Triumph Spitfire MkI

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Named after the iconic WW2 fighter aircraft and launched in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire was such a success that the basic design remained virtually unchanged until 1970.

A riposte to the diminutive BMC Sprite/Midget range, the Spitfire was closely based on the Herald saloon, inheriting that model's all-independent suspension (double wishbone front / swing-axle rear), disc / drum brakes and precise rack-and-pinion steering, the chassis being shortened and reconfigured as a 'backbone' type. It also used a twin SU carburettor version of the Herald’s 1,147cc engine which gave it 63bhp and a 92mph top speed.

Styled by Michelotti, its wonderfully sleek two-door roadster body featured a clam-shell bonnet that tilted forward to give unhindered access to the engine bay. It also had a usefully capacious boot and met with instant success, particularly in the booming North American market.

A MkII version came out in 1965 and it continually evolved until production finally came to an end in 1980, although later versions lost the purity and dainty detailing of Michelotti’s original, inspired design. Some 45,753 MkI versions were made in total but survivors are now exceedingly rare – in 10 years of hosting these sales this is the first MkI we have ever offered and at the time of cataloguing we could only find one other for sale in the whole of the UK.

Dating from 1963, this very early Spitfire was recently imported from America and has clearly spent its whole life in far sunnier climes than ours as it is still in remarkably sound and rust-free condition throughout. A stalled restoration project with much work completed, it is said to run and drive well with an MOT until January 2017.

The interior has been retrimmed at some point and a hood is also present although we are advised that this will need new windows. A V5C also accompanies the car with the UK registration number DSA 561A. Altogether a straightforward project with great potential, and of course very easy to convert to right-hand drive.