1967 Triumph Spitfire MK 3.
I have owned this car for 29 years, since 1979. At the time I did a body off restoration which included dipping the complete body in an acid bath down to the bare metal, then a neutralizing bath to render any residual acid inert. Any bad parts were replaced by braising in new metal. The body was then coated with epoxy primer and painted with two coats of IMRON Polyurethane aircraft paint. The color is Emerald Green.
I recently retired from the U.S. Army and this car has followed me around for my entire career! It has been stored for long periods of time (always inside) during that time. Whenever I was at a location where I could use it, it came out of storage and was used as an occasional good weather driver. I am now retired in Kentucky, and have to choose between a sports car, and a tractor. Unfortunately, you can't bush hog with a Spitfire! Some details about the car:
§ The car is currently titled in my name as a classic vehicle in the state of Kentucky.
§ Original dual SU side draft carburetors were replaced with a single Weber Conversion kit, including new intake manifold and electric choke.
§ This car has the original 12 volt generator installed. Many people hate the original generators Lucas provided, however I replaced this one shortly after I purchased it, and I have never had a problem since so I never saw the need to replace it.
§ The engine was replaced with a completely rebuilt engine in 1980 due to the original engine using excessive oil. I still have the original engine, complete, although disassembled. During periods of extended storage, the engine oil was drained and replaced with diesel oil and desiccant plugs inserted in the spark plug holes.
§ The entire brake system was rebuilt, new lines, cylinders, master cylinder etc and converted over to DOT 7, Silicone brake fluid. For those of you familiar with British cars, Gerling or Lockeed brake fluid which was standard in all British cars of this era is a vegetable based brake fluid which is extremely hydroscopic( it absorbs water) and leads to frequent brake maintenance! Conversion to Silicone brake fluid alleviates the need to rebuild your brakes every year!
§ Clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing replaced at time of engine replacement (also flywheel re-surfaced).
§ Clutch Master and Slave cylinder replaced and converted to DOT 7 Silicone fluid as well.
§ Luggage Rack over boot is original “Optional Equipment”.
§ I have several owners manuals.
§ The car was in an accident in 1992 and the bonnet was damaged. It was replaced with a used bonnet from Aurora Auto Wrecking in Seattle, Washington, however I could not find a replacement grill at that time and have never gotten around to replacing it since, so it does not have the original grill.
§ The odometer DOES NOT WORK. It did not work when I purchased it, and I never had it fixed. I have no idea of the actual mileage although 9184 is what shows on the odometer. I have put about 12 to 15k miles on it in the past 29 years.
§ It is missing one of the four original hubcaps, although they are readily available thru Ebay or Victoria British Limited.
§ The driver’s side rear view mirror is not installed although I have it.
§ The top needs replacing, it is old and worn out. I don’t drive it except on sunny days anyway, so I just remove the top completely. The top will not fold down with the roll bar installed; you must remove it completely or leave it up. I prefer the security of having a roll bar, so I just remove the top. You can solve this problem by either removing the roll bar, or purchasing a hard top for when you want a top or by purchasing a Tonneau cover that will fit around the roll bar.
§ It gets over 30 mpg on the hiway based on mapquest mileage and fill-ups. It has the 10.5 gallon tank.
§ It has the "big" engine for it's year, the 1293cc! Not the 1147cc.
§ Tires are Sears Steel Belted Radials with only 12 to 15k miles on them, although given their age; I would replace them prior to any long trip. During storage the care was placed on blocks w/ tires off the ground (no flat spots).
§ The exhaust system was replaced with a lifetime warrantee exhaust system by Midas.
§ Upholstery was re-done by a 20 year old amateur (me) and a friend and is in fair condition.
§ Original steering wheel (wood over metal) refinished with clear resin.
§ Original instrument panel refinished with clear resin.
§ All instruments except the odometer work.
§ After market sway bar installed in rear end to alleviate the Spitfire sway when fast cornering.
§ I have had some problems with the rear tail lights recently. They are intermittent and I haven’t had the time to chase the problem down yet.
§ Only the driver’s windshield wiper is currently installed. The other post needs to be replaced.
§ The radio works fine and includes a cassette player, however it IS NOT original equipment.
§ The transmission works well, although you must come to a full stop prior to shifting into 1st gear, and if you down shift, you must learn the art of “double clutching!”
§ I have MANY extra parts for this car which would be available at an additional cost to the purchaser, or I may list them separately after the car is sold. A short list (from memory) includes:
Extra top bow
Original 1297 cc engine, complete but disassembled
Extra transmission and bell housing
Rear differentials (I think 3 of them)
Rear axles, not sure how many
Additional fuel tank
Drive shaft
Brake master cylinder (spare, rebuilt, but never needed)
Extra generators, two I believe
Extra chrome bumper extensions, not sure of proper name
Several boxes of miscellaneous hardware, turn signal assemblies, all sorts of stuff (very heavy!
Once again, please understand that the extra parts listed above are available at an additional cost and are not included in this auction! If you wish to purchase the extra parts that would be a SEPARATE PURCHASE!
§ This car is 41 years old! I have tried to describe it to the best of my ability. Although it is in good condition for it’s age I would highly recommend that the perspective buyer inspect the car in person and/or ask any questions that he/she might have PRIOR to bidding. This car is available anytime during the auction period for inspection with prior coordination. Please E-mail me with ANY questions that you may have PRIOR TO BIDDING! I will deliver this car within 250 miles of Salvisa, KY, Zip Code 40372 for $250.00 PROVIDED the car is paid in full, including the delivery fee, PRIOR to leaving my home. Once it leaves my home the sale is FINAL. This car is being sold AS IS with no warrantee either expressed or implied. With that said, I think this car will provide the new owner with many years of fun. It is an eye turner, and provided you don’t mind tinkering with it periodically (it IS British after all) it should be a good car!
PS, don’t tell my 13 year old daughter that I’m selling “her baby!” She has told me that it is to be HER car when she gets her license!
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