The 1965 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans saw a battle of the ages running between Ford and Ferrari, but further down the field there were equally hard-fought dogfights between teams running far less powerful cars. The specially prepared Triumph Spitfires with their aerodynamic bodywork and comprehensively modified engines were set to battle in one of the smallest classes at Le Mans - the GT 1.15 class. Whereas the Ford GT40s were fitted with monstrous seven litre V8s, the Triumphs were powered by 1147cc inline four-cylinder engines with overhead valves. The primary opponent of the Spitfires would be the French team running a series of highly-competitive Alpine A110s. As is often the case with endurance racing, reliability problems began to take their toll as the race went on, all six Alpines fell by the wayside leaving a clean run to the chequered flag for a class win for the Brits. Two of the four Spitfire wouldn't make it, the two survivors took first and second in class - 13th and 14th overall.

First registered on 1st August 1964, this lovely Mk. I Spitfire has been uprated with the accurate S&M Triumph T6 Le Mans replica body. The body, bonnet, floor plan and doors are all fibreglass and painted in the Racing Green of the original four Le Mans entries, making this a faithful recreation of those 1965 Le Mans cars. The car is fitted with a steel rollbar and a twin weber shod 1300cc engine, along with faithful Compomotive Jigsaw 5.5 inch by 13 inch Le Mans replica alloy wheels. Reported to run and drive very well, this lovely replica is built as a tribute to the successful original cars. The car was built with road use in mind sporting comfortable leather reclining seats and more supple suspension. With neither the wheels or bodykit available anymore, these faithful Spitfire conversions are becoming a rare find.

Supplied with its V5 registration document, MoT test certificate valid though until March 2026, receipts and relevant literature. Perfect as is or as a base for a FIA replica race car, either way this pretty Spitfire is sure to delight. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1964
Make: Spitfire Mk. I Le Mans
Model: Triumph
Registration: AHC 40B
Chassis No: FC3594Z
Engine No: tba
Mileage: 89,345

* S&M Triumph Le Mans replica body
* Lovely example
* Fully refurbished