For Sale: 1971 Triumph Spitfire in Concord, North Carolina

A 1971 Triumph Spitfire like this is all about providing the lightweight classic open-top sports car sensation that other classics do. But the money you save on this economical machine keeps the smile on your face a bit wider.

In fact, it's hard not to smile just looking at this Spitfire. It was resprayed during its lifetime so that its Italian-inspired styling has a nice gloss on this British sports car. The long hood (bonnet) emphasizes the tall headlights. And this line runs down the length of the car until it dips just past the doors. The sporty kick-up at the rear wheels is always a powerful presence. It concludes at the flat rear end that was shared with larger Triumphs like the Stag. You wouldn't be able to appreciate all of this if the panels didn't line up so nicely like they so on this example. Plus, these Mark IV Spitfires has some of the best brightwork of the series. The front bumper draws attention to the sporty point of the front end, and the addition of the rear luggage rack just looks like it's ready for a wicker picnic basket.

Inside is the kind of design that wants to fit you like a glove. It has that ideal European sports car feeling with the high-back bucket seats, a gearshift perfectly placed for your right hand, and a grippy three-spoke steering wheel for your left one. It has the right practical features like an AM/FM/cassette stereo and working heater. But really, the best part is watching the classic Jaeger speedometer and tachometer dance as it enhances the wind-in-your-hair experience. But any time you want a more enclosed experience, the tight fitting newer black folding roof and full roll-up windows will keep you secure.

The 1.3-liter motor looks correct in the engine bay, right down to the Stromberg carburetor. These motors were certainly small, but its lightweight nature is all part of the Spitfire's appeal. After all, the car barely tipped the scales, but it had a level of rigidity not seen on other roadsters of its day. These were built on a solid backbone chassis with lightweight partial unibody. This gave them a solid but nimble feeling on the back roads. And it only got better when paired with the four-speed manual transmission, fully independent suspension, and front disc brakes.

Highly original and absolutely fun, the classic British roadster experience doesn't get more affordable. So if you love to enjoy the open road, don't miss this Spitfire. Call now!