Triumph Spitfire
ENIGINE 129cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 62bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 68lb ft@2900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 90mph 0-60MPH 16sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 87,903 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The manual choke isn’t required for long – the 1296cc engine warms readily and settles quickly. The clutch is light with a low biting point and the gearbox offers slick changes. Performance is willing and the Spitfi re is happy in traffi c with no signs of overheating. The engine was rebuilt in 2011 at 73,000 miles with an unleaded conversion and performs well. Handling is precise and excels through tight bends while the brakes provide strong and straight stopping power.
BODYWORK CHECK
The original Sienna Brown was re-applied during a full restoration that began around eight years ago; it remains fresh, although there are several light polish marks in the bootlid that will require a ‘mop’ to remove. There is one tiny dent on the nearside front (though it hasn’t damaged the paint) plus a stone chip on the bonnet. The chrome bumpers are new, but the door handles are original. The floor pans are solid and well protected and the inner and outer wheel arches were replaced during restoration. The soft-top is also recent and the paperwork confi rms that it was made to measure using quality materials.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The brown vinyl seat covers are unmarked and complement the veneer dash front, which could be a later replacement; it is highly polished and houses fully-functioning Jaeger gauges. The black carpets were replaced during restoration and show little wear while the lower section of the door cards are blemish-free. However, the upper part of the driver’s door panel will need resealing because the vinyl cover is coming away from the base. The modern JVC radio/CD player is connected to a speaker located on the passenger shelf just below the period map light. The wood-rim steering wheel and matching gear knob finish the cabin off nicely.
UNDER THE BONNET
The condition of the chassis, suspension and bulkhead match that of the exterior and the engine is clean and well presented. There is a slight weep from the rocker cover seal; it’s a common problem and the vendor will look to replace before sale. The rocker cover itself would benefit from a coat of silver paint and the perfectionist may want to refi nish the air filter housing. The history contains a full photographic record of the restoration, invoices dating back to 1973 and every MoT certificate since 1985. Recent parts include alternator, electronic ignition and brake servo, with invoices since 2013 totalling just under £15,500.
THE CCW VIEW
This Spitfire has yet to go through the vendor’s presales checks but the history fi le is extensive and it drives beautifully.