down!
Jamie, I saw this one too and thought about sending it to y’all. I gave it some long hard thought too, but I’ve got to control myself for the next year. After that, all bets are off :-)
I need that luggage rack for my 6!
The rack typically fitted to 6’s is more narrow. Same type, though. Ironically, they were also used on period Toyotas, at least in the Southeast. RX-7, they aren’t hard to find if you need one, I have several for each car.
$700, source a 1JZ, R154 and LSD. About six months in the garage with a MIG, imagination, Coors Banquet and prepare for smiles for miles. IMHO, a little too far gone to spend the cash at Moss or British Victoria to restore back to stock. My vote is a tasteful resto-mod for someone with the tools and talent.
Re. the Monza exhaust system. These cars a so small and so low that the Monza system is actually a safety device as on a motorcycle. “Loud pipes save lives “. The way that people drive nowadays is very scary.
Finally, a Spitfire that I believe is priced right. Most of the “projects” seem to be priced too high considering what you can get a good driver for. I’m not saying that this is a “parts” car but you have to look at the value of the parts to determine a fair price for a car like this. It looks like there is some good sheet metal (doors, trunk lid, bonnet). Bumpers also look decent. Obviously the O/D is the most valuable part provided it is there and you can do some basic checks. Same with the engine. If the crank turns by hand then there is some value there. Add up the value of all those parts, subtract the price of hauling the car home and storing the parts until they are sold and that’s about what the car is worth. Then once you get it home you can decide if it’s worth it to get it running, restore it or part it out.
Personally, I would probably lean towards getting it running & safe, replace only the necessary items like the set covers, shine it up a little and then drive the snot out of it. But if I got it home and discovered that the floors, rockers, etc are shot then I know I can sell off the parts and still break even or maybe make a little on the car.
Perfect analysis, Gary!
Come on, Jamie. Spitfires are like Jello, there’s always room for one more!
Uh…no…there are currently 5 Spitfires and 3-1/2 Heralds in the family :-)
There was a Spitfire featured on here about a fortnight ago from Miller, Maryland, and I took a fair old pot-shot at it. I think a few of the regulars to this site thought that I was being smart when I suggested burying it.
This is a car that i see potential in. I have eclectic tastes in cars, and I do like Spitfires. They bring back some fond memories. In fact, the night before my wedding a friend and I went out cruising in his Spitfire just for something to do!
I think that this has the potential (with time and patience) to be restored into a very nice little car. This is one of those moments when I wish that I wasn’t Down Under!
Ha ha.
No.
I had one of these when I lived in Fiji – rusted away unfortunately, but like a youthful romance every time I see a Mk IV I instantly think of the car I once had. BTW parts of it lived on in my lotus 7 replica
I have always wanted one of these cars.I even got to drive one once,had to take off my size 15 work boots to move from gas to break in under 2 min. then had to use my biker goggles to keep wind and such out of eyes(if you saw Ed China on tv drive one thats what I looked like).Have loved these small (to me anyways) wonderful cars sence I can remember.Have always been jealous of you lucky people who look good in these cars.Hope new owner has a blast driving it.Man they are cool.
that drivetrain fits a rb midget, too. with the od.(with a little massaging).
man these things are sex on wheels. they look beautiful. like an old ferrari or something. probably less room than an mgb, but heck of a lot better looking.