Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. Water will get in, wreaking havoc throughout the sill. Triumph designed the car to be small and sporty but not at the sacrifice of comfort or convenience. Sold 1961-79 No. First sold in 1962 and staying in production for a whopping 18 years, the Spitfire embodied the essence of the mid-century British convertible. Giovanni Michelotti, who had designed the Herald, styled the bodywork, which featured wind-up windows (in contrast to the Sprite and Midget, which used side curtains) and a cowl composed of the bonnet and wings that opened forward for engine access. There's a problem with connection to server. Triumph wanted a piece of this market and felt they could produce a better automobile than the Sprite. #1 Concours condition #2 Excellent condition #3 Good condition #4 Fair condition Let us watch the market for you 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. This extra clean Spitfire is rust free and has a comprehensive frame on restoration. If you win the auction, your card will be charged for the service fee and you pay the seller directly for the vehicle. US 1973 & 74 cars (FM commission numbers) received the 1500cc engine (to try to counteract the strangulating emissions regs in the US) while the rest of the world stayed Mk4's with 1296cc engine. Bodywork was bolted to the much-modified Herald chassis, the outer rails and the rear outriggers having been removed; with structural outer sills to stiffen the overall design. The Mk III saw an increase in top speed and acceleration thanks to the new 75 horsepower engine. Steering: the rack-and-pinion steering is unlikely to have any problems, as it isnt under much strain, despite the Spitfires fabulously tight turning circle. The car was given a partial restoration by a previous owner around 2007, and had been driven about 3000 miles since. MkI and MkII Spitfires were fitted with an 1147cc engine, but because these early cars are rare, youre unlikely to find a car with one of these rather gutless powerplants. Has very good convert, 1975 Triumph Spitfire British Sports Car 4 cylinder 1500cc engine 4 speed manual transmission.Starts, 1980 Triumph Spitfire Originally from Florida 1980 Triumph Spitfire seats gray, have black covers ne, 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed, 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. Triumph Spitfire years | Hagerty Valuation Tools All except bespoke car builders had moved to monocoques, yet Standard-Triumph made a virtue out of the separate chassis, basing numerous variants on the same design and trumpeting benefits such as strength, safety and turning circle. The classic car was. Current Collector Car Value | 1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Prices III Although in this final incarnation the engine was rather rough and more prone to failure than the earlier units, torque was greatly increased by increasing the cylinder stroke to 87.5mm (3.44in), which made it much more drivable in traffic.[1]. The wheel arches were flared, which gave it a more aggressive stance. Developed on a shortened variant of the Triumph Herald saloon/sedan's chassis, the Spitfire shared the Herald's running gear and Standard SC engine. 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. Needing a low-priced sports car of its own to compete, Triumph turned to the rather lackluster small Herald sedan as potential small sports car underpinnings. Although, Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats. Clutch: clutches dont give any particular problems, so just check for slipping as you accelerate, or juddering as you let the clutch out. 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. Importantly, the heavily criticised rear suspension was decambered, incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". Then take a look at thesepotential future classics Not every car manufacturer will survive the Chinese revolution, BYD overtaking VW in China signals a tectonic shift in the global car industry. The Spitfire used a shortened Herald chassis, with many outriggers cut off and stiffening built into the sills instead to give it a low floor. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Values - J.D. Power - NADAguides Itis sold with a factory hardtop and a clear California title. The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta. [1] The Mark III continued production into 1971, well after introduction of the Mark IV. The older saloon's drum brakes were replaced upfront with discs, and the body was made stiffer to aid in performance around the corners. The Spitfire's introduction was delayed by its company's financial troubles in the early 1960's and was subsequently announced shortly after Standard Triumph was taken over by Leyland Motors. 4 Speed Manual Tra . III's final production year (1970) included an integrated rear reverse and license plate lamp, side lamps at the front and rear and new badging. 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. Free delivery for many products! The result on all these cars was improved handling. Lot #1,771. Check the steering for knocks rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. Once this has happened, a bottom-end rebuild is necessary. Summer use only by owner. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. Auction Results and Sales Data for 1973 Triumph Spitfire - Conceptcarz.com built 124,660 Mpg 33-43 0-60mph 15.6 secs Top speed 96mph Price new c1070 (1971) Price now 6-8500+. *Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. [14] Also added for the model's final years were a wood dash, hazard flashers and an electric screen washer, in place of the previous manual pump operated ones. [4] It was manufactured at the Standard-Triumph Canley works, with approximately 315,000 produced over 18 years.[5]. 1973 Triumph Spitfire - conceptcarz.com Theoriginal soft top and frame require restoration and are not currently fitted, though they are included in the sale. 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. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. NEXT:Here's How Much A Classic Jaguar SS100 Is Worth Today, , certain images come to mind; certain associations that are too strong to be avoided. 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. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. The rear suspension was also modified which made . Carpeting replaced the original moulded rubber floor mats. Ruthin. The Spitfire was first conceived to answer the Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite, an affordable, small sportscar that the average Englishman could take out for a fun weekend drive. 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. The worst case scenario is a rebuilt overdrive for around 250. Home repairs: many owners restore their Spitfires at home and dont brace the bodyshell when the three-piece sills are replaced, twisting the bodyshell. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. [14] Options such as the hard top, tonneau cover, map light and overdrive continued to be popular, but wire wheels ceased to be available. The Triumph Spitfire is a British sports car and manufactured over five production iterations between 1962-1980. Yet more rust: floorpans also corrode, sometimes because rot spreads from the sills and sometimes because the footwells have been allowed to fill up with water. 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. Even in subsequent versions of the car, the engine always remained an inline-four. Swing-axle rear suspension works better than most think, especially in swing-spring form. Thats okay if you buy a project car knowing it needs a lot of work. In the UK the 9:1 compression ratio, less restrictive emissions control equipment, and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models,[1] led to the most powerful variant to date. Triumph Spitfire Market - CLASSIC.COM It was possible to buy a Spitfire as a Hardtop, with bolt-on roof and no soft-top. Classic Triumph Stag For Sale | Hemmings [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. The MkIV had been rebuilt; Ive done 45,000 miles in it over the years its my general hack in the summer and it has been extremely reliable. Flower Mound, TX, USA. 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). The 1500 Spitfire now produced 71hp (DIN) at 5,500 rpm, and produced 82lbft (111Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. [8] These early cars were referred to both as "Triumph Spitfire Mark Is" and "Spitfire 4s",[1] different from the later Spitfire Mark IV. Budget for a top end rebuild. Taking a cue from the Sprite's downsizing of an existing model Austin, the Triumph Spitfire was developed from the Triumph Herald sedan, shortening the chassis and redesigning the body for a sportier look. The interior received a wood-veneer instrument surround and a smaller, 15-inch, wire spoked steering wheel. 5,450. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PAIR HEADLAMP WIRING LOOMS TRIUMPH SPITFIRE & GT6 1962 - 1973 at the best online prices at eBay! Panelfit is a good guide to the quality of restoration and likelihood of problems: dont be taken in by shiny paint alone. 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 car was an instant hit and outsold BMCs Spridget rivals, ultimately sharing its 1500 engine with the last Midgets. We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. A revised hardtop also became available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen. Thrust washers: a problem that affects the 1296cc engine all too often is worn thrust washers, given away by excessive fore-aft movement of the crankshaft. The cabin presents well with somewear present on the dash pad, wood fascia, and door panels. Your real-time updates could not be connected. Restored-Original. 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. All rights reserved.Auto Express is a registered trade mark. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. Power - NADAguides The front end was revised with a new bonnet pressing, eliminating the weld lines on top of the wings, door handles were recessed, the convertible top received squared-off corners. The Spitfire used mechanicals from the Herald saloon/sedan. Basic items such as rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel helped keep the Spitfire inexpensive. Theres a good chance that youll pay over the odds for a car that needs plenty of work. [12] The separate "Triumph" letters on the front of the bonnet were removed and "Triumph" and "Spitfire" rectangular badges were used in the front, rear sides and rear. 1976 Spitfire 1500 with hardtop & soft top plus tonneau cove. Optional overdrive was a big plus over Spridgets. Triumph Spitfire 1500 Mk IV. (The less powerful North American version continued to use a single Zenith Stromberg carburetor and an 8.5:1 compression ratio) due to the German DIN system; the output was the same for the early Mark IV. CLASSIC.COM is a trademark of CLASSIC.COM LLC. Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. 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. Good luck! The MkIII featured a 1296cc powerplant, which was carried over to the MkIV, but with less power because of emissions control equipment. 1962 OctSpitfire 4 launched (45,753 made), 1964 Feboptional wires and Hardtop added, also tuning kits giving 70-90bhp, with eight-port cylinder head and twin Weber carbs, 1964 MarSpitfire MkII (37,408 made) replaces 4; carpets, vinyl-trimmed dash, 67bhp, tubular exhaust manifold; 0-60mph 14 secs, 94mph, 1967 MarSpitfire MkIII (65,320 made); 9in higher front bumper, one-piece hood, wood centre dash panel, bigger brake calipers, 1296cc eight-port four, 1969 Alloy-spoke steering wheel, black plastic grille, 41/2in wheels replace 31/2in, new rear lights, 1970 OctSpitfire MkIV (70,021 made); all-synchro gearbox, alternator, higher final-drive ratio, 1974 Dec1500 (95,829 made); stronger, single-rail gearbox, diff ratio raised again, 1979 Jandual-circuit brakes, 5in wheel rims. Entering production in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire featured a few improvements mechanically when compared to the Herald on which it was based. Engines: the 1147cc and 1296cc engines are very durable, but all Spitfire engines must have the correct oil filter fitted if theyre not to expire prematurely. The lower rockers and floorboard metal appearing free of corrosion beyond light surface rust. You are not connected to real-time updates. Theres also a wider rare track, to overcome handling issues. 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Bring a Trailer The repaintin Gunmetal Grey Metallic shows agood shine over a straight body. The diff should be quiet and relatively clonk-free; it is prone to leak especially if the breather is blocked so topping up may help. Are you sure you want to proceed? The bigger motor is needed because of all the emissions control equipment that has to be fitted. 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 mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of, . 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. Differential: the differential will whine when its worn. In many respects, it was a better car than its competition. All Spitfires should have adequate braking for modern traffic; if not, allow for a rebuild. We also offer classic motorcycle values and classic truck values. The twin SU carburettors now included overrun valves in the throttle discs and anti-tampering features on carburettor fuel-air mixture nuts.[11]. This 1973 Triumph Spitfire has been with the seller for two years and is in driver condition with 73k miles. While the rest of the world saw 1500s with a compression ratio of 8.0:1, the American market model was fitted with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor and a compression ratio reduced to 7.5:1 to allow it to run on lower octane unleaded fuel. Cosmetically, the wood dash was replaced with a matte black finished assembly intended to imitate an aircraft cockpit. and enthusiasts with insights for the collector car industry - including market values, price comparisons, listing alerts and more. Suspension: thanks to the flip-up bonnet, the Spitfires front suspension is simplicity itself to work on. Congratulations! More rot: so too can the A-posts, wheelarches (inner and outer) plus the headlamp surrounds and front valance. 82% Relevance. Even if you do find a first or second-generation car, the chances are the engine will have been swapped for a later unit by now. Panel gaps: next check the door shuts, which should be even all the way down. IV engine displaced 1,296 cc (79.1 cu in) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. The vehicle was based on a design produced for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Value & Price Guide - antiquetrip.com The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in, the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta, Unfortunately, the Spitfire fell victim to Triumph's existing financial troubles. 1962:Spitfire breaks cover, with 1147cc engine. CLASSIC CARS. 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. Front valance rots fast on MkIV/1500. Classifieds for Classic Triumph Spitfire. Single Zenith Stromberg 150CDSE, (1973-1974) Single Zenith Stromberg 150CDSEV: Carburetor Main Jet : Carburetor Main Jet Needle . Triumph Classic Car - TR 6: Blue Book Value The 1980 model was the last and the heaviest Spitfire, weighing 1,875lb (850.5kg). 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 . 1973:A 1500 edition makes its entrance, for the US market only. Hoods are simple and cheap (181 for a PVC 1500), but getting them to fit properly and not let in too much water is a skill and requires a good-quality top. [citation needed] Options included wire wheels, factory hard top and a Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Most relevant reviews. Ive had the diff and driveshafts rebuilt, but otherwise its only needed normal service items. The car is powered by a non-original 1500cc inline-four with a Weber carburetor backed by a four-speed manual transmission. 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. Online quotes are fast and easy. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. [13] The notable exception to this was the 1976 model year, where the compression ratio was raised to 9.1:1. A super little machine that fits like a glove and feels remarkably sporting for its limited pace. 1973 Triumph Spitfire This is a cosmetically freshened 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that has been a rust-free California and Arizona car since new. Also listen for whining, indicating that the gears have worn, or rumbling, which signifies the bearings are on their way out. Mechanicals derived from the Herald saloon/sedan, with the notable addition of front disc brakes. Although Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats, had already created a prototype of the Spitfire, it was delayed and eventually shelved indefinitely. The instrument panel was moved in front of the driver, and new seats were introduced with integrated headrests to help against whiplash. 1973 Triumph Spitfire technical and mechanical specifications Good product. 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. 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. The stock exhaust manifold has been replaced by a header, and a Pertronix flamethrower electronic ignition has been added. During the 2007 restoration, the suspension received a complete overhaul with a new steering rack, new shocks, springs, control arms, and pivot parts. Shop Triumph convertibles in Dover-Foxcroft, ME for sale at Cars.com. Bid for the chance to own a 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Giovanni Michelotti, Triumphs favorite Italian designer came up with a design for the Herald chassis that unlike the Sprite and Midget, was truly beautiful. 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. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Other issues includea small leak from the oil pan gasket, and a clutch system that requires are-bleed to improve the shifting performance of the four-speed gearbox. built 226,526 Mpg 30-42 0-60mph 12.3 secs Top speed 101mph Price new 928 (1971) Price now 3-5000+. 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. As did many manufacturers who used a swing axle arrangement (e.g., Mercedes, Renault, Volkswagen), Triumph would later modify the rear suspension. The seller notes a flat spot in power delivery off-idle, likely requiring an adjustment to the carburetor. Bucket-list classics: whats on your list? It overheated when I bought it, but a new oversized radiator cured that. 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. Reconnected! The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such received rather basic trim by today's standards, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. Current value for 1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE collector cars. 1978 Triumph Spitfire Conv, good older restoration, nice body, good original int, newer top, 4 cyl, 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 For SaleGet ready to take a step back in time with this stunning 1979 Tri, 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Original 1500cc Engine in Excellent Running Condition. We use cookies and browser activity to improve your experience, personalize content and ads, and analyze how our sites are used. The Mk IV and 1500, due mainly to the steps backward in performance from earlier Spitfires, sell for slightly less. Later American-spec models are even more hampered, with 5mph bumpers, extra rear outriggers and a single carb; the speedo only goes up to 80mph. Imperfections are said to be limited to a dent in the passenger side front fender and a scratch on the rear fender. BaT MOTO Alumni Gathering: May 6 at The Quail in Carmel, CARegister Now. [1] Top speed was now at the 100mph (160km/h) mark, and 0 to 60mph (97km/h) was reached in 13.2 seconds. Trim: similarly, the trim shouldnt pose any problems as most of it is being remanufactured.