This reasonably-priced 1970 Triumph Spitfire here on eBay deserves a new owner. It’s a nearly rust-free, complete car coming with a factory hardtop and an overdrive-optioned gearbox. It has finally received one bid at $1000, though the reserve is not met. Ok, it doesn’t run, but by now I know that dozens of Barn Finders have the talent and patience to resurrect this charming roadster in time for summer. It’s not even very big – you could hide it in the living room and no one would know. If you’re inspired, send a trailer to Oakland, Tennessee to pick her up.
This car is a Mk III, still in possession of that rear swing axle, but it does benefit from a slightly larger powerplant than its earlier siblings. The 1296 cc four-cylinder breathing through twin SU carburetors made 75 bhp at its introduction in 1967, a welcome advance over the Mk 4’s lowly 63 bhp. The new motor unfortunately ran into US emissions standards in short order. It was “federalized” with a reduced compression ratio, modified cam, altered ignition timing, and a single Zenith-Stromberg to deliver fuel – becoming both thirstier and more sluggish. Output fell to 68 hp. But there’s good news: today, you can ramp up the power on these willing little engines with a modest layout of time and money. Here’s a guide to getting the most from your Spitfire. And while we’re on the “good news” part of this equation, this car comes with a four-speed gearbox (no synchro on first yet) with the overdrive option. The engine is said to turn, but the seller suggests the gearbox may need an “adjustment”.
Several undercarriage shots showing nearly every nook and cranny raise my confidence in this seller. He admits to a few rust spots in the floor pans (new metal included!), one rocker, and the battery tray. Here’s the trunk – that curvature where the rear of the body meets the trunk pan is scaley, yes, but it could be worse. Here’s the rear floor – pretty dry! As expected, the cabin needs restoration, but all the important bits are there – seat frames and seats, gauges, switches, top bows.
The Michelotti-designed sheet metal retains its vintage charm through the insult of bumper-height regulations imposed in the US. Later cars lost the beading atop the fenders, the bumpers turned to plastic, and the tail lights became single-unit-boring. We don’t know the reserve here; are any of you tempted to test its level by throwing in a bid?
Good pictures, hopefully good price, one of the better hard tops. Could be a nice build. As indicated, the engines can be pumped up to give more than satisfactory power without breaking the bank.
Wow, I owned this car 7 years ago! Rescued it from a field in Edmond, Oklahoma, cleaned it up a bit, got it running, put a new fuel tank in it, bought a couple of patch panels for it, and then sold it. A bit sad to see that absolutely nothing has been done to it since, but also amazing to see it exactly as I remember it! It was a great basis for a restoration, especially having the desirable hardtop and overdrive. Hopefully it gets the attention it deserves soon.
It’s ok as a parts car. But prices for these are so low that one can easily get a much nicer conditioned one for the same price
Yep, that’s why it got sold. But some have to get restored if we want to keep nice ones on the road. Just need to find someone willing to invest more than it’s worth to do it justice! It was definitely too solid to be a parts car. I got a few Spitfires and GT6s from the same field, and it was very surprising to see how rust free this one was, compared to the others.
I can hear the phones ringing at the “Rusty Beauties Garage”. A great father/son project.
John
Could you spend $10k on it in fixes and be ok?
Alban
You should be able to make it a presentable driver for that sort of money (assuming you do your own mechanical work, of course). It certainly wouldn’t be a concourse level 100% restored car, but nice enough to enjoy.
10k buys a really nice car. Not a snail that will always be a snail. The other day a beautiful 2000 jaguar xk8 convertible sold for $3500 at the auction. I’ll have that any time of the day instead
You’re certainly welcome to purchase all of the 2000 Jaguar XK8s that you’d like. As a lover and collector of small, quirky, unusual automobiles (primarily tiny 2-stroke microcars, on the subject of snails), I personally would never consider or take notice of the Jag (and definitely not cross-shop one with a Spitfire), whereas a nice Spitfire, Sprite, B GT, etc. would get a big thumbs up. Different people prefer different cars, which keeps the hobby interesting, and most importantly, keeps pieces of automotive history on the road.
Guys
Thank you for your comments. I will continue to ponder. I love the car and love the thought of ownership..I am not sure of it passing the stupid CA. Smog rules.
From what I understand (though I don’t live in California), vehicles from 1975 or earlier are exempt from smog inspection. I just verified that on the CA DMV website, too. Worth checking into.
Good question.
Hmm, if I live long enough, and as interest is clearly declining, I just might have that British roadster once again. This car sold for $1525, with a whopping 8 bids. British parts from these British specific places are expensive, but literally everything mechanical is available. Not sure about body parts, however. Just looking at it, it doesn’t need much. I wouldn’t go gonzo, just replace as you go, if you can, and the O/D is an unheard of option in these. Not some cross country adventure, although I’m sure some have, just something to putz with and as the fruits of busted knuckles, a short drive into the hills, hmm,,,
These days, the OD gearbox is worth almost that $1525 selling price, even with the linkage “problem” (probably just a bushing kit away from fixed)! And the buyer essentially got the rest of the car for free!
The reserve wasn’t met.