1970 Triumph Spitfire Mk3

Highlights

• Body-off-chassis restoration and repaint in 1990s
• Engine, gearbox, and brakes rebuilt at the same time
• Remains in extremely good condition with bright red paintwork
• Retrimmed interior with new carpets, seat padding, covers, and panels
• Recent voluntary MOT in October 2024 with no advisories

The Appeal

This very pretty Mk3 Spitfire has been extensively restored, yet such is the condition that you would hardly know it was done 34 years ago. The red paintwork and tidy underside all suggest a car not long back on the road since all the work.

That renovation included a body-off chassis restoration, a full red repaint, and an overhaul of the engine, gearbox, and brakes. It all adds to the appeal of a car that is arguably the sweet spot in the Spitfire’s evolution. The MK3 got more power from a larger version of the reliable Standard-Triumph engine, yet retained the sculptural Michelotti styling of the first cars.

The vendor states the car is in very good mechanical and cosmetic order. He notes minor age-related paint defects and suggests that a bit of cosmetic attention could bring it to concours standard. The last voluntary MOT in October 2024 supported this view, with no advisories. As it stands, this Spitfire is a well-restored, well-documented example ready to enjoy.

The vendor says:

“The car has undergone a complete restoration in the 90s, body off chassis re-spray, and mechanical overhaul and rebuild. The car would benefit from some slight cosmetic improvements to get it up to concourse condition but overall it is in excellent condition mechanically and bodywork-wise.”

Key Information

• Mileage: 6,283 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last voluntary test valid to October 2025
• Technical specs: 75bhp 1,296cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: Photographic evidence of restoration and mechanical overhaul work, handbooks, two folders of history

The Detail

• Restored in 1994 and put into a private collection where it remained until TRGB bought the car and recommissioned it, when it was purchased by its current owner
• Body respray and panel work completed as part of the 1994 restoration
• Repainted in 1994 in red (previously black) which remains in very good order
• Vendor states bodywork is in very good condition with good structural condition
• No advisories on last MOT in October 2024
• Minor age-related paint defects noted
• Vendor states that car could reach concours standard or defects left as they are
• Painted wire wheels in good order with matching tyres and matching spare
• Very smart black vinyl and checkered cloth interior
• Interior restored with new carpets, seat padding, seat covers, and interior panels
• Wood dashboard refinished with French polish
• Engine, gearbox, and brakes rebuilt during the restoration
• Fitted with wood-rimmed wheel and period stereo
• Black vinyl roof in very good condition with clear screens and matching tonneau

BEFORE YOU BUY

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