Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An astonishing ex TSSC museum display Triumph Spitfire 1500 with 11,403 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Steel panelled coachwork, up-and-over bonnet, laminated front screen, front moulded spoiler, chromium plated front bumper with plastic coated under-riders, matt black door mirror and wiper arms, folding soft hood, winding windows, flush fitting sealed beam headlamps, speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, armrest, cigar lighter, ash tray, self-parking twin electric wipers with flick wipe, twin wind-tone horns, hazard lights, ‘Fasten Belts’ warning light, boot light. Factory options; Hardtop, overdrive.
EXTERIOR
The classic lines of the Michelotti design still look graceful today and this final incarnation of the Triumph Spitfire is simply stunning, fulfilling the ‘iconic traditional British sports car’ ideal perfectly. Finished in vibrant Vermillion Red, (Code CML), the paintwork is superb with a deep shine commensurate with the incredibly low mileage and careful storage from new. Having never been restored, welded or had replacement panels, this incredible example is unique with perfect panel gaps only found on factory original cars. The underside, wheel arch apertures and even factory seams are amazing. Superficial cosmetic refurbishment to certain suspension, chassis, bolts and brackets to uphold the show appearance have been made but do not detract from the correct factory look. The folding hood is original and fabulous in appearance along with the colour coded tonneau cover. The desirable and optional fully trimmed detachable hardtop is included and remains in excellent condition.
INTERIOR
Reclining contoured seats with head restraints are finished in Beige Hounds Tooth patterned brushed nylon fabric trimmed in expanded vinyl fabric, (Code 079). The interior is divine and displays the amazingly low mileage credentials perfectly with unmarked fine walnut veneer facia and plump spotless full width moulded pile carpets. The drivers seat back panel was replaced due to a tear and all the gauges, switches and stalks operate with crystal clear digits and logos. This really is an excellent Triumph interior.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The simple 1493cc four-cylinder engine develops a spirited 71bhp at 6500rpm enabling a top speed of 100mph and 0-60mph in 13.2 seconds. The engine bay is an exhibitionists dream with gleaming components. Those who enjoy tinkering with their classic car will have unrivalled access due to the huge front bonnet lifting clear and amazing parts availability and Club support. The four-speed gearbox with synchromesh to all gears has the desirable and factory optional overdrive fitted which is fully functional.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Pressed steel disc type wheel are immaculate with perfect Triumph centre caps. Firestone 155/80 R13 tyres are fitted to all wheels with excellent tread remaining. Front 9in disc brakes with 7in rear drums stop the car safely and quickly.
HISTORY FILE
This car has a fascinating history to warrant the tiny 11,403 miles covered. Registered new on the 1st January 1979 to a Mrs Constance Miriam Simpson by Westridge Garage, she owned the car for 15 years. The singed new car purchase invoice and letter to the DVLC by her sister, Mrs Styles in the file, reveals that she unfortunately died in a house fire. The Spitfire parked in a separate garage remained untouched and escaped the tragic fire. A few months later on the 5th July 1994 a detailed AA Vehicle Inspection Report was carried out on the vehicle whereby the examiner Mr Skilton, (MIMI), writes ‘I have found it to be in an excellent condition which suggests it was mothballed very well indeed with no hint of corrosion problems commonly expected for its age.’ The car had covered 10,113 miles at the time of the inspection. Mrs Styles decided to have the vehicle fully recommissioned and shortly after it was sold to Nissan Main Dealers, West End Motors of Bodmin who subsequently sold it to The Triumph Sports Six Club, (TSSC), for £5,500. The vehicle remained in their care and on display in their museum in Lubenham as a benchmark of originality for the model for 17 years. Since this time it has been owned by just three respected Triumph enthusiasts.
Rarely does such a pristine, low mileage Triumph Spitfire become available and this example will satisfy those seeking the best of the marque.
HPI Clear.