1975 Triumph Spitfire

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

FM32598U

Clear

Gasoline

You're looking at a 1975 Triumph Spitfire convertible. I've owned this car since December, and I've discovered that it's not exactly what I've been looking for. That, coupled with the fact that I am also working on a TR6 and a TR250, is why this Spitfire has to go. Here's what I've done with the car, followed by a summary of the good and bad: It was towed to my house because it didn't run when I purchased it. I installed new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, charged the battery, changed the fluids and the fuel filter, and with a little bit of cranking and some starter fluid it started up. It took quite a bit of cranking, and I assume it's that the gas in the tank has been sitting there for a while. Adding new gas to the nearly empty tank made this dramatically better than it was, and I did drive it around my neighborhood and on the main road to get it to my storage garage and shake out any potential issues. The bad news first: The previous owner replaced the floor pans, but it was poorly done using rivets instead of a welder. I would redo this work if it were my car. The front bumper is dented on the passenger side. The frame looks straight using the world-famous eyeball technique, but I would plan on needing to align this car since it looks like someone may have hit it at one time. The interior is shot. There's no other word for it. The seats have covers, and the foams seem ok, but it's dirty, and the actual seat covers from Triumph are torn. The dash veneer is cracked and is separating. In short, plan on needing an interior. It starts and runs, but you may have to crank it a while before it will catch. This has been getting better as I run it more often. The steering column squeaks when turning. I have several spare ones from a TR6--if it's the same part or will fit, you're welcome to have one. The good news: It's a running car, and you can drive it home. The tires have plenty of tread and no rot. They will not have to be replaced. No real smoke issues or anything. I think the drivetrain is in good order. It shifts through all gears without a problem, and I understand the clutch is new. The brake master is new (the old one leaked so I replaced it), and the clutch master looks like it isn't terribly old either. The gauges all work properly The lights all come on and work properly The paint is passable, but was not professionally done. You can spot a couple runs if you look for them, and it could do with a good buffing. I've been over the whole car with a magnet to look for filler. The only panel where I found some was the trunk lid. Everywhere else (even the rockers) is still made of metal. The doors open and close easily without sticking. The top is in very good shape. On balance: I look at this car and I think that it will be a nice driver. If you're looking for a show quality Spitfire, look at a different car. If you're trying to pick up girls with it, plan to put work into it first. If you're looking for an inexpensive convertible that you can drive home and learn to paint with, fix a couple mechanical issues with, and drive it around for your own pleasure, then this is the car for you! On Feb-21-11 at 06:54:25 PST, seller added the following information: Wow... big correction. The gauges are NOT connected and therefore are not functional. I will get out to the storage facility before auction end and plug them back in, but if it turns out that they don't work, I'll include all of my spare Spitfire gauges in the auction. I have doubles of all except a speedometer. I also am including any Spitfire spares I have. This will be stuff like an extra wheel, backup plugs, wires, cap & rotor, and anything else I can find that belongs to a Spitfire.