This is how reader Philip M’s 1980 Triumph Spitfire looked when he found it parked in this barn. The car had rested there for about 19 years when he finally rescued it. After pulling it from the barn, he cleaned it up and surveyed the problem areas. Obviously after sitting for 19 years, there were plenty of problem areas.
Philip has already started the restoration process. He pulled the old ratty and damaged interior out and just tossed it. He also has already rebuilt the engine and has it running great. He’s currently preparing the car for soda blasting and a respray. Philip can’t wait to get this thing repainted so he can take it out and have some fun in it.
Even though Philip is going to repaint this car, it actually looked good after a good cleaning. These are fun little cars and we are sure Philip will have a great time with this car once it’s done. We want to thank Philip for sharing his find and we wish him good luck restoring it.
They are a lot of fun, easy to work on and you can get any part. In three and half years I have only found one part that is no longer available new. My first reaction on my first drive was simple, I drove it home on the interstate in a heavy rain, with a badly adjusted carb and it was still a hoot. If the rust worm has not gotten in to far is great little car. The only thing I wish mine had was overdrive. 13″ wheels and a 3.89 rear end is kind of busy at highway speeds especially when you are looking up at Vettes.
Yeah – found it in our barn… Chickens loved roosting in it….
I’m just glad some one will care for it.
I am a Jag lover, but confess these are great fun. They look great and are easy to care for.