Triumph Spitfire MK 4 1971

Our car:

This Triumph Spitfire MK 4, purchased in 2017, is a special edition in between series, imported and prepared for circulation in Italy by “Ducati Meccanica”. Like many British Spider cars of the time, ours was not exempt from developing rust spots due to the various infiltrations of rain and water from the obsolete hood and thin gaskets. The whole bodywork was completely restored and repainted in its original white leyland. Fortunately the English passion and the desire to preserve the automotive history allowed us to easily find all the components categorically reproduced and certified by the UK. The seat covers and interiors are new, midnight blue with white edging. The immortal engine and the original transmission were taken care of and updated for daily use, make it a reliable and pleasant car. The documentation and the license plate are original and it has about 120,000 km of mileage, it has also been registered for more than 10 years in the historical register Italian historical register (ASI).

History:

A name with a lot of history on its back and derived from the Spitfire super marine fighter supplied to the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, it recalls a weapon of war, fast powerful and of great manoeuvrability.
Born from the desire of Triumph management to compete with the great success of small English sport cars like MG, Austin Healey and Sprite. In 1961 the prototype of the first Spitfire designed by the very Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti was presented, who had created Herald and Stag for Triumph. Michelotti is the creator of great icons like BMW 2800sc, Alpine Cabrio and many others. Triumph Spitfire was very successful and with long-lived production ending in 1980, seeing 4 updates both in the aesthetics and in the displacement going from the small 1148cc to the more generous 1500cc in the last series. Frame dettached from the 4-cylinder in-line engine body, rear-wheel drive and front disc brakes are a perfect mix to make it sporty and light.
Scorned by many for its simplicity, it was a great success in England and in the United States, in Italy it is still highly appreciated and still has a great interest among historical clubs and collectors.
Easy to repair, sturdy and accessible to everyone, it is often chosen as their first car by those who approach historic motoring.

Data sheet: