Vehicle Description
Conceived as Triumph's archrival to BMC's compact Austin-Healey
Sprite/MG Midget sports models, the Spitfire featured sleek, open
bodywork, fully independent suspension and a tuned 4-cylinder
engine. Enjoying fabulous success with production spanning 1962 to
1980 along four distinct "Mark" evolutions, the new Triumph was
named after Britain's heroic Spitfire fighter plane of WW II fame.
Benefiting from comprehensive updates, the Spitfire Mk III was
produced from 1967 to 1970, including this late-production, North
American Export model, built on May 29, 1970. Shipped on July 7,
1970, the Spitfire was delivered new to the United States via
British Leyland Motors Inc. in Los Angeles, CA. Purchased from
Holland by Hollywood entertainment legend Simon Cowell in 2019, the
Spitfire was immediately sent to Cotswold Classic Car Restorations
of Gloucestershire, England, for restoration and bespoke upgrades
to Mr. Cowell's order. Following a detailed examination of the
vehicle by Cotswold, the Spitfire was stripped to bare metal,
fitted with the earlier Mk II-style front end to the existing
bonnet, and repainted in glossy black. All chrome brightwork was
restored and reinstalled for an outstanding and authentic presence.
All mechanical components and systems were rebuilt, restored and
highly detailed, including the engine, electrical system,
suspension and brakes. Coilover shock absorbers, a retrofitted
5-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential maximize the
Spitfire's performance, heightened by dual Weber twin-choke
carburetors and a dual-exhaust system. Following the restoration,
Cotswold professionally tuned the engine on a chassis dynamometer.
The Spitfire's racy cockpit was fully restored, including rich red
leather upholstery, high-back bucket seats with headrests, new
carpets and a new walnut dash. A wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering
wheel, Triumph-logo shift knob and digital AM/FM CD stereo unit
complete the Spitfire's appointments. Splendidly presented
throughout and ready to drive, show and enjoy, the Spitfire is
accompanied at auction by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust
certificate, plus purchase and ownership paperwork and a detailed
restoration and build summary.
