Unfortunately, the Spitfire fell victim to Triumph's existing financial troubles. Check the steering for knocks rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. Cosmetically, the wood dash was replaced with a matte black finished assembly intended to imitate an aircraft cockpit. Theres also a wider rare track, to overcome handling issues. The lower rockers and floorboard metal appearing free of corrosion beyond light surface rust. During the restoration, a roll bar was installedand the seats werere-upholstered. Rover, Land Rover, and Triumph were not part of British Motor Holdings but became part of British Leyland in 1968. http://www.motorgraphs.com/heritage/malines-belgium-factory-leyland-triumph-1972_a156434.aspx, SPITTY TIPS 19. Roadside services provided by/thru Cross Country Motor Club except in AK, CA, HI, OR, WI & WY where services are provided by Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit. IV engine displaced 1,296cc (79.1cuin) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. Exterior trim featured a new grille and badges, and the interior featured revised seats, covering most exposed surfaces with rubber cloth. The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. Early cars are certainly the most valuable, with Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 models all commanding up to around 8000 in top condition. The rubber steering rack mounts can also perish, usually after theyve been marinaded in leaked engine oil. Triumph Spitfire 1500 Mk IV. Rear suspension was by a single transverse-leaf swing axle,[8] an arrangement, that unless ameliorated by any of several options, can allow rear tyres to undergo large camber changes during fast cornering, leading to oversteer a dynamically unstable condition in which a vehicle can lose control and spin. Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. Even in subsequent versions of the car, the engine always remained an inline-four. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, 2022 The Hagerty Group, LLC. Power is supplied by a non-original 1500cc engine that had the standard Zenith Stromberg carburetors replaced with a single Weber DGV downdraft unit. 1976 Spitfire 1500 with hardtop & soft top plus tonneau cove. [4] It was manufactured at the Standard-Triumph Canley works, with approximately 315,000 produced over 18 years.[5]. Inspect for signs of careful maintenance, listen for unwanted rumbling or tinkling, look for oil leaks, water in oil or vice versa and check that the oil light doesnt flicker at tickover showing a worn engine, or a faulty sender. Needing a low-priced sports car of its own to compete, Triumph turned to the rather lackluster small Herald sedan as potential small sports car underpinnings. However, if the panel fit is all over the place at the front, theres a good chance the front chassis rail, to which the valance attaches, has been knocked out of true. . 1980 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Always kept in climate controlled environment since new, in a hous. Suspension: the rear suspension can also give problems, but its generally easy to overhaul, with one key exception; the wheel bearings. [4] Wire wheels and a hard top were also available.[4]. If a car has been badly restored, with the shell twisted in the process, the door wont be flush all the way down and neither will the shut lines be even. The Mk. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. #1 Concours condition #2 Excellent condition #3 Good condition #4 Fair condition Let us watch the market for you Budget for a top end rebuild. The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. I would purchase again but expect this one to last a long time. The model was named after the famed Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane of World War II.[7]. [1] Fuel economy was 32mpgimp (8.8L/100km; 26.6mpgUS).[1]. Triumph designed the car to be small and sporty but not at the sacrifice of comfort or convenience. The Spitfire evolved over five iterations: The Spitfire was conceived by Standard-Triumph to compete in the small sports car market against the Austin-Healey Sprite. The front bumper was raised in response to new crash regulations, and the front coil springs were slightly raised. Beware 2-litre conversions unless based entirely on a GT6 chassis Spitfire running gear cant handle the weight and power. Viable projects can still be found for around 850. Ruthin. However, youre better off buying one of these or a really good car - rather than something in the middle. Electronics: although theres a good chance that some sort of electrical problem will be present, its usually only down to poor earths or the failure of some cheap-to-replace component. Importantly, the heavily criticised rear suspension was decambered, incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home Appears t. ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015, Theres not much difference in values between the various Spitfire incarnations; the later cars are more usable but the earlier ones offer greater design purity. Ive had the diff and driveshafts rebuilt, but otherwise its only needed normal service items. US specification models up to 1978 featured chrome bumpers, and on the 1979 and 1980 models these were replaced by black rubber bumpers with built-in over-riders, using chassis extensions to support the bumpers. Most relevant reviews. Developed on a shortened variant of the Triumph Herald saloon/sedan's chassis, the Spitfire shared the Herald's running gear and Standard SC engine. Springs and dampers: the only other likely problem, apart from worn or leaking shock absorbers, which are easy to replace, is a sagging leaf spring. This Sold Price: $19,800 Sold Date: Unknown 1973 Triumph GT6 Mk. Overdrive: many Spitfires have overdrive, which can also give problems. Bucket-list classics: whats on your list? Your best bet is to feel for play by getting underneath. Simple and reasonably comfortable, especially in reclining form (from 73), Spitfire seats get scruffy but are not that costly to restore and re-cover. III's final production year (1970) included an integrated rear reverse and license plate lamp, side lamps at the front and rear and new badging. It was possible to buy a Spitfire as a Hardtop, with bolt-on roof and no soft-top. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Base Price : $3,000. The BaT Service Fee is 5% of the bid, with a minimum of $250 up to a maximum of $5,000. Always raise the top before your test drive it will help you to hear noises from the drivetrain (especially the differential) and to assess the fit of the hood. Although, Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats. Panel gaps: next check the door shuts, which should be even all the way down. The Mk IV and 1500, due mainly to the steps backward in performance from earlier Spitfires, sell for slightly less. Shop Triumph convertibles in Dover-Foxcroft, ME for sale at Cars.com. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for The result was a design similar to the Triumph 2000 and Triumph Stag. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Values Reference Profiles Exotics Order MENU 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 4cyl 1493cc (57hp SAE) 4M #4 #3 #2 #1: 1500 Roadster : 3700: 7800: 13200: 20000: Add: Overdrive: 5%: Wire wheels : 5%: Profile Condition Truck Table. What's your classic cars value? The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta. In its first iteration, the car was referred to as both the Spitfire Mk I and the Spitfire 4, in reference to the I4 powerplant. 4 cyl., 79.10 CID., 58.00hp $2,650 - $2,650 This 1973 Triumph Spitfire has been with the seller for two years and is in driver condition with 73k miles. 4 Speed Manual Tra, 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Why This Car Is Special The 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible is a, Gateway Classic Cars of Indianapolis is proud to offer this 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. The Mark III, introduced in March 1967, was the first major facelift to the Spitfire. The Cost Of A Classic Triumph Spitfire The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. It sold well in the US, where it was cheaper than a Midget; some have been imported to the UK. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production. Rot: there are plenty more rot spots to inspect too: the rear quarter panels, door bottoms, boot floor and the windscreen frame can all corrode badly. The repaintin Gunmetal Grey Metallic shows agood shine over a straight body. Then take a look at thesepotential future classics Not every car manufacturer will survive the Chinese revolution, BYD overtaking VW in China signals a tectonic shift in the global car industry. If so please use the bidding box above. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Pricing Original MSRP N/a Price range $14,495 to $14,495 Average price on CG $14,495 YoY price change $14,495 to $14,495 Date Sep 22 Oct 22 Nov 22 Dec 22 Jan 23 Feb 23 Price (US $) $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1972 Triumph Spitfire Index Price 1970:The MkIV bring another facelift, plus an all-synchromesh gearbox and more predictable handling thanks to revised rear suspension. For all Hagerty Insurance clients: The values shown do not imply coverage in this amount. The remaining leaves were mounted to pivot freely thereby eliminating the worst characteristics of the original swing-axle design. Worn universal joints are given away by clonks as the drive is taken up when moving off in forward or reverse. Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. The engine was also detuned to meet new emissions regulations. Although in this final incarnation the engine was rather rough and more prone to failure than the earlier units, torque was greatly increased by increasing the cylinder stroke to 87.5mm (3.44in), which made it much more drivable in traffic.[1]. 1973 Spitfire $3,000-$52,000 1973 Triumph Spitfire Base Price : $3,000 Lower Priced Cars Higher Priced Cars Similar Priced Cars Other 1973 Triumph Models 1973 Triumph TR6 $3,300 1973 Triumph GT6 MKIII $3,374 1973 Triumph Stag $5,800 Mk 4 Year Production Wheelbase Engine Prices 1971 Spitfire MKIV 83.00 in. This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. Brakes: its a similar story for the brakes; theyre completely conventional so you just need to be on the lookout for leaking rear wheel cylinder, sticking caliper pistons and seized handbrakes. 1493cc/57hp 2x1bbl Add to watchlist Sorry. [1] The coil-spring design clutch of the Mark I was replaced with a Borg & Beck diaphragm spring clutch; North American models retained the coil-spring housing and were also equipped with ACDelco distributors. The Spitfire used mechanicals from the Herald saloon/sedan. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enable JavaScript to engage in the discussion on this site. The Sprite had used the drive train of the Austin A30/A35 in a lightweight. Distributor and camshaft wear take the edge off performance. Optional overdrive was a big plus over Spridgets. This was originally bought by me in 2017 after a wait of twe. Has very good convert, 1975 Triumph Spitfire British Sports Car 4 cylinder 1500cc engine 4 speed manual transmission.Starts, 1980 Triumph Spitfire Originally from Florida 1980 Triumph Spitfire seats gray, have black covers ne, 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed, 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in, the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta, Unfortunately, the Spitfire fell victim to Triumph's existing financial troubles. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION; Vin Plate : Vehicle Number Location: Adjacent to the left hand door striker plate. These have been temporarily saved. The mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of, . 4 Speed Manual Tra . In. Their high production numbers also mean that examples are relatively simple to locate. The good news though is that its easy to spot a duffer from 100 paces, so buy with your eyes open and get set for some cheap fun. [10] More than 75 per cent of this number had been exported outside the UK, including 45 per cent to the US and 25 per cent to mainland European markets. The factory hardtop has been color matched to the bodyand shows well with good shine and glass. More power came with the Mk II and these early cars are quite desirable if the driver respects the limitations of the rear suspension design. Theres a good chance that youll pay over the odds for a car that needs plenty of work. However, the 060 time of 14 seconds was still faster than the Mark II. All Spitfire engine numbers start with an F: FC in the case of the MkI/MkII, FD for the MkIII, FH for the MkIV (but FK for US cars) and FH for the 1500 (FM for US cars). The first thing to check in the event of non-engagement is that the electrics are working okay; theyre often the main cause of problems. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. CLASSIC CARS. The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. All parts are available. Basic items such as rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel helped keep the Spitfire inexpensive. Find your next car in our classifieds the classic of your dreams could be just a click away (l-r) Neat Hardtop featured bolted-on steel roof and no hood; Spits did well on rallies and circuits, here at Le Mans in 64, The Spitfires four-cylinder engine will do around 100,000 miles between rebuilds, if well maintained, Owner Graham Spalls MkIV has been extremely reliable, Fiat 850 Spider (left) and MG Midget are alternative buys, Rare Frua-bodied Maserati to make UK debut, The Amsterdam Job: the story of an epic classic Mini advert, C&SC presents Ferrari Legends is out now, Homologation specials join London Concours line-up. Terms of Use, Your Privacy Choices Giovanni Michelotti, who had designed the Herald, styled the bodywork, which featured wind-up windows (in contrast to the Sprite and Midget, which used side curtains) and a cowl composed of the bonnet and wings that opened forward for engine access. Theoriginal soft top and frame require restoration and are not currently fitted, though they are included in the sale. Awards & Ratings; Reviews; Cars for Sale; Sell My Car; Business; Used 1973 Triumph Spitfire Values. The seller notes that the energy absorbing bumper covers were removed when the car was painted. This filter features a non-return valve to stop the oil draining back into the sump when the car is left; if theres much rattling when the car is started up, its because the crankshafts big-end bearings have had it, probably because the correct type of filter hasnt been fitted. One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. In 1962, the British company Triumph introduced a two-seater sports car named the Spitfire. Taking a cue from the Sprite's downsizing of an existing model Austin, the Triumph Spitfire was developed from the Triumph Herald sedan, shortening the chassis and redesigning the body for a sportier look. by babetskt Jun 12, 2019. An all-monocoque construction derivative of the Spitfire with pop-up headlamps, named the Triumph Fury, was proposed with a single prototype being built. You are not connected to real-time updates. Thrust washers: a problem that affects the 1296cc engine all too often is worn thrust washers, given away by excessive fore-aft movement of the crankshaft. 1959 Triumph TR3 1973 Triumph TR-6 1974 Triumph TR6 1975 Triumph TR6 1979 Triumph Spitfire: Free Links: Classified Ads: Find Value: Ask Question: Questions: Answers: Session ID: Used Values: Start: A to Z: Blue Book: . This fun and proper sports car has enjoyed 95,000 original miles. Average fuel consumption was 33mpg. When Leyland officials, taking stock of their new acquisition, found Michelotti's prototype under a dust sheet in a factory corner, it was quickly approved for production. The luggage space behind the seats and in the trunk was sufficient. As a result, theyre all equally sought after although the Mk3 is a particular favourite as it has nicer lines than the MkIV and 1500 yet its relatively usable. While British cars of the '60s (and other periods) have a reputation for failing to hold up, the Spitfire's success went unhampered by such issues. Rust: corrosion is the Spitfires main enemy; it can strike in the bodyshell as well as the chassis, and the sills are essential to the cars strength. Bidding will advance immediately to $. The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such received rather basic trim by today's standards, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. Beware rampant rust and poor parts supply. Restored-Original. Bushes: the nylon bushes in the brass trunnions can wear, so feel for play with a crowbar. We did the Lige-Brescia-Lige rally in it last year. The gearbox gained syncromesh on its bottom gear. Select a 1973 Triumph Spitfire Trim. IV engine displaced 1,296 cc (79.1 cu in) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. Clean and runs well. Good product. The result on all these cars was improved handling. A new quieter exhaust gave a sweet distinct note and reduced cabin noise. and enthusiasts with insights for the collector car industry - including market values, price comparisons, listing alerts and more. Check for weak synchros and dip the clutch in neutral to listen for layshaft noise. The Triumph doesnt have a huge amount of power on offer, but with just 670kg to haul along, performance is better than you might think especially as the 1147cc four-pot was fitted with twin carbs, a spicier camshaft and a more free-breathing exhaust manifold. Flower Mound, TX, USA. All Spitfires are attractive, inexpensive to maintain, easy to find parts for and offer a great deal of fun for the money. Assembled at Canley in August 1980 shortly before the factory closed, the last Spitfire was an Inca Yellow UK-model including the factory hardtop and overdrive options. Australian Spitfire Colours, http://www.triumphspitfire.nl/salesliterature/IMG_0051.jpg, Triumph Spitfire Mk3 Overdrive (1967) Exterior and Interior in Full HD 3D, 2000 / 2300 / 2400 / 3500 / V8-S / Vitesse (SD1), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Triumph_Spitfire&oldid=1149444813, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2007, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 1,568lb (711kg) to 1,750lb (790kg) (unladen U.K.spec), 4-speed manual with optional overdrive on top and third, This page was last edited on 12 April 2023, at 08:29. 1- family owned, and 25,000 original miles per previous owner. The older saloon's drum brakes were replaced upfront with discs, and the body was made stiffer to aid in performance around the corners. We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Congratulations! The vehicle was based on a design produced for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. The 1,147cc engine was replaced with a bored-out 1,296cc unit (the bore increasing from 69.3mm (2.73in) to 73.7mm (2.90in), stroke retained at 76mm (3.0in)), as fitted on the new Triumph Herald 13/60 and Triumph 1300 saloons. RELATED:Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today. Later American-spec models are even more hampered, with 5mph bumpers, extra rear outriggers and a single carb; the speedo only goes up to 80mph. Are you looking to buy your dream classic car? Always slightly dearer than the MG, the Spitfire offered more space and refinement, even a wood-veneer dash on some models. The American market Spitfire 1500 is identified by large plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings/fenders. Please try again later or you may try to reload page. Many know the company either for its popular TR series, which was built throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, or for its early days as a motorcycle manufacturer, which led to the establishment of the separate Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd. (since revived as Triumph Motorcycles). Triumph wanted a piece of this market and felt they could produce a better automobile than the Sprite. Everything is available and there isnt anything thats a problem to fit. 1978 Triumph Spitfire Conv, good older restoration, nice body, good original int, newer top, 4 cyl, 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 For SaleGet ready to take a step back in time with this stunning 1979 Tri, 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Original 1500cc Engine in Excellent Running Condition. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The car was a popular option for drivers seeking an affordable but fun roadster, and the model stayed on the market for the better part of two decades. A folding hood replaced the earlier, more complicated design. External door locks and roll-up side windows were pleasant upgrades from what could be expected on similar cars like the Bugeye Sprite, though, and the driving experience offered by the Spitfire was by no means an unpleasant one. If the car has been in a major shunt, the damage will be obvious; any prang big enough to distort the main chassis will have wrecked the cars delicate panels. It remained unchanged until 1979 when it gained large, rubber bumpers before bowing out entirely in 1980. Four-cylinder engine is simple, reliable and incredibly easy to work on. Although Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats, had already created a prototype of the Spitfire, it was delayed and eventually shelved indefinitely. The worst case scenario is a rebuilt overdrive for around 250. Styled for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Spitfire was introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Protect your 1973 Triumph Spitfire from the unexpected. Boosted to 903cc for 70, the rear-engined, Bertone-styled soft-top was only built in LHD. The Mark IV went on sale in the UK at the end of 1970 with a base price of 735. If not, the oil level has probably fallen below the minimum. 1962:Spitfire breaks cover, with 1147cc engine. These cars were essentially MkIV's with 1500 badges and engine. This improvement was short-lived, however, as the ratio was again reduced to 7.5:1 for the remaining years of production. Interior changes included a steering column mounted ignition switch, a key-in-ignition warning buzzer, driver's side under-dash courtesy lamp and a new black spoked steering wheel. There are plenty of project Spitfires about, but if you want to restore the car properly, even at home, youll be doing well to break even if you buy something that needs a complete overhaul. **Figure based on a stock 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 valued at $9,700 with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. A revised hardtop also became available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen. The engine was an 1,147cc (70.0cuin) four-cylinder with a pushrod OHV cylinder head and two valves per cylinder, using twin SU carburettors. The Triumph Spitfire has been a card-carrying classic for decades, and values are finally out of banger territory across the range. In 1970, Michelotti once again turned his attention to the car, cleaning up the front and rear and engineers finally resolved the treacherous swing axles.
Good Reasons For Interdistrict Transfer In California, Celebrities Who Live In Crouch End, Articles OTHER