Triumph Spitfire MkIII

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The MkIII version of the Spitfire came out in March 1967 with numerous minor improvements on the preceding models.

The most instantly recognisable of these was the raised front bumper (or 'bone-in-teeth' as some people describe it), which was in response to new crash regulations and actually made the car look better as a consequence. The rear end was also tidied up, and improved lighting added, but it still retained the sweeping lines that were lost on subsequent models with their ‘sawn off’ rumps.

The soft-top hood was also much improved, both in terms of looks and ease of operation. But the biggest upgrade lay under the bonnet: a 1296cc engine with an eight-port cylinder head based on the FWD Triumph 1300's unit.

First registered in March 1971, this MkIII looks pretty standard apart from the Minilite-style alloy wheels but it has in fact been somewhat hotted up for fast road use by the previous owner who kept it for almost 20 years (1987 – 2006). In the mid-1990s it was treated to a nut-and-bolt rebuild at MW Restorations which is documented in the history file.

In 2005 it was entrusted to Jigsaw Triumph specialists for a Stage 2 engine rebuild which included a hot cam; 1.5-inch SU carbs; full width radiator; twin electric fans (in addition to the mechanical one); electronic ignition and a twin rear pipe stainless steel exhaust. Since the engine was rebuilt and uprated the car has covered just over 5,000 miles, the odometer now showing some 63,300 miles.

Much of this mileage has been put on by the current owner who acquired the car in August 2006. Said to be in good order throughout and to drive very well, the car is taxed and MOTd until the end of June 2015 with no advisories recorded.

It comes with a fair amount of history including a trace of previous owners, the aforementioned restoration and engine upgrade plus a Heritage Certificate confirming its origins. On the button and ready to go, it is being sold here with no reserve so bid vigorously enough and it could be you that goes home in it, grinning from ear to ear!