Triumph Spitfire works rally spec

History

Treated to a no-expense-spared restoration about ten years ago, this particular car is a faithful recreation of the works Spitfire raced by Simo Lampinen in the 1965 Tulip, Alpine and Monte Carlo rallies. Meticulous research by the owner appears to confirm that the car is built around the original aluminium bonnet and works chassis of Lampinen's car, registration number AVC 654 B (pictured in action above). Although the works cars had fibreglass roofs, in the interests of increased durability and rigidity this car was given a steel roof – but lined with fibreglass to give an authentic appearance from inside the car. The doors skins are also made from aluminium.
 
The head on the 1147cc engine (bored to +60 thou) is a Stage 3 cast-iron, 8-port head as produced by Triumph in 1964/5 for homologation purposes.  It also has a set of Weber carburettors which mate to the head by a pair of original (and very rare) homologation inlet manifolds. The engine produces just fractionally more power than the works cars did (105bhp vs 103bhp) but is much more tractable thanks to modern camshaft design. The car also has an aluminium bell housing, rare (and correct) 4.5 inch rims, drilled disks, aeroquip hoses and Lumenition electronic ignition. Fitted for the navigator are a Retrotrip Tripmeter, mechanical clock (with two timers), maplight and extra horn button.  In the current ownership for the last ten years, the car is said to drive extremely well with good performance and excellent handling. The only known fault is a slightly weak synchromesh on 2nd gear.

This car was the subject of a 3,000 word feature in the December 2006 issue of 'The Courier', the club magazine of the Triumph Sports Six Club, a copy of which is included in the large history file which comes with it. Altogether an extremely rare and well-sorted rally car with an interesting history that should be eligible for a range of historic events.