"The 1962 Earls Court Motor Show saw the introduction of the Triumph Spitfire 4, a small lightweight sports car designed by Michelotti and a design that had much in common with its sibling, the Triumph Herald. The '4' within the title referred to the four-cylinder engine with thoughts to the future of producing a six-cylinder version. In UK specification, the in-line four produced 63bhp at 5750rpm which gave a top speed of 92mph and would achieve 0 to 60mph in 16.4 seconds. Average fuel consumption was 31mpg. In March 1965, the Spitfire 4 Mk. II was introduced. It was very similar to the Mk. I; in addition to small trim changes, a revised camshaft and exhaust design gave the Mk. II a modest 4bhp increase in power. With a fully opening front end, servicing was a delight and today, these British sports cars are well catered for by several specialists throughout the UK. This pretty little car outsold its Abingdon rivals during every year of production except one and that was the year the Canley factory went on strike. Production finally ceased in the summer of 1980 ending an 18-year production run; quite something for this small sports car.
This superb Triumph Spitfire 4 Mk. II has been subject to a complete restoration to the highest of standards as a labour of love. This included the body being completely stripped down to the bare metal and repainted making sure that all the gaps were correct when reassembled. The engine was disassembled then fully checked, rebuilt and refitted to the car with upgraded electronic ignition. A new interior was fitted including new carpets and leather seats whilst the original dashboard was retained. An original UK overdrive gearbox car, it has recently benefitted from all new engine hoses along with a new water pump and radiator as a cautionary measure when the vendor recommissioned the car. The car’s hood is in good condition and it is supplied with a tonneau cover. The 1,147cc engine reportedly runs incredibly well and provides a fun and responsive drive in this pretty little British sports car.
Supplied with the car is its V5C registration document, history file and MoT test certificate valid until September 2021. This lovely early Spitfire is available at a fraction of the cost it would have cost the restorer and as a result, surely represents incredible value.Interested parties should note that contrary to the catalogue description, we cannot confirm that this car was supplied new with an overdrive gearbox, it is however fitted with one.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day."