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1966 Triumph Spitfire Mk2

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£8,011

  • Mileage~100,474
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.1L
  • LocationGolders Green

SOLD

1966 Triumph Spitfire Mk2

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

The ideal combination of a classic British roadster, low costs, and importantly high fun.

The combination of Italian styling with robust British engineering was part of Triumph's philosophy for many years, and it proved to offer a winning combination. When the Triumph Spitfire was first released in 1962, not even the parent company would envisage its 18-year production run, appealing to those who admired its mechanical simplicity, engine accessibility and ease of DIY. Subsequent years have also offered an outstanding parts network and a loyal helpful owners club. Following the MK1 in 1965, the MKII offered a retuned engine and other mechanical improvements, while retaining the crisp styling of the original.

Imported into the UK in 2019, this 1966 MK II South African import has seen something of a charmed life, having been believed to have been owned by the South African chairman of the Triumph Sports Club, it was then handed over to an owner who entered the car in several concours competitions. Having seen extensive attention to its suspension, interior, engine as well as paint attention in its native country, the car has also benefited from a further respray as well as new weather gear earlier this year.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Joseph the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's just beautiful and has an amazing-sounding engine!

Attracted to the driving enjoyment and visual impact of the Spitfire, Joseph has been using it regularly as a commuter car. Swayed by its positive provenance and knowledge that this former South African car has not seen much in terms of damp weather offered him the confidence to buy the car a year ago.

The car is being sold, as he has a few other projects that need his attention. Joseph will be happy to answer any questions on the car in the comments section below.

Jospeh
Vehicle Owner

Jospeh saved £1,440* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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Exterior

A pleasing presentation reinforced by two resprays over the last 5 years.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with steel rims, they present in good condition, with just the lightest of blemishes. The wheels are fitted with chrome hubcaps that also present in good condition.

The Encore tyres are likely to be over 10 years old but show good tread. Take a look through the pictures to see further detail.

Bodywork

The initial impression of the bodywork is positive, no doubt due to its South African heritage, the panel fit is generally good, with a little interrupted flow noted on the passenger doors but all open and close with no issues. The chassis, boot floor and bulkhead look solid, with no issues noted other than light surface blemishes noted on the bottom of the sills seams. The inner wings are decent, with the rear valance showing minor blemishes noted under the paint. The bonnet is structurally solid, with a few light blemishes noted. The panels appears to be dent free with no significant issues noted on the seams.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The car has seen several resprays in recent years, with its first in 2017 and another one earlier this year. The "Frozen White" finish reveals a very good lustre with no flat spots. It's worth nothing there is a small paint flake noted on the nearside sill but the car is free from road chips or scuffs, and also mostly on the lower section of the car there are some observations of paint runs, very minor cracks and the odd pockmark.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The brightwork and glass are in very good condition. There are no significant signs of age or damage observed, other than the odd sign of age on the windscreen trim. All of the fittings appear to be correct for the MK II model. The lighting and lenses are in very good order.

As mentioned previously, the car has had a new hood fitted as pictured, and so presents in excellent condition.

Interior

Re-trimmed seats and fresh carpets combined with an original dashboard and fittings is a happy combination.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are well presented and offer a tasteful contrast to the exterior colour. They appear to have seen renovation in 2016 and are free from any significant wear or tears.

The door cards and rear trim follow the same positive script, with some minor signs of wear noted on the rear panel. The carpets and mats are in a good clean state and the boot revealed a little dampness, possibly due to a boot seal rather than anything more serious, as there was no water retention.

Dashboard

The dashboard shows a little patina and is no worse off because of it. The padding and facia are intact with no significant signs of sun damage. All of the dials and controls are legible and display a little wear but all are said to be functional, except the horn.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheels appear to be the original and show nothing much more than age-related blemishes, with hairline cracks noted on the arms. The gear lever too is reflective of the age of the car, with light wear. The gaiter is in good shape.

Mechanics

Mechanically durable, the owner has been using the car on a regular basis in the last year.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up without any issues, once running it sounded healthy. There was no smoke observed from the exhaust, its purposeful tone sounds good with no suggestions of leaks. The car idles sweetly, with no undulations or knocking and no warning lights showing on the dashboard. The engine has been well cared for over the years and it offers a positive visual presentation. No leaks were observed on the day. There is a light coat of overspray dust in places but nothing that a little elbow grease couldn't resolve.

The previous owner has made notes to point out that there is no synchromesh in first gear and has issued instructions on how to live with it. The reverse gear also requires a bit of knack to engage, but it is part of the parcel for these cars, otherwise, it changes swiftly with no issues noted with the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The physical condition of the brakes, pipes and suspension components appears to be good, with the previous owner stating that the suspension had been overhauled. There were no issues with their operation, with the steering not revealing any issues during the low-speed urban test drive.

The Drive

The car rides well, with its nimble agility intact. The cabin was relatively civilised, with no severe vibrations. The suspension didn't reveal any knocks, with the steering not revealing any vibration while the car was in action or braking. The car was not tested at speeds above 30MPH, but the owner has been using it as a commuter car for several months and has not reported any issues with its oil pressure or engine temperature.

Electrics and Other

It's worth pointing out that the handbrake requires a knack to operate. The previous owner has left specific notes about describing it as a racing hand brake. The soft top and tonneau covers are very recent items and free of damage. The soft top retracts and raises with no issues, with the metal frame brace in good condition. The car is also fitted with electronic ignition and a new thermostat.

History and Paperwork

A former show queen, this Spitfire is well travelled but has been truly loved and comes to market ready to run.

Imported into the UK in 2019 after spending much of its life in South Africa, the previous owner is believed to have bought the car in 2010 from the chairman of the Triumph Sports Club in South Africa. It was actively used in classic car rallies and road trips across the country. In 2012, it was awarded a Silver Medal at the Concours ‘etat competition at the National Gathering in Plettenberg Bay. Its maintenance and upkeep have been carefully documented in a journal, which notes regular servicing, maintenance and improvements. Over that decade of ownership, it has covered around 7,000 miles and appears to have received a fair amount of spending. The owner brought the car to the UK and it was bought by the current owner a year ago. There are around 80 invoices, most of them coming from Rimmer Bros, with further work to the manifold, carbs, brakes, wiring, seats and suspension. More recently the car has received a respray, as well as a new hood and tonneau cover. It comes with its V5, an owner's handbook, as well as three keys. A service was also carried out earlier this year.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • ModelSpitfire MK II
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date30-08-1966
  • CC1147
  • Mileage100,474
  • HistoryYes
  • ColourFrozen White
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #4FC72052
  • Engine #FC72178HE
  • Last Service02-2023
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • Former Keepers1 (in UK)
  • Tyre BrandEncore
  • # of Keys3
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 year
  • Key FeatureGreat presentation and ready to run
  • Auction ID512160







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
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Kulraj Salh
Admin

Update – The seller Joseph has removed the reserve on the auction. This car is no selling at no reserve, and will go to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck if you’re involved in the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Golders Green, London

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