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1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV

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

Sold Price

£5,020

  • Mileage~14,437
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationDoncaster

SOLD

1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV

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Introduction

Tom Valle
Professional Consigner and Photographer

The archetypal classic British roadster, Italian styling and tried and tested engineering make for a perfect combination on the roads.

The design of the Spitfire started off in 1960, when the Triumph designers decided they would come up with something a bit more special than Donald Healeys little Sprite, and so they started work on their own projects which was called the "Bomb". Based on a Triumph Herald chassis, the Bomb would be a shortened version of this. With the chassis sorted, it was then sent off to Giovanni Michelotti who designed the body for the two-seater. With sales slumping since 1956, and petrol rationing taking hold, the project was shelved and the Bomb was left in a corner of the workshop covered up. Rediscovered a year later, the Spitfire went on to be produced for 18 years.

With the benefit of the 1500cc engine and overdrive gearbox, this MkIV example, is coming to market after some 29 years of ownership, with 20 of those being in rolling restoration.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Tom after meeting Peter 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

Inspired by a university friend who owned a Spitfire, I wanted a long term project to satisfy my mechanical itch.

Peter has owned his 1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV since 1992. The car has turned into a labour of love for Peter, who has enjoyed many, many hours tinkering and taking his time to make sure the Spitfire is as close to original specifications as possible, given the non-standard engine and gearbox, and the minor but useful dashboard additions already present when purchased ie the clock and double direction indicators.

With the project completed in 2012, Peter has continued to use the car but only very little, covering just approximately 3,000 miles since purchasing it in 1992. The decision to sell the car hasn't been easy, but health reasons have resulted in the decision to part company with his labour of love. Peter will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Peter
Vehicle Owner

Peter saved £0,900* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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Exterior

Finished in Magenta, a factory option - the Spitfire is certainly a British classic that will stand out from a crowd.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels on the Spitfire are steel and have been shot blasted and painted silver with the Spitfire centre cap. All of these are in good condition.

The tyres are matching Nexen, which are in excellent condition and have plenty of tread remaining ready for the new owner.

Bodywork

Taking a look around the panel gaps for the doors are as you would expect. The passenger door does slightly stick out on the lower edge. The boot and bonnet look to be as they should, and both doors also close as you'd expect. The window operation on both sides is also smooth.

The convertible roof is in good condition and the fit is probably as tight as you would get it on a Spitfire. There is a tonneau cover included to cover the roof when it's down. Please see the gallery for more detailed images.

Paint

The Magenta paintwork was completed around 10 years ago. Prior to the paint, during the restoration, the car has had new door skins fitted and other various panel repairs. There are a couple of areas where the paint has started to blister a little and there are a couple of age related chips to be found dotted around the Spitfire.

Some areas look to have been touched up and there is a small amount of overspray in places. It does look like it might clean off with some paint thinners or a similar product to remove overspray.

Please see the image gallery for more detailed shots.

Glass and Trim

The windows for the convertible roof are generally scratch free, as are the side windows and windscreen. The chromework around the car is nice and bright with just some light scratches as you would expect for the age. The lights are all in good condition with no chips or cracks to mention, and the front lip spoiler is in good condition.

We have captured high resolution photos and videos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the exterior.

Interior

New cushions and seat coverings give the Spitfire an 'as new' feel.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the Spitfire have been re-cushioned and re-trimmed in the original style material. This was carried out just 3 years ago and they still look new today.

The carpets throughout were replaced at the same time as the seats, so equally these are in excellent condition. The door cards are nice and clean with no noticeable scuffs to mention.

The boot area has the carpets in place which look to have been replaced at the same time as the rest. The spare wheel is present, covered with the wheel cover.

Dashboard

The dashboard appears to be free from any cracks to the top, the wood finish facia is in good condition, again with no cracking to the finish. The instruments are all nice and clean with no corrosion to the bezels, and the odometer is displaying a reading of ~14,437.

Some additional gauges have been retrofitted to the lower part of the dash to monitor the volts, vacuum and oil pressure. The volt gauge has stopped working and Peter reports that this is a fault with the gauge and not the wiring. There is a Blaupunkt radio cassette fitted. The radio side works fine, but the cassette side is a little past its best.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed shots.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wooden rimmed steering wheel is in good condition with just some odd tiny chips to the lacquer.

The gear knob shows the numbers 1,2,3,4 and reverse, with the overdrive slide button in the middle, which is working and the gear gaitor has been replaced. We have captured high resolution photos and videos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior.

Mechanics

Fitted with the sporty 1500cc engine, this MkIV is no slouch, resulting in a fun driving experience, especially around the twists and bends.

Engine and Gearbox

A reconditioned engine was fitted by the previous keeper, this was purchased from Rimmer Bros on the 2nd September 1991. It is believed by Peter, after looking back through the MOT history, that the engine has covered less than 10,000 miles.

Give the key a quick turn and the 1500cc fires into life. A quick blip on the throttle clears the twin SU carburettors and leaves the engine ticking over smoothly, with no unwanted noises that shouldn’t be there - please have a look at the cold start in the mechanical review video.

A 4-speed plus overdrive gearbox is what drives the Spitfire, with a final drive ratio of 1:3.63. Peter is not aware of any reconditioning to the gearbox or differential, other than routine servicing. He has never had any concerns about the transmission and reports the change is nice, and the car pulls well through all the gears.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension throughout the car has received new bushes along with shock absorbers and rear leaf springs. Also replaced were the wheel bearings, ensuring a smooth ride for the new custodian of the Spitfire.

The brakes have been overhauled with new hydraulic pipes and Goodridge brake hoses. As you can expect, these bring you to a stop quickly and straight.

The Drive

A classic British two seater sports car, which will bring miles of smiles as you tear through the countryside in the lovely Triumph Spitfire. Peter has very much enjoyed his time with the Spitfire, even though he’s not covered many miles in it - sometimes the pleasure can be about working on them too.

With the car mechanically sound, the two-seater classic is ready for the open road.

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear is in good condition with no obvious wear to the lettering of the buttons.

Just a couple of small points to mention. The wipers sometimes do not always self park and there are no interior and boot lights or a reverse light. Also, Peter has fitted electric washer jets to the car, and as mentioned previously, the radio is working but the tape player doesn't sound the best. One last thing, although the original horn is present it does not work, but two tone horns have been secreted out of sight to provide a pleasing warning note.

Please take a look at the extensive photo and video gallery for more detail look.

History and Paperwork

Long ownership, an enthusiasts rolling restoration over 20 years, reconditioned engine and all presented in a smart and striking Magenta package.

The Spitfire comes with plenty of receipts for parts purchased during the 20 year restoration. Parts range from anything such as suspension and brake components, to small trim clips and screws, basically anything you would need restoring a Spitfire.

There are some old MOT certificates. The last MOT expired on the 31st July 2018. Looking at the MOT history, from 2012 after the restoration, it has not received any advisories.

We’ve done all our usual checks; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
01.08.2017 MOT 13,568
18.07.2016 MOT 13,268
08.05.2015 MOT 13,105
4.05.2015 MOT 12,817
03.04.2012 MOT 12,066
27.05.1992 MOT 11,044
20.05.1991 MOT 4,060
Key Details
  • ModelSpitfire Mark IV
  • Transmission4-Speed manual
  • Reg. Date20.11.1973
  • CC1,493
  • Mileage~14,437
  • HistoryPart
  • ColourMagenta
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #FH58863
  • Matching #sNo
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - clear
  • Former Keepers12
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned29 years
  • Key Feature20 year restoration







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Reg
Guest
Reg

Is this a cut and shut. My traffic officer friend has done some digging and all is not what it seems?

Aubrey Peters
Guest
Aubrey Peters

Hello Peter,I have viewed all the photos and videos,you looked to have done a good job over the years.I notice the studs on the dash and doors,does the car come with a tonneau cover?
Regards Aubrey.

Les Dawes
Guest
Les Dawes

Hi Peter, would it be possible for me to come and view your Spitfire this evening, prior to placing a bid.
I live close to Doncaster, so could be with you at short notice.
Please could you let me know, on my mobile phone number 07425 153194.
Best regards, Les

John Mcnicholas
Guest
John Mcnicholas

Is it roadworthy to the extent, could I drive it 200 miles home, in your opinion. Thanks. John

Reg
Guest
Reg

No

Colin Parker-Shaw
Guest
Colin Parker-Shaw

Hi there.
Just wondering what the original Paint number is on the Vin plate which shows the Com number of the car. It’s usually the bottom left number.
Also, has it been converted to run on Lead free at all.
Lastly, have you investigated why the reversing lights and interior lights don’t work. Thank you

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Vehicle Location

Doncaster

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