1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV

Description

• UNSOLD at auction July 2023
• 1300cc 
• Twin carbs 
• Four speed  
• In Dark Navy with grey leather seats
• Valued by the Triumph Sports Six Club 

 The last of the classic open-top Triumphs was also one of the best. Pretty styling and simple mechanicals make this Spitfire a superb choice as a classic car. 

The lovely soft-top Triumph Spitfire is really all about fun. And fun is something the Spitfire delivers by the bucket-load. There is enough perkiness to easily keep up with modern traffic. Light, accurate steering makes for a very engaging drive too. 

Background 

Launched in 1962 and built until 1981.   

The Triumph Spitfire’s design endured. It had two major facelifts in the car’s nineteen-year lifespan. One in 1967 for the Mk 3 and again in 1970 for the Mk IV. 

By the time production ended in 1981, over 300,000 Triumph Spitfires had rolled off the line. These days, it’s an extremely enjoyable, practical classic car and one which you’re unlikely to lose money with.  

 Interior 

• Light Grey leather seats 
• Matching blue piping 
• Wood trimmed sports steering wheel 
• Blue carpet 
• Wooden gear knob 

The Spitfire interior is as simple as they come and great because of it. You drop into the cockpit. The steering wheel position feels instinctive. Without looking, just extend your left arm and the gear lever falls naturally to hand. It all feels right. The cabin looks in decent, good condition. The helpful luggage space behind the seats is tidy and intact.  

Outside 

• Dark Navy Blue 
• Previously Red 
• Grey convertible hood 
• See-through screen surround in good condition 
• Wood/Chrome rear luggage rack 
• Correct factory steel wheels 

Mechanicals 

• Alloy rocker cover 
• Twin carbs 
• Pancake air filters 
• Alloy radiator 
• Stainless steel exhaust 

The Spitfire mechanicals are solid, safe and simple. Lift that clam shell bonnet and everything can be reached.  

Vendors comments 

In a refreshingly candid way, this is what our vendor tells us: 

“1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV 1300 engine, 4 speed. Honest sale- honest description. 

Honest pros:
Rated A1/S by TSSC valued at £7500
Sports exhaust.
Starts every time & engine runs smoothly.
Discreet sound system installed.
Solid body – no major rust. Underside sealed.
All features work as they should. Spare wheel included. 

Honest downsides:
It’s not concours, but it’s fun!
Small corners with paint bubbling in places.
Body slightly misaligned (see pics)  

Attempted to align but as not mechanically minded, didn’t get very far.
Found fuel tank seal slightly leaks if over filled (the hard way) so can only half fill. 

Reason for reluctant sale is because just started a family and won’t get used as much.  

Will also include original Spitfire steering wheel.” 

Our view 

It’s fun to drive. There’s a real feel-good factor to the Triumph Spitfire. Fast, fun and frugal, they are easy to own and enjoy. This one has bags of potential. Best of all? It must go. The reserve is set very, very sensibly.