1963 - Triumph Spitfire 4 - Lot 62

Lot 62
Go to lot
Estimation :
8000 - 12000 EUR
1963 - Triumph Spitfire 4 - Lot 62
1963 - Triumph Spitfire 4 French registration Chassis n°FC11481L Body n°10790FC Engine n°FH606772HF - Symbol of the small British roadster, high love rating - Purest MK1 version with chrome-spoke wheels - English car imported to France in 2014 and restored - MKIV 1300 engine to be run-in and electrics to be overhauled Please note that the suffix "L" (left-hand drive) in the chassis number shown on the vehicle's registration document is not originally present on the manufacturer's plate, as we believe it was converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive. Introduced at the 1962 London Motor Show, the Triumph Spitfire's mission was to democratize the popular small British roadster beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. A task it fulfilled perfectly, thanks to Michelotti's successful design, ingenious engineering and ease of use, making it an innovative car despite its low price. The simple, sturdy powertrain, derived from that of the Triumph Herald, and the reworked chassis, shortened by 21 cm, are enough to move this little flea weighing less than 750 kg. It therefore benefits from an adequate power-to-weight ratio. What's more, the driving position close to the ground and the lively sound of the valiant 4-cylinder provide a feeling of sportiness, without going very fast. Over the course of its long career, the Spitfire has undergone numerous evolutions, with no fewer than 5 generations. The first was the Spitfire 4, a 4-cylinder model produced from 1962 to 1964, with a 1,147 cm3 engine developing 63 hp. A sporty derivative of the Triumph Herald, this first version of the Spitfire benefits from the purity of the first generations, with harmonious lines and a balanced silhouette despite a long hood, making this little sports car a real E-Type for young people! It's this authenticity that makes it one of today's most popular generations. The example we're offering, launched in 1963, probably in England as it was originally right-hand drive but later converted to left-hand drive, is part of this highly desirable first "MKI" series. Today, this pretty Spitfire 4 sports a beautiful metallic-gray hue, combined with a black soft top and matching interior except for the sand-colored leather upholstery. The MK3 front bumper and Lucas P700 tripod halogen headlamps add a touch of modernity and functionality. This handsome presentation is complemented by 13-inch chromed aluminum-spoke wheels that give it both extra elegance and sportiness. Imported into France in 2014, this Spitfire 4 has been completely restored. Indeed, the bodywork was taken over and repainted, the upholstery redone, the carpets and upholstery replaced, and the mechanics refurbished. The 1300 cm3 engine has yet to be run in, having covered just a few hundred kilometers since the work was completed. The last technical inspection, in October 2022, when the odometer showed 20839 miles, simply noted excessive shifting and minor deformation of a spar. Since then, this Spitfire has hardly been driven at all, and now has 21152 miles on the clock. It is therefore in very good condition, both in terms of appearance and operation, even though it was sold without a technical inspection. All that's needed is a little electrical work, notably on the windscreen wiper motor, which has overheated and needs replacing. The Jaeger on-board instrumentation is also superb, giving the interior a refined vintage feel, even though this is not a luxury car. A symbol of the small British roadster, the Spitfire has become an essential model in Triumph's range thanks to its worldwide success, and today it's something of a collector's item. An early model such as this one, with its flattering yet affordable appearance, should therefore be the envy of all those in search of a certain driving pleasure, albeit a little outdated, but oh so endearing.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue