Triumph Spitfire
Discussion
I really fancy a Mk4 Spitfire as a little toy for sunny days.
I have a couple of questions about the look of them, if anyone can help?
Firstly, the one I am looking at has a chrome bumper, but what looks like a rubber front valence, with black plastic upright bits. (not sure of the proper name for these, sorry).
What do I need to do to make the front look like this? http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/admin/images/produ...
Also, I would really like a permanently fixed luggage rack, does anyone have any recommendations? Again, the example car on the above link has a lovely looking chrome one. http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/details.php?cid=36...
Edit: The images I linked to, seem to not be working anymore, so for reference, here is the youtube version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTphzbvmqdI&fe...
I have a couple of questions about the look of them, if anyone can help?
Firstly, the one I am looking at has a chrome bumper, but what looks like a rubber front valence, with black plastic upright bits. (not sure of the proper name for these, sorry).
What do I need to do to make the front look like this? http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/admin/images/produ...
Also, I would really like a permanently fixed luggage rack, does anyone have any recommendations? Again, the example car on the above link has a lovely looking chrome one. http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/details.php?cid=36...
Edit: The images I linked to, seem to not be working anymore, so for reference, here is the youtube version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTphzbvmqdI&fe...
Edited by andyb28 on Sunday 12th October 19:53
andyb28 said:
I really fancy a Mk4 Spitfire as a little toy for sunny days.
I have a couple of questions about the look of them, if anyone can help?
Firstly, the one I am looking at has a chrome bumper, but what looks like a rubber front valence, with black plastic upright bits. (not sure of the proper name for these, sorry).
What do I need to do to make the front look like this? http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/admin/images/produ...
Also, I would really like a permanently fixed luggage rack, does anyone have any recommendations? Again, the example car on the above link has a lovely looking chrome one. http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/details.php?cid=36...
Good plan - they're a cracking motor, easy to work on, loads of spares available and will only go up in value.I have a couple of questions about the look of them, if anyone can help?
Firstly, the one I am looking at has a chrome bumper, but what looks like a rubber front valence, with black plastic upright bits. (not sure of the proper name for these, sorry).
What do I need to do to make the front look like this? http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/admin/images/produ...
Also, I would really like a permanently fixed luggage rack, does anyone have any recommendations? Again, the example car on the above link has a lovely looking chrome one. http://www.kgfclassiccars.co.uk/details.php?cid=36...
If you want to remove the front spoiler you'll need a replacement valance panel. I did the same to mine as I prefer the look. The spoiler does however keep the front end more stable at higher speeds. However, you;re unlikely to go over 70mph that often, so it's pretty much irrelevant in my opinion. The over-riders are the black sticky up bits that cover the bonnet hinges. They actually look less obtrusive in black, but if you want to go chrome, then why not.
Luggage racks are another personal thing. I don't like them and to be honest there's actually tons on space behind the seats for cases. We've toured Europe in ours and luggage was not an issue.
Get the best you can afford though, and drive it lots to show up it's weak spots then put them right as you go along. I'd recommend an overdrive car if you can find one, but they're easy enough to fit, so get the best car you can find and then worry about the spec afterwards.
The black plastic uprights you refer to are called 'overriders', and black plastic is what they should be. Those chrome-effect bling-things in that photo are you linked are not original and IMO look horrible (but that is IMO of course). As do the chrome wheels on that car.
The boot lid mounted luggage rack is easily obtained, but try to get one which is not permanent, you don't want to be drilling holes in the boot lid which encourage water ingress and rust.
Spits are lovely little things though.
The boot lid mounted luggage rack is easily obtained, but try to get one which is not permanent, you don't want to be drilling holes in the boot lid which encourage water ingress and rust.
Spits are lovely little things though.
Wow, thanks for the tips guys, I didn't expect a reply so quickly.
I am going to see one tomorrow in Norwich and am really quite excited. Which is perhaps a little daft considering some of the cars I have owned. I 100% agree on just getting a good one and changing it / fixing it / loving it as we go.
The luggage rack is a personal thing, as daft as it sounds, I have always wanted to go on a picnic with the missus and have a wicker picnic basket on the back of a spitfire.
I am going to see one tomorrow in Norwich and am really quite excited. Which is perhaps a little daft considering some of the cars I have owned. I 100% agree on just getting a good one and changing it / fixing it / loving it as we go.
The luggage rack is a personal thing, as daft as it sounds, I have always wanted to go on a picnic with the missus and have a wicker picnic basket on the back of a spitfire.
MkIV came with those nasty black plastic overriders, but Marks 2 and 3 had chromed jobs, with a black plastic button on the front. Previous Marks had plain chrome.
Unless you've bought classic cars before, suggest you buy the Haynes book "Guide to Purcahese and DiY Restoration" (Porter & Williams). It includes a whole chapter on the things to look out for, and how much they will be to make good, costed in 'tyres' so you can update it. Vey useful in bargaining!
JOhn
Unless you've bought classic cars before, suggest you buy the Haynes book "Guide to Purcahese and DiY Restoration" (Porter & Williams). It includes a whole chapter on the things to look out for, and how much they will be to make good, costed in 'tyres' so you can update it. Vey useful in bargaining!
JOhn
Edited by tapkaJohnD on Sunday 12th October 23:13
Cracking little car, cheap and economical too. Very dated ride now though, which is part of it's appeal for some.
Watch out for the dreaded rust though, especially the sills and boot area, even the newest are approaching 40 years old now.
Take your time, there's quite a few about.
Here's mine I had from new in 1973.
Watch out for the dreaded rust though, especially the sills and boot area, even the newest are approaching 40 years old now.
Take your time, there's quite a few about.
Here's mine I had from new in 1973.
I have found a lovely example Spitfire that's been well looked after.
I specifically want a 1972 car as that's the year I was born, it will be fun to own a car that's the same age as me. This obviously cuts down the cars I can get, but I have found one. It is a 1300, no overdrive (not sure if that was just on 1500?), looked after by an old boy and by all accounts looks like a clean car in my price range.
The only issue I have is it is white.
I realise white is a trendy modern colour, but in the days of this car, it was the worst colour to own I believe.
I specifically want a 1972 car as that's the year I was born, it will be fun to own a car that's the same age as me. This obviously cuts down the cars I can get, but I have found one. It is a 1300, no overdrive (not sure if that was just on 1500?), looked after by an old boy and by all accounts looks like a clean car in my price range.
The only issue I have is it is white.
I realise white is a trendy modern colour, but in the days of this car, it was the worst colour to own I believe.
andyb28 said:
I have found a lovely example Spitfire that's been well looked after.
I specifically want a 1972 car as that's the year I was born, it will be fun to own a car that's the same age as me. This obviously cuts down the cars I can get, but I have found one. It is a 1300, no overdrive (not sure if that was just on 1500?), looked after by an old boy and by all accounts looks like a clean car in my price range.
The only issue I have is it is white.
I realise white is a trendy modern colour, but in the days of this car, it was the worst colour to own I believe.
I wonder why that was? My GT6 was white and I thought it worked well on that car, in fact I've always liked white sportscars and would quite like a white Quattro. One good thing about white is it's comparative high visibility, quite important on a car as tiny as a Spit. I bought a white car for my daughter for exactly this reason (not a Spitfire, she hates my Triumph).I specifically want a 1972 car as that's the year I was born, it will be fun to own a car that's the same age as me. This obviously cuts down the cars I can get, but I have found one. It is a 1300, no overdrive (not sure if that was just on 1500?), looked after by an old boy and by all accounts looks like a clean car in my price range.
The only issue I have is it is white.
I realise white is a trendy modern colour, but in the days of this car, it was the worst colour to own I believe.
If it's good buy it. You can always have it wrapped or re-sprayed if you really don't get along with the white. No overdrive isn't an issue - use it a bit and see what you need. For short trips and just playing in it's fine. Long journeys become a whole lot more relaxed with overdrive though.
IanMorewood said:
Old English white isn't the best colour but a mk3 is in my opinion the best of the marks, although an overdrive (was available) would make an even better choice. Buy the car on condition not colour.
Agree on the Mark 3 but colour is a very subjective thing. I'm not that much of a fan of black cars but own two 
For quite a while a Spitfire was an ambition of mine but somehow I skipped it and went straight to the TR6, then GT6, then back to TR6. I quite fancy one as an intro to body restoration, it being quite easy to takes to bits and work on.
lovely and vastly under rated cars. I think most people do not drive their classic cars too fast so it makes you wonder why some of us bother with such big engine classics.
Easy to maintain cheap parts mostly available and simple engineering you cant go wrong but put the picnic hamper in the boot.
Easy to maintain cheap parts mostly available and simple engineering you cant go wrong but put the picnic hamper in the boot.
I have a friend here in France who is about to lose his licence I fear. His medical is 17/11/14. Dementia at 83 is the reason. But the point is that he has a Spitfire in his garage (Mk 2 though) which has hardly turned a wheel in quite a few years. Not bad condition, paint blistering on the bonnet a bit but reaction not rust, and basically good and as far as I know rust free since it is always garaged. It had been his for over 25 years and RHD. I can take photos if it might interest you. He won't want a lot for it, although I have no idea of Spitfire values really.
ETA MOT only ran out in May and not turned a wheel since. I started it the other day and it fired up with no problems.
ETA MOT only ran out in May and not turned a wheel since. I started it the other day and it fired up with no problems.
lowdrag said:
He won't want a lot for it, although I have no idea of Spitfire values really.
A grand for a complete but needing total overhaul car. Probably 5k for a really nice condition drive it at the weekends car. For something you could go and enter into a concourse event you are probably looking at five figures.andyb28 said:
Sadly someone beat me to the white 1972 Spitfire, so it clearly wasn't meant to be.
If I were in your position I'd be going for a Spitfire with a GT6 engine, or a GT6 with a Spitfire body. There's usually one or two floating about. That engine is a peach and I often think such a car would probably be more fun than a Spit or TR.lowdrag said:
I have a friend here in France who is about to lose his licence I fear. His medical is 17/11/14. Dementia at 83 is the reason. But the point is that he has a Spitfire in his garage (Mk 2 though) which has hardly turned a wheel in quite a few years. Not bad condition, paint blistering on the bonnet a bit but reaction not rust, and basically good and as far as I know rust free since it is always garaged. It had been his for over 25 years and RHD. I can take photos if it might interest you. He won't want a lot for it, although I have no idea of Spitfire values really.
ETA MOT only ran out in May and not turned a wheel since. I started it the other day and it fired up with no problems.
Yes, please do send through more details. ETA MOT only ran out in May and not turned a wheel since. I started it the other day and it fired up with no problems.
I am open to which ever classic british car I get next.
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