Triumph Spitfire MkIV

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Spurred on by the success of the BMC Sprite/Midget range, Standard-Triumph unveiled its new sports car in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire.

The Spitfire used a Triumph Herald chassis with a twin SU carburettor version of its engine clothed in a very attractive open roadster body styled by Michelotti. Thanks to its separate chassis, the Spitfire enjoyed the same type of tilt-forward front wings and bonnet assembly as the Herald but also had the same alarming handling on the limit thanks to the poorly designed rear swing-axle.

By 1971 the Spitfire was getting a bit long in the tooth 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 also cleaned up, and the doors were given recessed handles. The interior was 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 Vitesse had already been upgraded, the result being safe and progressive handling even at the limit.

This 1971 tax exempt example has had just one owner from new and was given a chassis up rebuild by its engineer owner around 10 years ago. There are 16 old MOTs on file, its current MOT expiring in July 2015.

Sold with a Haynes manual and a stainless steel rear section for the exhaust, it would benefit from some gentle recommissioning having seen little use over the last few years.

Spitfires seem to have spent a long time out in the cold as far as the classic market is concerned. They finally seem to be enjoying a fully justified resurgence in interest which is only right given their sharp looks, willing performance and economy of ownership. About time too!