1973 Triumph Spitfire Mk4 |

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1973 Triumph Spitfire Mk4

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,095

Mileage~75,513
TransmissionManual
Engine1.3L
LocationMaidenhead

SOLD

1973 Triumph Spitfire Mk4

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Stylish, reliable, easy to maintain, what's not to like about these classic British roadsters.

The Spitfire has always been a no-brainer for those looking for a charismatic open-top sports car. Sold on its slender poised Michelotti styling, straightforward and accessible mechanics and lively character, the Spitfire is also a surprisingly usable and comfortable proposition for those who like the feel the effect of speed without breaking any records. Ideal for those with a set budget, these inexpensive yet agile cars have a superb parts network and are easy to work on.

Powered by the reliable 1.3-litre engine, this 1973 MK IV car has seen a documented full body and mechanical restoration in the last 5 years. Coming to market from ~3.5 years ownership, finished in a bespoke burgundy-red fleck paint finish, it has also seen almost £2,000 worth of work late last year, and has a fresh MOT incoming for peace of mind.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Gary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Spitfires were never the fastest car on the road, but she still turns heads!

Gary had owned a Triumph Spitfire in the 90s and has fond memories of driving it around the lanes. When this example came up three years ago, he saw the potential in owning a fully restored car without having to worry about major repairs and has simply enjoyed the standard tinkering and maintenance. The fact that the car was registered the year he was born sealed the deal and has used the car for leisurely weekend drives, seeking out those country lanes again.

He tells us "It’s great to be able to open the bonnet and understand how things works and occasionally roll my sleeves up and get oily. Being low to the ground with the wind in your hair it feels you are moving a lot faster than you are. Around town it’s nice too, lots of head turning, knowing nods and a great conversation starter!". The car is now for sale, due to a change of circumstances. Gary will be happy to answer questions on the car in the comments section.

Gary

Vehicle Owner

Gary saved £1,080* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The trick-paint finish gives this Spitfire a distinctive and unique look over the typical solid colour examples you'll see on the market.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels were part of the restoration process and as a result are in good shape, with a set of decent chrome trims.

The Kumho tyres were fitted at the same time, and show plenty of tread. Take a look at the image gallery for a closer look.

Bodywork

The structure of the car is solid throughout, with the chassis, suspension mounts, inner wings, sills and floor pan appearing to be in very good shape. The bulkhead is good, with some minor surface blemishes, but they do not appear to be structural. The boot floor is solid. The exterior presents well, with no significant issues of note, although the tops of the rear wing seams show under-paint blemishes. There are a handful of minor dents noted on some of the top panels. The panel fit is in line with a restored car with a reasonably good fit.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

When this car was restored, a custom paint colour was chosen with metallic flecks, as opposed to a standard solid colour, we think this car is all the better for it. The paint finish has been very well applied, the lustre is very good, with a deep even coverage. The car has a few paint touch-ups, mostly on the nearside arches of the car and a little on both A-pillar posts. Both the rear arch and the boot lips show slight deterioration of loose paint.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The chrome components are in very good shape, most of them having been fitted during the restoration. The glass and seals are all in good condition too, with the soft-top in similar condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior has been tastefully renovated, without losing any of its period charm.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are very tidy with decent runners and no real signs of wear. The carpets are also clean and appear to be dry throughout, thanks to the car's indoor storage and car cover. The headlining and door cards are similarly in good shape. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Dashboard

The dashboard is presentable, with minor signs of age noted on the padded top section. The facia veneer is very good, with no significant wear in the rest of the cabin.

The car has a new set of Smiths instruments including a volt meter, and has a digital DAB radio installed, with a set of functioning speakers. There is also an override switch for the cooling fan. All of the controls are said to function.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever complements the dashboard and is free from any issues. A wooden rimmed three spoke steering wheel and wooden gear-knob for the gearstick, both with the Triumph logo.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The engine runs beautifully, having seen a rebuild only ~5 years ago.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up with no issues, the engine idles sweetly with no unwanted noises. The exhaust is in very good shape and was free from any excessive smoke.

The gearbox is said to be good with no issues with the gear selection and the owner is satisfied with the performance of the clutch. The engine has a light seepage of oil, but nothing significant. The components are in good condition, with the radiator, hoses and ancillaries all looking clean. Please see the "Mechanical video" to judge for yourself.

Suspension and Brakes

The Spitfire is remarkably tight on the roads, with speed humps and uneven surfaces revealing no significant noises from the wheels. There were no issues noted during cornering. The steering proved to be vibration-free at town speeds.

The braking is even and effective, with no grinding or squealing, to be expected with some recent work on them in June.

The Drive

The low-slung and leg-extended position, throaty soundtrack courtesy of the stainless steel exhaust and recently tuned carburettor set-up provides a genuinely thrilling experience even at low speeds. The oil pressure light and engine temperature remained in check during the 20-minute drive, and the ride was supple and free of loud knocking. The car accelerates well, with an even smooth delivery.

Electrics and Other

The hood is in excellent shape and straightforward to raise and lower. It comes with a decent tonneau cover. The headlamps and driving lamps add little aggression to the front of the car, a nod towards its rally pedigree.

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History and Paperwork

The car was treated to a documented restoration in 2017, and presents in lovely condition to this day, it comes to market from ~3.5 years ownership in its custom colourway.

Before the owner bought the car in 2019, it has been subject to an extensive restoration, which included comprehensive welding, new panels, an engine rebuild and new wiring harness, new braking and suspension components as well as a bare metal respray. The car was restored by a garage in Leeds, who rebuilt the car as a side project. There are over 100 photographs documenting the process, which includes respraying the car in a bespoke metallic flake Rover colour. Over the three years of ownership, the owner has kept on top of the maintenance of the car, which also includes a high-performance ignition coil, a new battery and a full set of new Smiths gauges. In the last few months, the owner has also recently spent almost £2,000 to get the car up to scratch, which includes a rear brake rebuild, carburettor overhaul and welding to the floorplan, and is having a fresh MOT actioned on the 14th April for peace of mind.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
21-06-2022	MOT	75,471
06-04-2019	MOT	74,997
26-03-2018	MOT	74,245
30-03-2017	MOT	73,691

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Key Details

ModelSpitfire Mk4
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date01.10.1973
CC1,296
Mileage~75,513
HistorySome
ColourBurgandy-Red
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #FH58403
Engine #FH058266HE
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOT20-06-2023
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
Former Keepers13
Tyre BrandKumho
Tyre Age2016
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~3.5 years
Key FeatureBare metal respray restoration
Auction ID503140

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : GaryM Sale Date 19.04.2023

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

8 Comments

Kulraj Salh

Admin

1 year ago

Auction Update – The reserve on this auction has been met, it will be sold to the highest bid at the end of the auction. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

GaryM

Seller

1 year ago

Sorry for the delay in responding, I don’t know where you are based, but the car is in Maidenhead, does that work for you?

Iliya

GaryM

1 year ago

Gary,

Thank you for your reply.
I can come around 3pm today.
Is this time good for you?
Please send me your address.

Thank you very much

Iliya

1 year ago

Good morning, Gary,

Could you, please advise if I can come and have a look the car this afternoon?

Thank you

johnmc

1 year ago

How Gary. Has it got overdrive ? Thanks

GaryM

Seller

johnmc

1 year ago

Hi John,

No overdrive, less to go wrong, nice and simple!

Gary

hedg1e

1 year ago

Hi Gary, its looks a great car, can I ask why you are selling?

GaryM

Seller

hedg1e

1 year ago

Hi Hesg1e,

Only selling because I need the space on my garage, time for someone new to enjoy her!

Gary

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Vehicle Location

Maidenhead, Berkshire

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