1978 Triumph Spitfire

Convertible

1.5L 1493CC l4 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

4 Speed Manual with Overdrive

1FM78248U0

Flood, Water Damage

GAS

This is a solid bodied Spitfire that I got started and have driven it approximately 5 miles just to sort it out. This car was bought through an auction and was purchased as a flood salvage car. I bought two cars to build one good one. It has been sitting in a barn for the last year as I have not taken the time to start the project. We are moving and it must go. This is mechanically the better of the two cars. The engine seems to run well, starts easily and runs smoothly. The overdrive transmission shifts to all 4 gears and reverse. I have not driven the car fast enough to engage the overdrive. Brakes and clutch are functional. Steering is stiffer than it should be and I have not looked into the reason for that condition. Tires are decent and the rims are good. Speedometer and tach both function. Lights and wipers work. Rear shocks were damaged and I removed them. Trunk and floors are solid. There was a trunk mount luggage rack that had been broken off prior to me getting the car. Glass is all good. Soft top is fair. Foam is deteriorating in the seats and interior will need to be redone. Mechanically the car will need some attention; however it is a very good car to rebuild, as without too much effort, it could be a good driver. Please email me with any questions that you may have, thanks. I am re-listing this car as the winning bidder defaulted on payment. I am including the questions and answers from the previous listing.Q: Morning, Just in case I win this bid, do you think it will drive from there to about 40 miles west of Indy with no trouble? Interstate or State roads. Be a good weekender. JohnApr-25-14A: Dear dustyrelics, Personally I would not drive the car any distance prior to running it through my shop and flushing fresh brake fluid through the brake and clutch systems, and changing fluids in the transmission and rear end. Last week, I drained the crank case, changed oil filter, added fresh oil, and installed a new oil pressure sending unit. I then spun up the engine (without any spark plugs)to check for good oil pressure. Oil pressure was good so I bypassed the gas tank and started it. After running in place for 30-45 minutes and checking the quality of the fuel in the gas tank, I installed an inline fuel filter and reconnected the gas tank. I test drove the car to assess the clutch, transmission, and brakes. I have driven the car 5-6 miles. I question the quality and quantity of service and maintenance that this car has had even prior the the Sandy hurricane and subsequent flooding. Any other questions please ask. Thank you, MarkQ: Approximately where is the car located? Thanks.Apr-24-14A: Dear windsorbackroad, The car is in Loudonville, Ohio. Thanks, MarkQ: So are you saying the car has flood damage?Apr-24-14A: Dear snow1123ny, I bought this car knowing that an insurance company totalled it out as a flood damaged vehicle. It appears to me that the car was not under very much water. The engine oil looked good when I drained it out. The gas in the fuel tank was still good, no water. Mechanically parts will need to be replaced to make it a good daily driver. As to what caused the wear and tear and damage is unclear to me. Thanks, MarkQ: what type of title do you have for this car, rebuilt or salvage? is it an Ohio Title? is the title in your name? thanks DougApr-22-14A: Dear spndncash, The Title is a salvage title, branded as a flood vehicle. It is an Ohio title dated 02/26/2013 in my name. I have added an image of the upper portion of the title. Thanks, Mark