Vehicle Description
1974 Triumph Spitfire
The Triumph Spitfire was originally devised by Standard-Triumph to
compete in the small sports car market that had opened up with the
introduction of the Austin-Healey Sprite. The Sprite had used the
basic drive train of the Austin A30/A35 in a light body to make up
a budget sports car; Triumph's idea was to use the mechanicals from
their small saloon, the Herald, to underpin the new project, this
made the vehicle a classic parts bin special. Triumph had one
advantage, however; where the Austin A30 range was of unitary
construction, the Herald featured a separate chassis. It was
Triumph's intention to cut that chassis down and give it a sports
body, saving the costs of developing a completely new chassis-body
unit.
For consignment, a bit of British panache, wind in your hair,
gritty but comfortable, basic but complex Triumph Spitfire sports
car. British Leyland was struggling with the US emissions but
worked their way through it by making a beautiful curved and
lightweight sports car that had enough pep to satisfy the beginner
enthusiast on a budget and gain entry into the sports car
realm.
Exterior
With a large sweeping bonnet which lifts from the windshield
forward to reveal all the inner workings, to the re-designed rear
with its flat vertical surface that allows the rear lighting to
nestle into the thin back portion of this car, white paint drapes
the steel panels. Chrome and Brite work is in fine condition, along
with windows which are all operational via a manual crank (just the
basics here boys). Paint appears in good condition and could
benefit from a thorough buffing to restore its original luster.
Standard steel wheels, which are original to this car, are on all 4
corners. Convertible top in vinyl is in good condition with a clear
window in back.
Interior
Black vinyl buckets, black carpeting, and black knee pads on dash
upright make the interior of this car tight, but comfortable. A
wood dash in good condition houses numerous gauges and buttons to
monitor and operate this car. A Triumph logo gear shift topper, and
the original steering wheel slightly padded, are present and
accounted for. Black carpet in good condition covers all the floor
surfaces, and the rear barrier area between the seats, and the
front portion of the trunk. A tonneau cover in black with white
piping, covers the top when in the down position.
Drivetrain
Flipping the front end of the car forward reveals the engine
compartment, front suspension and electrics courtesy of LUCAS (AKA
the prince of darkness to the Triumph owner...Tongue in Cheek!) The
original block 1500CC engine has the finicky single Stromburg
breather replaced by a Weber Carb. A 4-speed manual that shifts
smoothly is attached to the rear of the 1500CC 4 popper.
Undercarriage
Shades of 1974 with a solid underpinning, an aftermarket dual
exhaust which has this car sounding much like a TR6, and rust free
floorpans, rockers, and really clean fender tubs...still white.
As a car just like this one got me through my high school years,
commuting back and forth to school, and driving around wasting sub
50 cent a gallon gas, this car brings back great memories. It
drives smoothly, probably needs the Weber adjusted, and only allows
me to access it with the top down (I guess I was more nimble in
High School!). Mechanicals are solid, electrics are finicky,
performance is a 1500CC engine, and handling is on rails, a nice
example with some work done to keep it mostly original and give it
some extra British Boot in the rear end.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.