1976 Triumph Spitfire

Spitfire Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

FM43319U

Gasoline

Newly rescued 1976 Spitfire 1500. This car was dis-assembled and kept in dry storage for many years. It is totally rust free. Car has new Sapphire Blue paint and Minatour alloy wheels with Pirelli 400 tires. The car has been built to English specifications with imported HS4 Carburetors and English twin pipe exhaust system. The difference in performance versus the U.S. specification models is substantial. The fuel system has been cleaned and the hydraulics have been converted to DOT 5 fluid. The car is equipped with J-Type overdrive and cruises easilly at 70 MPH (3200 RPM). The motor is clean inside, revs freely and has excellent compression. The car idles well and does not over heat in Houston traffic. According to the previous owner the motor has been rebuilt along with the rear axles and suspension. This looks the case, but there are no receipts. The car has a nearly new top with clear windows and a good top cover. In addition the stock front over riders have been replaced with the English versions. Interior is in very good shape with late Spitfire Houndstooth pattern seats and new rugs. The car is not concours, but could be with a little work. The dash could do with a refinishing and the rear bumper (it is the 76 bumper with the over riders removed) could stand some attention or replacement. One of the other issues is the sticky undercoating in many areas of the car. It certainly saved the sheet metal, but it does not look good. Finally, for some reason one of the previous owners relocated the ignition switch to the wiper position on the left side of the dash. The wiper controls were then moved to a switch panel below the dash. Although I have the parts to put this right, I have not changed these controls back because they work fine. If you are, our would like to be a Vintage Triumph Register member, this car would fall into Modified Touring Class for Concours and Modified Class M5 for Autocross events. To date the car has not participated in any of these events. I expect it would be a competitive autocrosser. Since the car has been re-assembled it has been driven in a few car club events and is lots of fun to drive. If you are looking for an inexpensive and fun driver, this could be the one for you.