Congratulations! The MkIII featured a 1296cc powerplant, which was carried over to the MkIV, but with less power because of emissions control equipment. Please try again later or you may try to reload page. Lower trunnions need regular lubrication with heavy oil they will seize and snap the kingpin if neglected or if grease dries and goes hard inside. Detail improvements continued to be made throughout the 1500's production run, including reclining seats with "chequered brushed nylon centre panels" and head restraints, introduced for domestic market cars early in 1977 along with a new set of column stalk operated minor controls (as fitted already in the TR7) replacing the old dashboard mounted knobs and switches. Thats just as well because there are various bits that can give trouble but its all very cheap and beautifully simple to put right. In 1973, new emission controls saw the Spitfires performance reduced with a top speed of 90 mph. 1972 Triumph Spitfire. [1] The factory claimed that at highway speeds (70mph (110km/h)) the car achieved 38.1 miles per imperial gallon (7.41L/100km; 31.7mpgUS).[1]. Rust: corrosion is the Spitfires main enemy; it can strike in the bodyshell as well as the chassis, and the sills are essential to the cars strength. Triumph 1973 Toledo 1500 - discontinued in October 1500 TC - new model in October Dolomite 2000 / 2.5PI Mk II Spitfire Mk IV GT6 Mk 3 - discontinued TR6 Stag Great Britain . If you win the auction, your card will be charged for the service fee and you pay the seller directly for the vehicle. Beware 2-litre conversions unless based entirely on a GT6 chassis Spitfire running gear cant handle the weight and power. Performance was slower than the Mark III due to its weight increase and taller 3.89:1 final drive as opposed to the earlier 4.11:1. Starting in 1969, US-bound models were "federalised" to comply with safety and emissions regulations. The lower rockers and floorboard metal appearing free of corrosion beyond light surface rust. Crankshaft wear: the 1493cc engine fitted to the Spitfire 1500 has problems of its own, as the crankshaft can wear badly, along with the pistons and rings. Attempting to connect. Ruthin. There was a feel of enthusiastic amateurs about Triumph in the 1950s, as keen young men such as Harry Webster and Giovanni Michelotti followed the make do and mend wartime philosophy to save the beleaguered firm. The Mk IV and 1500, due mainly to the steps backward in performance from earlier Spitfires, sell for slightly less. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2022 Ram 1500; Due to the placement of the engine, there was ample room in the cockpit for the passengers. [1], For 1964 an overdrive became optional to the four-speed manual gearbox. Michelotti was commissioned in 1970 to redesign the Spitfire. Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. Average fuel consumption was 31 mpg. 1973 Spitfire $3,000-$52,000 1973 Triumph Spitfire Base Price : $3,000 Lower Priced Cars Higher Priced Cars Similar Priced Cars Other 1973 Triumph Models 1973 Triumph TR6 $3,300 1973 Triumph GT6 MKIII $3,374 1973 Triumph Stag $5,800 Mk 4 Year Production Wheelbase Engine Prices 1971 Spitfire MKIV 83.00 in. Fair Market Value Insurance - Resale KBB - List Price MSRP - NADA Private Sale Theres not much difference in values between the various Spitfire incarnations; the later cars are more usable but the earlier ones offer greater design purity. Early cars are certainly the most valuable, with Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 models all commanding up to around 8000 in top condition. However, none of these cars are really fast and none will ever provide the lan of an Elan, but then youre not paying Lotus prices either. Your daily digest of everything happening on the site. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. Pioneer after market CD player with USB. If so please use the bidding box above. #1 Concours condition #2 Excellent condition #3 Good condition #4 Fair condition Let us watch the market for you Rear overriders were deleted and bumper mounted reversing lights became standard (initially as two separate lights on either side of the number plate, latterly as a single light in a new unit above the number plate). Optional overdrive was a big plus over Spridgets. Exterior trim featured a new grille and badges, and the interior featured revised seats, covering most exposed surfaces with rubber cloth. With a focus on the economy, the Spitfire's trim options were not extravagant. X. The result on all these cars was improved handling. When you bid we pre-authorize your credit card for the service fee (this helps prevent fraud). You're the high bidder. These have been temporarily saved. The remaining leaves were mounted to pivot freely eliminating the worst characteristics of the original swing-axle. For more info, read about our auctions or email us with any questions. The car was largely based upon the chassis of the Triumph Herald saloon, but shortened and . In 1970, Michelotti once again turned his attention to the car, cleaning up the front and rear and engineers finally resolved the treacherous swing axles. With the overall weight also increasing to 1,717lb (779kg) performance dropped, with 0 to 60mph (0 to 97km/h) now in 15.8 seconds and top speed reduced to 90mph (140km/h). There are plenty of project Spitfires about, but if you want to restore the car properly, even at home, youll be doing well to break even if you buy something that needs a complete overhaul. The Austin-Healey Sprite had proven there was a demand for small cars with sporty intentions. conceptcarz.com . 1977:The interior receives minor fettling for greater comfort. The main problem with the trunnions is wear of the threaded brass at the bottom, if EP90 oil hasnt been pumped in every six months or so. Values Reference Profiles Exotics Order MENU 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 4cyl 1493cc (57hp SAE) 4M #4 #3 #2 #1: 1500 Roadster : 3700: 7800: 13200: 20000: Add: Overdrive: 5%: Wire wheels : 5%: Profile Condition Truck Table. The interior was revised to include a full-width dashboard, with instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console, initially finished in black plastic and then from 1973 finished in wood. Viable projects can still be found for around 850. More power came with the Mk II and these early cars are quite desirable if the driver respects the limitations of the rear suspension design. Even with twin SU carbs, the Heralds tiny 1.1 liter engine made little power and the swing axle rear suspension made for potentially hazardous handling near the limit. 2016, 2017 and 2018. All Spitfire engine numbers start with an F: FC in the case of the MkI/MkII, FD for the MkIII, FH for the MkIV (but FK for US cars) and FH for the 1500 (FM for US cars). 1959 Triumph TR3 1973 Triumph TR-6 1974 Triumph TR6 1975 Triumph TR6 1979 Triumph Spitfire: Free Links: Classified Ads: Find Value: Ask Question: Questions: Answers: Session ID: Used Values: Start: A to Z: Blue Book: . The Mk III saw an increase in top speed and acceleration thanks to the new 75 horsepower engine. U.S. pollution and safety regulations began to hit the Spitfire after 1967 with the Mk III heralding revised (and less attractive bumpers) and less horsepower in spite of a displacement increase to nearly 1.3 liters. Are you looking to buy your dream classic car? If the top of the wheel has disappeared above the wheelarch, the spring needs to be renewed. The steering and front suspension from the Herald remained unchanged on the new sportscar. Even with twin SU carbs, the Heralds tiny 1.1 liter engine made little power and the swing axle rear suspension made for potentially hazardous handling near the limit. Itll do around 100,000 miles between rebuilds if well maintained, but is likely to need hardened valve seats after about 20k miles on unleaded. It was nonetheless considered fairly comfortable at the time, as it had wind-down windows and exterior door locks, as well as relatively full instrumentation. Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. More power came with the Mk II and these early cars are quite desirable if the driver respects the limitations of the rear suspension design. Also listen for whining, indicating that the gears have worn, or rumbling, which signifies the bearings are on their way out. Triumph 1973 Triumph Spitfire History Gallery Recalls Valuation Mk 4 (1971 - 1974) 1971 1972 1973 These are standard specifications - not necessarily specifications for the vehicle (s) in the photo (s). Our Value Guide is constantly growing with pricing information, mar. Average cars sell for 3000-5000, with projects starting from around 1000. Free delivery for many products! The same goes for the rest of the front suspension; there are all sorts of potential weak spots but theyre all quickly and cheaply fixed. These wear out and are a pain to remove as a press is needed. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Pricing Original MSRP N/a Price range $14,495 to $14,495 Average price on CG $14,495 YoY price change $14,495 to $14,495 Date Sep 22 Oct 22 Nov 22 Dec 22 Jan 23 Feb 23 Price (US $) $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1972 Triumph Spitfire Index Price document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Please enable JavaScript to engage in the discussion on this site. One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. The engine was also detuned to meet new emissions regulations. Inspect for signs of careful maintenance, listen for unwanted rumbling or tinkling, look for oil leaks, water in oil or vice versa and check that the oil light doesnt flicker at tickover showing a worn engine, or a faulty sender. The 1,147cc engine was replaced with a bored-out 1,296cc unit (the bore increasing from 69.3mm (2.73in) to 73.7mm (2.90in), stroke retained at 76mm (3.0in)), as fitted on the new Triumph Herald 13/60 and Triumph 1300 saloons. Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today, This Is How Much A Ferrari F40 Is Worth Today, Here's How Much A Classic Jaguar SS100 Is Worth Today, This Chevrolet Corvette C8 Widebody Could Be Inspiration For The New ZR1, Pontiac Grand Prix: The Original Muscle Car Is Back For 2023 With Bold Intentions, This 2024 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Concept Proves GM Gave Up On Muscle Cars Too Soon, 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid: Here's What We Know, 10 Overrated Electric Crossovers We Wouldn't Waste Our Money On, The Owner Of This Neglected Lexus LS 400 Gets A Massive Repair Bill He Wasn't Expecting. Thanks to its separate-chassis construction, Triumphs Herald provided the perfect platform from which to develop a new two-seater open-topped sportscar, even if the mechanicals were derived from the 1953 Standard Eight. The wider, lower stance gave an impressive skid pad result of 0.87g average. When you think of classic cars, certain images come to mind; certain associations that are too strong to be avoided. Further improvements to the suspension followed with the 1500 included longer swing axles and a lowered spring mounting point for more negative camber and a wider rear track. Bucket-list classics: whats on your list? A manually deployable convertible top, substantially improved on later models, provided weather protection and a bespoke hard-top was available as a factory option. Absolutely zero rust. Popular Cars for Sale. The engine was an 1,147cc (70.0cuin) four-cylinder with a pushrod OHV cylinder head and two valves per cylinder, using twin SU carburettors. **Figure based on a stock 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 valued at $9,700 with ON rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. 1973: Triumph: Spitfire: Base: 1.5L 1493CC 91Cu. Lot #1,771. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. The Mk. Power is supplied by a non-original 1500cc engine that had the standard Zenith Stromberg carburetors replaced with a single Weber DGV downdraft unit. Lightweight, small size, sporty styling, and a name pulled from the famous World War II fighter plane combined to make the car an instant hit sold in the hundreds of thousands. Assembled at Canley in August 1980 shortly before the factory closed, the last Spitfire was an Inca Yellow UK-model including the factory hardtop and overdrive options. Most cars have been restored by now and originality is hard to find; suspension systems, exhausts, engines and wheels are often upgraded so dont expect to find a time-warp car. The Triumph doesnt have a huge amount of power on offer, but with just 670kg to haul along, performance is better than you might think especially as the 1147cc four-pot was fitted with twin carbs, a spicier camshaft and a more free-breathing exhaust manifold. Reconnected! Sign in now to prevent your Saved Listings from expiring. Suspension: the rear suspension can also give problems, but its generally easy to overhaul, with one key exception; the wheel bearings. It produced 63 horsepower and 67 ft-lb. IV engine displaced 1,296cc (79.1cuin) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. Sills: start by looking at the integrity of the sills; the area where they meet the rear wings is where corrosion is the most likely, and once rot takes a hold, long-lasting repairs will require skill. In March 1965 the Spitfire Mark II launched with a retuned engine, featuring a revised camshaft profile, water-heated intake manifold, and tubular exhaust manifold, increasing power to 67bhp (50kW) at 6,000 rpm. GRP is a good remedy but it is hard to fit the top lip seals that help to support bonnet; theyre often omitted, as here. Entering production in '62, the Triumph Spitfire featured a few improvements mechanically when compared to the Herald on which it was based. As no six-cylinder version ever appeared as might have been planned, the Spitfire 4 moniker was phased out as insignificant. All Spitfires should have adequate braking for modern traffic; if not, allow for a rebuild. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Find your next car in our classifieds the classic of your dreams could be just a click away (l-r) Neat Hardtop featured bolted-on steel roof and no hood; Spits did well on rallies and circuits, here at Le Mans in 64, The Spitfires four-cylinder engine will do around 100,000 miles between rebuilds, if well maintained, Owner Graham Spalls MkIV has been extremely reliable, Fiat 850 Spider (left) and MG Midget are alternative buys, Rare Frua-bodied Maserati to make UK debut, The Amsterdam Job: the story of an epic classic Mini advert, C&SC presents Ferrari Legends is out now, Homologation specials join London Concours line-up. Theres a good chance that youll pay over the odds for a car that needs plenty of work. [1] With the addition of a catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculating system, the engine only delivered 53bhp (40kW) (DIN) with a slower 060mph time of 16.3 seconds. Average fuel consumption was 33mpg. [4] Wire wheels and a hard top were also available.[4]. I hope you enjoy these videos of me working on and playing with or driving my Triumph Spitfire . Importantly, the heavily criticised rear suspension was decambered, incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". [10] More than 75 per cent of this number had been exported outside the UK, including 45 per cent to the US and 25 per cent to mainland European markets. Youre going to struggle to find anything that offers the same amount of fun as the Spitfire, if youre on a seriously tight budget, but such low values are a double-edged sword because theres a lot of rubbish available as a result. I would purchase again but expect this one to last a long time. The steering wheel was inexpensive plastic, and floor mats were simple rubber designs. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for Appears t. ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015, While the Mk IV's speed suffered from new American emissions regulations, it did feature a notable revision to the car's rear suspension, which remedied the oversteer common in earlier models. 4 Speed Manual Tra, 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Why This Car Is Special The 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible is a, Gateway Classic Cars of Indianapolis is proud to offer this 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. The most desirable Spitfires are those with odd numbers; the delicate and pretty Mk1, the powerful Mk3, and the usable 1500. Always raise the top before your test drive it will help you to hear noises from the drivetrain (especially the differential) and to assess the fit of the hood. Like new 1979 new tires new breaks new shocks everything is, Car has new fuel tank, new hydraulic clutch, new seat upholstery, new carpet. Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. 3rd owner. Most relevant reviews. Under the bonnet, some markets had the twin SU carburettors replaced with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor.[12]. Entering production in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire featured a few improvements mechanically when compared to the Herald on which it was based. The older saloon's drum brakes were replaced upfront with discs, and the body was made stiffer to aid in performance around the corners. First sold in 1962 and staying in production for a whopping 18 years, the Spitfire embodied the essence of the mid-century British convertible. The Spitfire went on to see three more revisions, the Mk III debuting in 1967, the Mk IV in 1970, and the Spitfire 1500 hitting the roads in 1974. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. Online quotes are fast and easy. Stylish, reliable, simple and cheap to maintain, the Spitfire has a lot to offer if no-frills classic sports car motoring is what you seek and youre happy to live with its separate-chassis character. Are you sure you want to proceed? Their high production numbers also mean that examples are relatively simple to locate. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION; Vin Plate : Vehicle Number Location: Adjacent to the left hand door striker plate. What's your classic cars value? Carpeting replaced the original moulded rubber floor mats. The stock exhaust manifold has been replaced by a header, and a Pertronix flamethrower electronic ignition has been added. A super little machine that fits like a glove and feels remarkably sporting for its limited pace. Compression is said to be 90-100 psi across all four cylinders. The "Spitfire 4" name indicated the possibility of the appearance of a six-cylinder version. The Hagerty classic car valuation tool is designed to help you learn how to value your classic car and assess the current state of the classic car market. If the car has been in a major shunt, the damage will be obvious; any prang big enough to distort the main chassis will have wrecked the cars delicate panels. According to Classic & Sports Car, a concours condition example, today will fetch about $16,500, as will the similar Mk Is and IIIs. The car is powered by a non-original 1500cc inline-four with a Weber carburetor backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Thats okay if you buy a project car knowing it needs a lot of work. Distributor and camshaft wear take the edge off performance. Check the steering for knocks - rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. It was progressively improved from the charming 1147cc Spitfire 4 and MkII to the livelier 1296cc MkIII. Drivetrain vibration or knocking may just be worn universal joints in the prop or driveshafts, or soggy mountings: fairly cheap to repair. The model was named after the famed Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane of World War II.[7]. The Triumph GT6 is a 6-cylinder fastback version of the Spitfire, styled by the Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, and produced over 7 years from 1966 to 1973. of torque, enough to propel the sub-1,600 pound car from 0 to 60 in 16.4 seconds and up to a top speed of a respectable 92 mph. Select a vehicle trim below to get a valuation. The easy access to the engine with ample room to make repairs was something no other small car manufacturer was offering at the time. Triumph was caught flat-footed by rival BMCs introduction of the Austin-Healey Sprite and the MG Midget. This was originally bought by me in 2017 after a wait of twe. Your best bet is to feel for play by getting underneath. This fun and proper sports car has enjoyed 95,000 original miles. The Triumph Spitfire has been a card-carrying classic for decades, and values are finally out of banger territory across the range. Good product. Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home Values Terms of Use, Your Privacy Choices 1973 Triumph Spitfire Base Price : $3,000. Even when things sound really bad the rear axle will just keep going, but its obviously something to sort. 1975 Triumph Spitfire 45,504 mi $ 13,950 or $230/mo 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed manual gear box. It's not to, 1979 Triumph Spitfire PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO https://youtu.be/dCn8jIqpLho For sale is a 1979 Triumph, 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Convertible. Images are general in nature and may not reflect the specific vehicle selected. $4,500. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Home Markets Garage One leaf was eliminated from the stack and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. The windshield height was increased by two inches. A lack of originality isnt generally an issue (although it may be to you), but poor restorations are a problem because many home restorers cut their teeth on cars like the Spitfire. Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith: somebody please talk me out of this, Video: The Classic & Sports Car Show 2018 highlights, Corrosion can penetrate almost everywhere, so thoroughly inspect the chassis and body. If you don't win, the pre-authorization will be released. 1973 Triumph Stag Price $19,000 1975 Triumph Stag Price $36,981 1974 Triumph Stag Price $21,912 Handling remains a strong point for the revised Mazda MX-5, but the interior is cramped, With a wave of Chinese cars on the way to the UK, editor-in-chief Steve Fowler thinks the survival of some well-known manufacturers could be under thr, Dr Andy Palmer sees the dramatic rise of BYD as just the start of huge, China-driven change on the car manufacturing scene. The car was a popular option for drivers seeking an affordable but fun roadster, and the model stayed on the market for the better part of two decades. DAA Industry Opt Out The American market Spitfire 1500 is identified by large plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings/fenders. CLASSIC CARS. Water will get in, wreaking havoc throughout the sill. The car was given a partial restoration by a previous owner around 2007, and had been driven about 3000 miles since. Brakes: its a similar story for the brakes; theyre completely conventional so you just need to be on the lookout for leaking rear wheel cylinder, sticking caliper pistons and seized handbrakes.