Triumph Spitfire MKIV 1300

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The Michelotti-designed Stag and 2000 models gave Triumph a clear style consistency and when the Spitfire was starting to show its age, it too was given a Michelotti makeover.

The new Spitfire MkIV was unveiled at the end of 1970, getting a completely re-designed cut-off rear end and squared-off front. The interior was also given the treatment: a proper full-width dashboard was provided, putting the instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console, which was upgraded yet again with the usual Triumph wood finish from 1973 onwards.

The engine continued at 1,296cc, although the compression ratio had increased to 9:1 to cope with a slightly taller final drive but by far the most significant change was to the rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design.

This October 1974 Spitfire has had just four owners to date, the current since 2010. It comes with little history apart from the fact that it has had a recent new clutch and was Ziebart-treated. Now tax and MOT exempt, the last MOT expired in July 2017. Ripe for some improvement, it should be easy enough to get it back on the road in time for the spring.