Never sold to the public, it remains on display at the British Motor Museum. External door locks and roll-up side windows were pleasant upgrades from what could be expected on similar cars like the Bugeye Sprite, though, and the driving experience offered by the Spitfire was by no means an unpleasant one. 1977:The interior receives minor fettling for greater comfort. The Mk IV and 1500, due mainly to the steps backward in performance from earlier Spitfires, sell for slightly less. The most desirable Spitfires are those with odd numbers; the delicate and pretty Mk1, the powerful Mk3, and the usable 1500. All Spitfires are attractive, inexpensive to maintain, easy to find parts for and offer a great deal of fun for the money. Drivetrain vibration or knocking may just be worn universal joints in the prop or driveshafts, or soggy mountings: fairly cheap to repair. Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Inspect for signs of careful maintenance, listen for unwanted rumbling or tinkling, look for oil leaks, water in oil or vice versa and check that the oil light doesnt flicker at tickover showing a worn engine, or a faulty sender. Small engines: these two smaller engines will usually clock up 100,000 miles without problems, with the first sign of wear usually being a chattering top end because of erosion of the rocker shaft and rockers. Rust: corrosion is the Spitfires main enemy; it can strike in the bodyshell as well as the chassis, and the sills are essential to the cars strength. Detail improvements continued to be made throughout the 1500's production run, including reclining seats with "chequered brushed nylon centre panels" and head restraints, introduced for domestic market cars early in 1977 along with a new set of column stalk operated minor controls (as fitted already in the TR7) replacing the old dashboard mounted knobs and switches. As no six-cylinder version ever appeared as might have been planned, the Spitfire 4 moniker was phased out as insignificant. The Hagerty classic car valuation tool is designed to help you learn how to value your classic car and assess the current state of the classic car market. One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. However, theres a good chance that something else will be fitted, such as an engine starting G (Herald), D (Dolomite) or Y (1500 saloon). Body Number Location : . It remained unchanged until 1979 when it gained large, rubber bumpers before bowing out entirely in 1980. The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. US specification models up to 1978 featured chrome bumpers, and on the 1979 and 1980 models these were replaced by black rubber bumpers with built-in over-riders, using chassis extensions to support the bumpers. Electronics: although theres a good chance that some sort of electrical problem will be present, its usually only down to poor earths or the failure of some cheap-to-replace component. Under the bonnet, some markets had the twin SU carburettors replaced with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor.[12]. Michelottis clever MkIV restyle for the 70s helped the car last to late 1980 with the long-stroke 1493cc unit, kept in production like the Midget due to BLs inability to replace it. Thats okay if you buy a project car knowing it needs a lot of work. The Mark IV went on sale in the UK at the end of 1970 with a base price of 735. In March 1965 the Spitfire Mark II launched with a retuned engine, featuring a revised camshaft profile, water-heated intake manifold, and tubular exhaust manifold, increasing power to 67bhp (50kW) at 6,000 rpm. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. Brakes: its a similar story for the brakes; theyre completely conventional so you just need to be on the lookout for leaking rear wheel cylinder, sticking caliper pistons and seized handbrakes. Your bid of $ is $ more that the current high bid of $. Restored-Original. IV engine displaced 1,296 cc (79.1 cu in) throughout the production run, and in 1973 received larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6 2.5-litre engines. Itis sold with a factory hardtop and a clear California title. Although Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats, had already created a prototype of the Spitfire, it was delayed and eventually shelved indefinitely. Even when things sound really bad the rear axle will just keep going, but its obviously something to sort. Triumph 1973 Triumph Spitfire History Gallery Recalls Valuation Mk 4 (1971 - 1974) 1971 1972 1973 These are standard specifications - not necessarily specifications for the vehicle (s) in the photo (s). Are you sure you want to proceed? When Leyland officials, taking stock of their new acquisition, found Michelotti's prototype under a dust sheet in a factory corner, it was quickly approved for production. [1], On 8 February 1968, Standard-Triumph general manager George Turnbull drove the 100,000th Triumph Spitfire off the Canley production line. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Far more Spitfires were sold in the US than the UK (80%), though few have come back; emissions equipment took the MkIV 1300 down to 48bhp and US cars used a detuned 1500 from 73. Triumph Spitfire: Buying guide and review (1962-1980) Imperfections are said to be limited to a dent in the passenger side front fender and a scratch on the rear fender. My friend went for a Midget, but Im so glad that I bought the Spitfire its that little bit better for general use and wins hands down on comfort. Hardtops rust, so check around the front lip and side/rear windows. The result on all these cars was improved handling. The car was a popular option for drivers seeking an affordable but fun roadster, and the model stayed on the market for the better part of two decades. Restored-Original. Thankfully, after Leyland Motors acquired triumph, Michelotti's design was rediscovered. Most cars have been restored by now and originality is hard to find; suspension systems, exhausts, engines and wheels are often upgraded so dont expect to find a time-warp car. Your CA Privacy Rights (Shine the Light) Use Classics on Autotrader' intuitive search tools to find the best classic car, muscle car, project car, classic truck, or hot rod. MkI and MkII Spitfires were fitted with an 1147cc engine, but because these early cars are rare, youre unlikely to find a car with one of these rather gutless powerplants. Yet more rust: floorpans also corrode, sometimes because rot spreads from the sills and sometimes because the footwells have been allowed to fill up with water. Suspension: thanks to the flip-up bonnet, the Spitfires front suspension is simplicity itself to work on. Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1981) The Triumph Spitfire is a small British two-seat sports car, introduced at the London Motor Show in 1962. 1980 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Always kept in climate controlled environment since new, in a hous. [1] Base prices for the 1980 model year were $7,365 in the US and 3,631 in the UK.[1]. TRIUMPH TOLEDO 2-door: 1,080 4-door: 1,115 Buyer's guide: Triumph Spitfire - Classic & Sports Car 3rd owner. [10] More than 75 per cent of this number had been exported outside the UK, including 45 per cent to the US and 25 per cent to mainland European markets. Assess sills, bulkhead and rear radius-arm mounts with care. The windshield height was increased by two inches. Lightweight, small size, sporty styling, and a name pulled from the famous World War II fighter plane combined to make the car an instant hit sold in the hundreds of thousands. This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Bring a Trailer Giovanni Michelotti, who had designed the Herald, styled the bodywork, which featured wind-up windows (in contrast to the Sprite and Midget, which used side curtains) and a cowl composed of the bonnet and wings that opened forward for engine access. *Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in, Membership by Hagerty Drivers Club (HDC), a non-insurance subsidiary of The Hagerty Group, LLC. Later American-spec models are even more hampered, with 5mph bumpers, extra rear outriggers and a single carb; the speedo only goes up to 80mph. Crankshaft thrust washers are prone to wear get someone to press the clutch while you watch the front pulley to see if it moves; the block gets damaged if movement is excessive. All contents 2023 The best vintage and classic cars for sale online | Bring a Trailer, Privacy Notice Top speed crept closer to 100 mph, and acceleration was significantly improved, the 0 to 60 time dropping by almost two seconds. The result was a design similar to the Triumph 2000 and Triumph Stag. U.S. pollution and safety regulations began to hit the Spitfire after 1967 with the Mk III heralding revised (and less attractive bumpers) and less horsepower in spite of a displacement increase to nearly 1.3 liters. The doors were given recessed handles, the front end was changed now featuring a plastic grille and plastic bumper underrider covers. If so please use the bidding box above. Further improvements to the suspension followed with the 1500 included longer swing axles and a lowered spring mounting point for more negative camber and a wider rear track. Clutch Slave Cylinder LuK LSC486 fits 63-80 Triumph Spitfire - eBay In the event of a claim, the guaranteed value(s) on your policy declarations page is the amount your vehicle(s) is covered for, even if the value displayed here is different. Rear overriders were deleted and bumper mounted reversing lights became standard (initially as two separate lights on either side of the number plate, latterly as a single light in a new unit above the number plate). 5,450. buying and selling classic and collector vehicles. RELATED:Here's How Much A Datsun 240Z Is Worth Today. Assess the box for worn synchros and a noisy layshaft, heard at tickover in neutral; dip the clutch to see if the noise stops. Fair Market Value Insurance - Resale KBB - List Price MSRP - NADA Private Sale Flower Mound, TX, USA. Triumph Spitfire price guide MkI-III Concours: 12,000 Average: 2850,000 Restoration: 1000 IV-1500 Concours: 9000 Average: 2350 Restoration: 750 This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Copyright Autovia Ltd 2023. Although, Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats. Synchro: synchromesh is usually the first thing to go, so check if theres any baulking as you go up and down the gears. ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists. If the small British sports cars of the early '60s are the topic at hand, though, the chances are that it's one of Triumph's classic roadsters, which you will picture. Classic & Sports Car values them at just under $12,400 for a concours condition car. NEXT:Here's How Much A Classic Jaguar SS100 Is Worth Today, , certain images come to mind; certain associations that are too strong to be avoided. The MkIV was fitted with the same transmission, but with synchromesh on all ratios, while the 1500 received a Marina-derived unit, which is the most durable of all the gearboxes. This Sold Price: $19,800 Sold Date: Unknown 1973 Triumph GT6 Mk. Rear suspension was by a single transverse-leaf swing axle,[8] an arrangement, that unless ameliorated by any of several options, can allow rear tyres to undergo large camber changes during fast cornering, leading to oversteer a dynamically unstable condition in which a vehicle can lose control and spin. You're the high bidder. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, 2022 The Hagerty Group, LLC. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. Then take a look at thesepotential future classics Not every car manufacturer will survive the Chinese revolution, BYD overtaking VW in China signals a tectonic shift in the global car industry. If you win the auction, your card will be charged for the service fee and you pay the seller directly for the vehicle. This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. [1] With the addition of a catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculating system, the engine only delivered 53bhp (40kW) (DIN) with a slower 060mph time of 16.3 seconds. According to Classic & Sports Car, a concours condition example, today will fetch about $16,500, as will the similar Mk Is and IIIs. WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK. A super little machine that fits like a glove and feels remarkably sporting for its limited pace. Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. Some bits for early cars are tricky to get hold of however, but if youre looking at a MkIV or 1500, you can re-trim the car to original spec or upgrade it easily and relatively cheaply. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. All Spitfire engine numbers start with an F: FC in the case of the MkI/MkII, FD for the MkIII, FH for the MkIV (but FK for US cars) and FH for the 1500 (FM for US cars). Attempting to connect. 1973:A 1500 edition makes its entrance, for the US market only. The MkIII featured a 1296cc powerplant, which was carried over to the MkIV, but with less power because of emissions control equipment. Spitfire & GT 6 Models and Options - Triumph Spitfire The Spitfire used a shortened Herald chassis, with many outriggers cut off and stiffening built into the sills instead to give it a low floor. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. Classifieds for Classic Triumph Spitfire. If a car has been badly restored, with the shell twisted in the process, the door wont be flush all the way down and neither will the shut lines be even. Differential: the differential will whine when its worn. The rear end was redesigned, resulting in improved cargo space. [1] Top speed was claimed to be 96mph (154km/h) and its 060mph time of 14.8 seconds was considered "lively". Australian Spitfire Colours, http://www.triumphspitfire.nl/salesliterature/IMG_0051.jpg, Triumph Spitfire Mk3 Overdrive (1967) Exterior and Interior in Full HD 3D, 2000 / 2300 / 2400 / 3500 / V8-S / Vitesse (SD1), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Triumph_Spitfire&oldid=1149444813, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2007, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, 1,568lb (711kg) to 1,750lb (790kg) (unladen U.K.spec), 4-speed manual with optional overdrive on top and third, This page was last edited on 12 April 2023, at 08:29. Has very good convert, 1975 Triumph Spitfire British Sports Car 4 cylinder 1500cc engine 4 speed manual transmission.Starts, 1980 Triumph Spitfire Originally from Florida 1980 Triumph Spitfire seats gray, have black covers ne, 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed, 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. In the UK the 9:1 compression ratio, less restrictive emissions control equipment, and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models,[1] led to the most powerful variant to date. Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home Values Triumph GT6 -Ultimate Review for Car Enthusiasts - Sports Car Digest It was progressively improved from the charming 1147cc Spitfire 4 and MkII to the livelier 1296cc MkIII. During the 2007 restoration, the suspension received a complete overhaul with a new steering rack, new shocks, springs, control arms, and pivot parts. Absolutely zero rust. 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Exterior trim featured a new grille and badges, and the interior featured revised seats, covering most exposed surfaces with rubber cloth. If you win the auction, your card will be charged for the service fee and you pay the seller directly for the vehicle. 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 | Hagerty Valuation Tools Triumph 1973 Toledo 1500 - discontinued in October 1500 TC - new model in October Dolomite 2000 / 2.5PI Mk II Spitfire Mk IV GT6 Mk 3 - discontinued TR6 Stag Great Britain . While the rest of the world saw 1500s with a compression ratio of 8.0:1, the American market model was fitted with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor and a compression ratio reduced to 7.5:1 to allow it to run on lower octane unleaded fuel. The interior was revised to include a full-width dashboard, with instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console, initially finished in black plastic and then from 1973 finished in wood. Average cars sell for 3000-5000, with projects starting from around 1000. conceptcarz.com . /valuation-tools/Triumph/Spitfire/1973/1973-Triumph-Spitfire-Mk_IV If not, the oil level has probably fallen below the minimum. If you don't win, your existing pre-authorization will be released. The Spitfire was first conceived to answer the Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite, an affordable, small sportscar that the average Englishman could take out for a fun weekend drive. Suspension: the rear suspension can also give problems, but its generally easy to overhaul, with one key exception; the wheel bearings. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Additional exterior changes introduced included a zip up rear window, black radiator grille and a black (vs body coloured) windscreen surround. The wider, lower stance gave an impressive skid pad result of 0.87g average. The car was an instant hit and outsold BMCs Spridget rivals, ultimately sharing its 1500 engine with the last Midgets. The luggage space behind the seats and in the trunk was sufficient. The Mk III saw an increase in top speed and acceleration thanks to the new 75 horsepower engine. Buying Guide: Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980) | Hagerty UK What's your classic cars value? Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars for Sale - Classics on Autotrader Reconnected! When you bid we pre-authorize your credit card for the service fee (this helps prevent fraud). Importantly, the heavily criticised rear suspension was decambered, incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love. Research, compare, and save listings, or contact sellers directly from 28 Triumph models in Dover-Foxcroft, ME. Needing a low-priced sports car of its own to compete, Triumph turned to the rather lackluster small Herald sedan as potential small sports car underpinnings. Because the Spitfire was generally the most highly tuned of the lot, you need to make sure the engine fitted is the one that belongs there, as less powerful units are often substituted from other Triumph models. One leaf was eliminated from the stack and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. Our Value Guide is constantly growing with pricing information, mar. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Values - J.D. Power - NADAguides $4,500. . 4 Speed Manual Tra . Toledo Toledo (R4 cyl, 1296 cc, 58 bhp) Saloon 2-dr Saloon 4-dr. In SU twin-carburettor form, the engine put out a claimed 75bhp (56kW) at 6,000 rpm, and 75lbft (102Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm, and made the Mark III a comparatively quick car by the standards of the day. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Pricing Original MSRP N/a Price range $14,495 to $14,495 Average price on CG $14,495 YoY price change $14,495 to $14,495 Date Sep 22 Oct 22 Nov 22 Dec 22 Jan 23 Feb 23 Price (US $) $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1972 Triumph Spitfire Index Price Triumph 1973 - Classic Car Catalogue Bodywork was bolted to the much-modified Herald chassis, the outer rails and the rear outriggers having been removed; with structural outer sills to stiffen the overall design. 1965:MkII edition goes on sale, with more power and a stronger clutch. We also offer classic motorcycle values and classic truck values. [1] Top speed was now at the 100mph (160km/h) mark, and 0 to 60mph (97km/h) was reached in 13.2 seconds. These wear out and are a pain to remove as a press is needed. 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Original 1500cc Engine in Excellent Running Condition. Listen out for rattling and blue smoke. In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance. The interior dashboard was updated; the instruments were now in front of the driver rather than in the center console. Triumph Spitfire Market - CLASSIC.COM (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Power Change Manufacturer Select Year & Model 1973 Triumph Prices, Values and Specs Select any 1973 Triumph model Currently named Triumph Motorcycles Ltd., this elite motorcycle manufacturer is the largest surviving British motorcycle company, dating back to 1902. The front bumper was raised in response to new crash regulations, and the front coil springs were slightly raised. 1972 Triumph Spitfire. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc. Interior changes included a steering column mounted ignition switch, a key-in-ignition warning buzzer, driver's side under-dash courtesy lamp and a new black spoked steering wheel. Please try again later or you may try to reload page. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for Triumph was caught flat-footed by rival BMCs introduction of the Austin-Healey Sprite and the MG Midget. 1970:The MkIV bring another facelift, plus an all-synchromesh gearbox and more predictable handling thanks to revised rear suspension. The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta. Always raise the top before your test drive it will help you to hear noises from the drivetrain (especially the differential) and to assess the fit of the hood. The factory hardtop has been color matched to the bodyand shows well with good shine and glass. 1967:The MkIII arrives, with a 1296cc engine, a hood thats much easier to use and revised styling. (The less powerful North American version continued to use a single Zenith Stromberg carburetor and an 8.5:1 compression ratio) due to the German DIN system; the output was the same for the early Mark IV. 1973 Triumph Spitfire | Project Cars | Classic Motorsports Lower trunnions need regular lubrication with heavy oil they will seize and snap the kingpin if neglected or if grease dries and goes hard inside. If it needs replacing, consider upgrading to a higher ratio. 1973 Triumph Stag Price $19,000 1975 Triumph Stag Price $36,981 1974 Triumph Stag Price $21,912 built 124,660 Mpg 33-43 0-60mph 15.6 secs Top speed 96mph Price new c1070 (1971) Price now 6-8500+. These have been temporarily saved. The instrument panel was moved in front of the driver, and new seats were introduced with integrated headrests to help against whiplash. It's not to, 1979 Triumph Spitfire PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO https://youtu.be/dCn8jIqpLho For sale is a 1979 Triumph, 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Convertible. DAA Industry Opt Out It remained unchanged until 1979 when it gained large, rubber bumpers before bowing out entirely in 1980. Panel gaps: next check the door shuts, which should be even all the way down. A revised hardtop also became available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen. Bidding will advance immediately to $. Overdrive: many Spitfires have overdrive, which can also give problems. Slightly revised bonnet pressings were carried over. Clean and runs well. In. Also listen for whining, indicating that the gears have worn, or rumbling, which signifies the bearings are on their way out.