BRIEF
HISTORY OF THE TRIUMPH SPITFIRE
Designed
by Giovanni Michelotti, the
TRIUMPH SPITFIRE started its carreer in
1962.
Despite
modest performance for a sportscar, it was well received by the press
and the public.
Launched
one year earlier,
the Triumph TR4 already gave the way to winding windows sports cars,
while competing models from the BMC (British Motor Corporation): MG A,
Midget Mk1 and Austin Healey Sprite MK2 still imposed "side
screens" as standard weather equipment to their drivers. The Spifire
offered this comfort enhancement too, but kept some "roadster
attributes" : pack away hood and hood-frame, small doors combined with
a seat position so low that driver and passenger can touch the road
when leaning the arm out of the window.
|
As for the MG
B and MG Midget, the Triumph
Spitfire' carreer
lasted two decades.
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TECHNICAL
| Version |
Engine |
Power |
Transmission |
Length |
Weight |
Top
speed |
Spitfire
4
(Mark 1)
(1963-1964) |
In
line 4 Cyl.
1147 cc
|
twin
SU HS 2 carburettors - 63
hp |
4
speed gearbox -no synchromesh on 1st - overdrive optional on
3rd and 4th |
368
cm |
712
kg
|
148
Kph |
Spitfire
4 Mk2
(1965
-1967)
|
In
line
4 Cyl.
1147
cc |
twin
SU HS 2
carburettors -
67
hp |
4
speed gearbox -no synchromesh on 1st - overdrive optional on
3rd and 4th
|
368
cm |
735
kg |
153
Kph |
Spitfire
Mk3
(1967
-1970) |
In
line
4 Cyl.
1296
cc |
twin
SU HS 2
carburettors - 75
hp |
4
speed gearbox -no synchromesh on 1st - overdrive optional on
3rd and 4th |
373
cm |
748
kg |
165
Kph |
Spitfire
Mk4
(1971
-1974) |
In
line
4 Cyl.
1296
cc |
twin
SU HS 2
carburettors -
63
hp |
4
speed gearbox - overdrive optional on 3rd and 4th |
378
cm |
780
kg |
156
Kph |
Spitfire
Mk4
(1971
-1972)
USA export |
In
line
4 Cyl.
1296
cc |
twin
Stromberg carburettors
- 58
hp |
4
speed gearbox - overdrive optional on 3rd and 4th |
378 cm |
780 kg |
140 Kph |
Spitfire
1500
(1975
-1980) |
In
line
4 Cyl.
1493
cc |
twin
SU HS 4
carburettors -
71
hp |
4
speed gearbox - overdrive optional on 4th |
378 cm |
815 kg |
161 Kph |
Spitfire
Mk4
(1973
-1980)
USA export |
In
line
4 Cyl.
1493 cc |
1 Stromberg
carburettor - 52
hp |
4
speed gearbox - overdrive optional on 3rd and 4th |
397 cm |
830 kg |
150 Kph |
|
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WHERE CAN I FIND A
TRIUMPH
SPITFIRE FOR SALE ?
Everywhere
! Many Triumph Spitfire are listed every week or month in the
specialized press or in the classic car classified sites on the
Internet.
|
There
is not
need to hurry to buy the
first car you see (the ads may be
re-submited on a
regular basis when prices are too high). See and test
drive several vehicles, this will allow you to ensure that you
are made for this model.
Most of cars actually on the road have been restored, but there are
still some "original condition" Spitfires that were driven hard while
servicing was neglected. Carefully check every part on the body, listen
to the engine and look for smoke on acceleration. Fortunately a
Spitfire can be re-built from separate chassis and mechanic is simple
and very easy to reach. |
|
 |
SPARE
PARTS AVAILABILITY
Spare
parts availability is the undeniable advantage of British classic cars
: almost everything is available at affordable price. |
Dozens
of spare parts retailers sell from their web-shops. Spare parts
catalogs and price lists may be downloaded directly from the Internet.
Original parts catalog is also available on CD-Rom from
retailers.
|
The large
number of cars still on road today helps
to maintain a dynamic market, where customers demand drives spare parts
production and competition between spare parts retailers
keeps
rates at reasonnable levels.
There are many spare parts retailers around the world, spares are
mostly immediatly available.
Major classic
car parts companies are Moss
Europe, Moss
Motors, Anglo Parts,
Limora, Motor Dream, etc.
|
HOW TO GET
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ?
Meet
Spitfire
owners. As many
enthusiasts, they
will be happy to share their experience with you, and give an
objective opinion on their cars. Go to autojumbles, classic car events
or contact your local Triumph car club.
Helpful books
can be found on the car's history, you will find on this site selected
and recommended publications.
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