Triumph Spitfire IV

ENGINE 1296cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 63bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 69lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 90mph 0-60MPH 16.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, 4-speed man + o/d MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 41,519 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This Spitfire starts readily on full choke and ticks over smoothly within minutes as it warms through. The clutch is firm but not heavy and bites at just over half travel, while gear selection feels positive, with no slop through the stick. The vendor has replaced the rear exhaust box (which emits a rather sporty note) and the steering offers plenty of feedback. Uneven road surfaces don’t faze the suspension, which works well with no rattles. The engine surprises by providing ample performance without having to rev it hard and the overdrive engages on demand.

BODYWORK CHECK

The original Mimosa Yellow paint is bright with just a few small marks, including one on the rear of the offside front wing, a minor blemish on the bootlid and a tiny touchedin stone chip in the bonnet. Both chrome bumpers are excellent, though the door handles are showing their age; a perfectionist may also want to repaint the silver brackets that secure the chrome boot lid rack. Close inspection of the

underside shows evidence of a couple of minor patch repairs, but the floor is well protected from stem to stern with a light and even application of underseal. Overall, this Spitfire is a solid example with a quality finish and exact panel gaps.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The previous owner invested heavily in the carpets – which show little wear – and replacement seat covers. The vendor will look to rectify the small split along the seam in the driver’s seat back cover where it has caught the seat belt buckle prior to sale. All of the dials and gauges operate correctly – apart from the Smiths clock. The door cards and trim panels are in great shape, replacement sun visors have been fitted, and the soft-top’s as-new condition matches that of the tonneau.

UNDER THE BONNET

The area is clean and could be lifted to show standard with little effort. The alternator and both brake and clutch master cylinders are obvious recent replacements. The vendor has carried out a service and fitted new ignition leads and a replacement electric washer pump. There are no oil or coolant leaks. The history file contains MoT certificates dating back to 1987, confirming that this Spitfire has covered just 20,000 miles in 32 years. Workshop and owner’s manual are also included, along with invoices collected by the last owner of nine years.

THE CCW VIEW

This Spitfire is honest, tidy and priced well. There’s plenty for the hands-on enthusiast to improve, but the solid panels and bright paint make for a good base. Overall, it’s well prepared, with no mechanical niggles – ideal for a first-time classic buyer. Grant Ford