1974 Triumph Spitfire V8 Conversion

Highlights

• Believed to be the only Rover V8-converted Spitfire in the country with logbook updated to reflect the 3.5L engine
• LT77 five-speed gearbox
• Through-bonnet intake, inspired by American muscle cars
• Conversion documentation included, with part numbers and photos
• Garage-stored
• Significant history file detailing modifications
• Mot, tax and Ulez exempt

The Appeal

The Americans are right about something. V8s make everything better.
The Triumph Spitfire is one of Britain's most recognised small sports cars, but this 1974 Mk IV takes the concept somewhere altogether more dramatic. Fitted with a rebuilt 3.5-litre Rover V8, an LT77 five-speed gearbox, and a raft of upgraded brakes, suspension, and cooling components, it is believed to be the only V8-converted Spitfire of its kind in the country.

The car underwent a thorough body-off restoration between 1989 and 2003. The chassis was stripped to bare metal, repaired, and painted, and extensive steel panel replacement was carried out before the shell was finished in Rover Eclipse Blue. Its owner carried out the V8 conversion in 2007–2008 with the help of a friend experienced in V8 conversions. The engine was rebuilt with a reground crank, new bearings, and SD1 cylinder heads, and is fed by an Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor on an Offenhauser manifold. The drivetrain, braking, and cooling systems were all re-engineered to suit, including an MGTF VVC rear disc conversion, GT6 front suspension and brakes, a stainless steel exhaust, and a modified Renault 21 radiator with twin electric fans.

Our vendor acquired the car in 2022. Having been garage-stored for approximately five years, the car is said to run, but the engine could benefit from a tune-up, and the bodywork carries a couple of minor dings. It comes with a detailed folder documenting the conversion with part numbers and photographs.

Key Information

• Mileage: 9,751 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
• Technical specs: 3.5-litre Rover V8 (3,528cc), LT77 five-speed manual
• Paperwork: conversion documentation folder with part numbers and photos, DVLA engine change letter dated April 2008, spec sheet listing chassis, body, VIN, and engine numbers

The Detail

• Chassis stripped to bare metal during restoration, repaired with welded patches, and painted with industrial rust-preventive paint
• Steel panel replacement including boot floor, rear valance, both rear wings, both front wings, both door skins, both outer sills, and footwells
• Painted in Rover Eclipse Blue in cellulose, with panels painted in reverse with rust preventive
• Rover V8 engine rebuilt with new standard piston rings, reground crank (+10), new bearings throughout including cam bearings, new timing chain, and valves cleaned and lapped
• SD1 cylinder heads fitted, noted as an upgrade with slightly larger valves
• Edelbrock/Weber Performer 500 four-barrel carburettor on Offenhauser 360 manifold with MR Gasket 14-inch chrome free-flow air filter
• Mocal remote oil filter housing and oil cooler fitted, with Tadpole oil pressure relief valve
• Electronic ignition with new coil
• Modified Renault 21 radiator with twin Peugeot 205 electric fans in a custom housing
• All stainless steel exhaust with MGB V8 block hugger manifolds and twin straight-through rear silencers
• Mitsuba electric fuel pump with Sytec Proflow pressure regulator, return line to tank, and inertia switch
• LT77 five-speed gearbox with standard Rover clutch, TR8 master cylinder, and Sherpa van short-shift remote
• New cross member fabricated and welded across the chassis for gearbox mounting, also bracing the centre of the chassis
• TR8 propshaft with rear flange re-drilled to match the Spitfire differential
• GT6 Mk III front coil springs, GT6 vertical links and hubs, and Spax gas-adjustable shocks front and rear
• New leaf spring at the rear
• GT6 front brake callipers with new pistons, seals, pads, and discs
• MGTF VVC rear disc conversion with refurbished callipers on custom laser-cut 6mm stainless brackets
• Upgraded 0.750-inch bore master cylinder, Lockheed remote servo, and Wilwood proportioning valve
• All-new copper brake pipework with Goodridge braided hoses front and rear
• Refurbished MGF VVC 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/55/15 tyres and Freelander wheel studs
• GT6 fibreglass bonnet with hand-built glassfibre carburettor clearance bulge
• Glassfibre gearbox tunnel cover fabricated, and aluminium steering rack mounts fitted
• Spitfire 1500 seats professionally recovered in leather
• Roll bar, smaller leather-and-alloy steering wheel, and new inertia-reel seatbelts fitted
• Replacement carpet set, new seals, weatherstrips, armrest, knee pads, and door trims
• Spitfire 1500 stalk switches and electric tachometer fitted
• 1.9 HP Nippondenso high-torque starter motor
• Hidden ignition microswitch acting as an immobiliser, plus locking wheel nuts
• Garage stored for approximately five years
• The vendor notes the engine could do with a tune-up
• Bodywork has a couple of minor dings

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.