Finding a Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980), such as this 1963 example, regardless of model year or locale, that isn’t rusted through and through is always a treat. And it’s this Triumph’s clean condition that drew my attention, it really shows well and that’s in spite of the less than optimal listing images. That being the case, let’s take a closer look. This diminutive sports car is located on Camano Island, Washington and is available, here on craigslist for $10,500. Thanks to T.J. for this discovery!
The brief listing states, “All original one owner“. What it doesn’t state is whether the seller is that “original, one” owner. Regardless, other than what looks like red stripe tires, this Triumph shows as original and doesn’t appear to need any aesthetic attention. There are no indications of rust or crash damage and the finish still possesses depth. White is one of those shades that, subjectively, seem variable as to how well it shows and smaller dimensions often presents white in a better light, methinks, and this Triumph wears it quite well. The age of the folding top is not mentioned but it appears to be a recent addition as it’s not shriveled, wrinkled, or faded. A quintessential British sports car usually wears wire wheels but the doggie-bowl hubcaps do the trick on this Triumph.
Under the bonnet is a 63 HP, 1.1 liter, OHV, four-cylinder engine married to a four-speed manual transmission. That doesn’t sound like much in the hubba-hubba department but that little four-banger is only hauling around a 1,600 lb. body. It’s not stated how this Triumph motivates, but in its current state, probably not well as it needs a clutch. No worries, a new one’s included in the sale but it will need to be installed. The seller adds, “Comes with a huge selection of new parts and another engine block“.
There are no images of the interior unless you consider one out-of-focus shot of the speedometer to count. It’s clearly a stretch to suggest, but if the interior is in the same “original” condition as the exterior, it should be pretty nice. One thought and that’s the size of the average individual today vs. sixty years ago. A Spitfire’s interior wouldn’t exactly be considered commodious, it’s more of a cozy environment. It would be interesting to hear from current or prior Spitfire owners and ask for their interior dimension assessment.
I’m not certain what it would take to replace the clutch on this Triumph two-seater but assuming that it’s a typical clutch replacement job, that seems to be all that this Spitfire needs. How about the price? What do you think, just right or not quite?
Clutch is easy. Lot of access top and bottom. Nice car.
Having done a restoration on a round tail Spitfire, and owning both round and square tails, I have had to do a lot of research on the year variables.
This is a round tail model, 64 or older. Dash pic shows solid black around the gauges, correct for Mk 1 or 2. Someone has wrapped the metal frame around the center with a wood applique or wood looking vinyl. All round tail Spits have the dash surround in painted metal.
This is a repaint. It was originally Victory Red as evidenced by the red paint still showing o the suspension towers, hood prop, and under the master and brake cylinders. These cars were notorious for leaks on the shelf there, resulting in many owners repainting the firewall all black.
This car has rust bubbles on the lower door, and I would strongly suspect the rockers need work. I have done the work on mine and it wasn’t too difficult, but it takes patience. We really need to see under the carpets to check out the floor pans as well.
Overall, in this condition knowing it needs rust repair, dash work, and unknown condition of floors, this is about a $6 vehicle.
Almost every part is available and cheap overall. A great car to get your feet wet with- mostly because the floorboard has rotted out!
nice car brave soul putting it on furniture movers lol
Car only weighs about 1200 pounds. Those furniture dolleys can handle it with ease and been well known for their use in this manner.
Hard to believe such a beaut is almost 60 years old!
Not much I can add to what @Vegaman Dan has said above, as he’s covered it quite well! Potentially a pretty nice car, but nowhere near original by almost any definition!
I have a personal “rule” about cars and ads like this: I feel that there should be an absolute MINIMUM of one well-composed photo for every $1000 asked. The Craigslist ad for this car is at least nine photos short of my minimum!
Many years ago in the early 2000’s, I had a Honda ATC 3 wheeler to sell. I looked online Ebay, saw the other listing a limited photos. I took more photos, all sides including the bottom. I then took short video clips of startup, idling, revving, etc. Highlighted video clips of it climbing a street curb, sweeping by and accelerating, and hard braking. Everything showing it started, ran, and was trail ready.
It sold for more than $500 more than the nicest looking other listing.
You are trying to sell your vehicle. Put some effort into it!
Using dollies to get around town saves wear and tear on the tires.
Not sure of its year, but we had one back in the early ’70s. Rust City! Floors were gone, and only the floormats kept the water from getting your feet wet when it rained. It did run well, though. I learned to drive a stick on that car.
. . . the owner says the paint is ‘original’ . . . is he telling porkies? The red splatter wld appear to be due to the nonchalance of whoever painted the rocker box cover!
2 things that I suggest will need additional repairs:
First, I looked closely at the clutch & brake master cylinders. Both show a large amount of alloy corrosion [white dust] on the aluminum castings. Both internal pistons may be seized, so I’m sure both the hydraulic brake & clutch systems will need overhaul.
Second, that upper radiator hose needs to go, it’s a ribbed “fitsall” type that is probably slowing down coolant flow by 50% or more.