From Robert M – A true “Barn Find”, this car has been sitting on blocks, under a tarp in a Dallas carport for 31 years. Originally delivered in the UK in June 1973, the car stayed in England for some years before being brought back to Texas in the late 70s. It was last registered for road use in 1985. I have been told it “ran when parked” in 1985 and had not moved from the carport until this week. This is an early FM series car with a non-emission 1500, euro bumpers, and a desirable over-drive gearbox. With 53K miles showing it is in very good condition. The only rust is some minor surface rust on the rear drivers side lower quarter panel. The floors and battery box are solid. The seat covers are in perfect condition although the foams are shot.
Rust is always the big concern when dealing in little british roadsters like this. They aren’t really valuable enough to justify extensive rust repairs, so it’s nice to know this one is solid. All the mechanical parts are available on the cheap though so it shouldn’t take more than a grand or two to get this one back on the road. Josh and I are both actually busy getting our own Spitfire roadworthy so we can confirm that statement.
Having intact seat covers will help you out though because they are not as cheap as you’d think they’d be. In the photo of the dash, the top cover appears to be uncracked so that should save you a couple hondos too. Clean everything up, change all the fluids, and you should have a fun driver here. You will want to change the thrust washers and keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge to avoid any backroad catastrophes though.
Checkout the “Overseas Visitor” sticker on the windscreen! That would be staying in place as a reminder to this car’s unique history. Spitfires can provide lot of fun for little money and this one looks like a good start. Robert is asking $3,500 for this car and you can contact him here via email if you’re interested. It’s located in Georgetown, Texas and you can view more photos here on imgur. Hopefully the next owner will keep us updated on their progress!
This is the seller.
Some things that are not on the listing:
• There is no title for this car. I bought it on a bill of sale from an estate. The family is looking for the Texas title but we should assume it is lost. This should not be a problem is its going out of state.
• The car has had a re-paint at some point. There is some overspray in a few spots.
• I realized today that the trunk will not open. It seems like the lock has been broken for years. I will try to get it open.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hello Robert,
I have been actively searching for a some what “project” car to keep me from going out of my mind from boredom. I would love to have your little sweetheart to have and hold until……..well you know……!!
I don’t want any feel sorry an old fart but my problem is like many others i have only a certain amount to work with. I will offer you $2000 for it and/or we can workout something that i would give you the $2000 and sign something to pay you the rest. Let me hear from ya. ????? is this the saddest one you have ever heard? tks, roy
Sorry Roy; I just can’t do that.
R
Some additional information to share:
The wheels & tyres shown in the photos do not come with the car. The car will deliver on the original wheels and a new set of tyres.
The engine turns over on the starter just fine. There is good compression (wet) over all cylinders.
The brakes are seized,