Description

1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV

Good running order; little use in recent years; driven over 30 miles to the sale

By 1971 the Triumph Spitfire was getting a bit long in the tooth after nine years in production so a major revamp was ordered. The new MkIV featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both of which were also Michelotti-designed. The front end was cleaned up, and the doors were given recessed handles.
The interior was also much improved: a proper full-width dashboard was provided, putting the instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console. The engine continued at 1,296cc, but was modified with larger big-end bearings and the gearbox gained synchromesh on its bottom gear.
By far the most significant change, however, was to the rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design. The Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse had already been modified, and the result on all these cars was safe and progressive handling even at the limit.
First registered in May 1972, this Spitfire MkIV has had five former keepers, the current since June 2021. Sadly there is no history with the car whatsoever so we can’t tell you much about it, although it appears to be solid all round with a notably clean and tidy undercarriage.

An online history check shows that it was last MOT’d in 2013 when the mileage was 92,137 (with just one advisory for a minor oil leak) and it has clearly seen very little use since, the odometer currently showing 92,871 miles.

We are told that it runs and drives well and it was driven over 30 miles to the sale. It has certainly been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with a pleasingly rorty exhaust note.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com