1967 | Triumph Spitfire Mk III

Giovanni Michelotti's masterpiece

As early as 1958, Standard Triumph competitor Austin Healey brought a small, open sports car onto the market - the Austin Healey Sprite. The success of this small car and its own successes with the "big" TR roadster series encouraged Triumph to enter this market segment as well.

The Triumph Spitfire, introduced in 1962, used existing technical components from the Triumph Herald, but was given a new, extremely attractive body designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Its total of 5 series (MKI to MKIV and Spitfire 1500) had a production period of 18 years - the last Spitfire (1500) left the factory in Coventry in August 1980.

Our Spitfire MK III was delivered to Germany and first registered on June 19, 1967. This model is the first Spitfire to have a real and relatively easy-to-use folding top. The car was completely restored a few years ago. In the process, both the entire technology and the body were meticulously overhauled. As part of the restoration, the frame was replaced with a new part. The frame, underbody and all axle and brake parts are clean and painted in the color of the car. You won't find any dirt or even corrosion. The body was repainted in good quality during the restoration - it still looks its best today and shows few signs of wear. All chrome parts, including the wire wheels, are in top condition. ... which also describes the entire interior: seats, carpets, dashboard, door panels - everything looks like a well-maintained one-year-old car. The chrome-rimmed instruments set in a real wood panel are a feast for the eyes.

Our Spitfire starts immediately and its powerful 1.3 liter four-cylinder accelerates the light car effortlessly. The rack and pinion steering works smoothly and without play. It ensures great "road holding" with good straight-line stability and spontaneous steering -- great cinema in a small sports car! And finally ... the new vehicle frame gives our Spitfire a body rigidity that we had not expected.

This Spitfire does not know any shaking or rattling, which significantly increases the enjoyment of driving it.