Here’s a follow up to the other post we shared earlier with a free Triumph GT6: an also free Triumph MK4 Spitfire convertible, apparently found on the same Washington property where a prior owner abandoned the vehicles. Amazingly, despite sinking into the ground, the seller claims the floorpan and body are both still solid. Now, that demands an in-person inspection to verify, but for the price of free, I’d be willing to roll the dice on bringing a trailer with me. Check it out here on Facebook Marketplace in Standwood, Washington.
The Spitfire is in very similar condition to the GT6, with evidence of some parts having been pulled over the years. The bumpers were obviously useful on other projects, considering these pieces were removed from both cars. And again, the taillights have gone missing. Being a convertible stored outside with no roof, the interior is completely trashed, so there’s likely not much salvageable inside the car. It may have collapsed inside the car, but I suspect the convertible top frame has perished.
What’s intriguing about this picture is the potential of something resembling paint still adhering to the vehicle. That faded blue finish continues down the driver’s side, but the rear quarters and the passenger side are too filthy to determine whether any matching blue paint exists in those areas. It doesn’t really matter, as it’s highly doubtful this Spitfire is returning to the road. These cars are simply too cheap to buy in running condition, and while the price of free makes picking up a basketcase more palpable, it’s still hard to justify bringing it all the way back.
But I could be wrong – maybe there’s more to work with here than I’m seeing. After all, I’m not one to judge considering where I buy most of my project cars. I’m still shocked that the floors and body are solid considering how long it’s obviously been sitting, but Washington State is known for being incredibly kind to old tin. Kudos to the new property owner for not just calling the local scrapyard to haul these off; hopefully, the low cost of entry entices a British car fan to either part these out for good use or bring one of them back to life if not too far gone.
This might be good on the other side of the yard from the ’32 down below…..
I don’t know, I think the price seems a little steep to me.
Don’t forget the D9 Cat dozer( plus operator) to get it out.
I have a 68 and bits and such for a square tail as well. This early round tail still has value.
Car was white originally based on the paint around the fuel tank on both sides in the body tub. This was a stock color. The pale blue was not OEM for the round tails.
Boot lid is recoverable shape and desirable. I don’t have room to get this, but it is sorely tempting.
( sung to the tune “Where have all the flowers gone”?)
Where have all the British sports cars gone, long time passing,,,you get the idea. As time goes by, fewer and fewer people want these, and they sink into the ground, as shown. Like the Willys wagon or Honda single cyl. bikes,, they just don’t fit into our society today. Great for some parts, but again, anyone that has one today, probably has a nice one, and any spares can be bought new now, why bother? Bloody shame, it is, they were fun cars when everyone drove Ford Falcons or Chevy ll’s.
Some of us still drive them…and race them!
Make a nice flower pot.
I’ve seen old pickups buried in the dirt as flower beds. I suppose those are being dug up to resell today.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/836051118297888672/
Commented on the one yesterday. Pulled a 60 Ford pickup that had been sitting in the woods I purchased. I pulled it out in two pieces. The same result with this one if not more worse.
I mean, what exactly is for free? Could I say “I’ll take it,” then go pull some resell-able parts off and leave the rest in the field?
I’ll tell you what’s free, your going to help the owner of the car clear away junk! He’s getting the better end of the deal!
But think of how much you’ll get at the recycling center! LOL!
True Steve Clinton….
This would be my retirement bonus….lol
IF the car is half as solid as the seller states, then why not go for it? At worst, a parts source; at best, the basis for pretty much whatever you want to do at any level. Parts (new and used) are readily available and not expensive, and working on them is at worst Mechanics 101B-level. As always, the geography is the issue for some of us. Throughout the Northeast (and likely elsewhere) are cellars and barns full of parts stripped off of Spitfires that rotted away decades ago. I personally have such a barn and possibly everything this car needs (should I dig deep enough)! But it’s way too far away from upstate New York, so….
Sometimes ya have to just say no. You can’t save em all.
Can you say JUNK. I suppose for a possible parts car or a visit to the crusher.
I find it hard to believe that the floors and rockers would still be solid!