1973 Triumph Spitfire MkIV
Good running order;
little use in recent years; driven over 30 miles to the sale
By 1971 the Triumph Spitfire was getting a bit long in the
tooth after nine years in production so a major revamp was ordered. The new MkIV
featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family
resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both of which were also
Michelotti-designed. The front end was cleaned up, and the doors were given
recessed handles.
The interior was also much improved: a proper full-width
dashboard was provided, putting the instruments ahead of the driver rather than
over the centre console. The engine continued at 1,296cc, but was modified with
larger big-end bearings and the gearbox gained synchromesh on its bottom
gear.
By far the most significant change, however, was to the
rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the
unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design. The Triumph GT6 and
Triumph Vitesse had already been modified, and the result on all these cars was
safe and progressive handling even at the limit.
First registered in May 1972, this Spitfire MkIV has had
five former keepers, the current since June 2021. Sadly there is no history with
the car whatsoever so we can’t tell you much about it, although it appears to be
solid all round with a notably clean and tidy undercarriage.
An
online history check shows that it was last MOT’d in 2013 when the mileage was
92,137 (with just one advisory for a minor oil leak) and it has clearly seen
very little use since, the odometer currently showing 92,871 miles.
We
are told that it runs and drives well and it was driven over 30 miles to the
sale. It has certainly been starting promptly and running nicely as we have
moved it around on site, with a pleasingly rorty exhaust note.
For
more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]
Reg No: KHJ68L
Chassis Number: FH556330
Engine Number: GE46831HE
Engine Size: 1296
Docs: V5C only
Estimate: £3,000+
Lot 113
Lot ended
Thursday 28/10/2021
Hammer Price (inc. buyers premium)
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