Little Red British Convertible...
Up for sale… A relatively well preserved, but not entirely original, 1968 Triumph Spitfire MK 3.
These little spits are getting harder and harder to find, especially the ones prior to 1970, and even more so examples that have a hard and soft top available and fully functional.
So here we have one!
Pretty standard little (and it is indeed little) red, two door convertible Spitfire with a detachable hard top.
Yes.
Convertible top, plus factory steel hard top. Both included with the car, and both in serviceable condition.
Convertible top is less than a year old, has no rips or tears, is stretched tight across the stock frame, which is also in top notch shape.
Hard top is of the factory steel variety, and has some dents, scratches, and a little surface rust. This isn't a trash top or an aftermarket repop though. This is the real deal factory steel, included with the car. That's not just rare...at the price point for this car, it's almost unheard of.
Mechanically this car is good to go. Not exactly a cross country type of car, but if you're looking at a cross-state drive, I wouldn't hesitate to take it for a medium haul. Overall it could use a good freshening up, but I tried to keep it as original as possible instead of upgrading suspension, brakes, etc to bring it up to modern standards.
Four speed manual transmission, that was just serviced with all new linkage and bushings to take some of that notorious slop out of the shifting pattern.
Newer brake lines all around, new tires, and a new battery were all that was needed to get this little piece of history on the road again, and now it's ready for someone else to take it to the next level.
Paint is about average for a 50 year old car, and looks to have been resprayed quite a few years ago.
Hard top will need some new rubber and mounting hardware if you want to make it part of the daily driver aspect of the car, and could also use some new headliner material.
Engine, transmission, and exhaust are bone stock, right down to the twin SU carburetors on the intake. Carbs have been recently tuned, but as is the case with all SU carbs, they'll need to be regularly maintained to stay at the top of their game.
Floor pans have seen better days, but aren't completely rotten like you'll find on most models of this year or older, but just in case, I'm including a brand new set of pans, and enough sound proofing and insulation to coat the entire interior in FatMat for the lucky new owner.
Has a newer wooden Triumph steering wheel installed (I think from a TR7...but I'm not entirely sure), but the original goes with the car as well.
There are minimal surface rust spots around the typical sharp bend places, and a little on the hard top as well (as mentioned above), but no rot. Nothing rusted through that I can see.
Bumpers are solid and unbent, and could probably use a good touch up or re-chroming if you are so included.
That's about it. Everything works as you would expect it, but honestly there isn't much that can go wrong on these little cars. They have manual everything, so there really aren't any gremlins to worry about. Just hold the choke when you start it cold, let it warm up for a few minutes, and down the road you go.
Keep in mind, please that this is a 50 year old car, with 50 year old technology, and a 50 year old body and frame. These cars demand your attention, and will earn your love and admiration. It's in no way ready for any kind of concourse, but if you're looking for some inexpensive, classic, British wind-in-your-hair driving, you can't go wrong with a little Triumph Spitfire. It turns heads on the main drags and sounds like a little angry bumble bee at cruising speed. Really is a hoot to drive.
As-Is Condition
I do my very best to describe my items in an accurate and transparent way. That said, this car is being sold as-is where-is with no guarantees or warranties expressed or implied. My description and pictures describe the car in its current state to the best of my knowledge. Questions regarding the vehicle or the terms of sale are your responsibility to ask prior to the auction ending. I’m more than happy to assist in any way I can. Your understanding of these conditions is very important.
“0” Feedback Bidders
If you have zero feedback or if your only feedback states negative remarks, please contact me prior to placing a bid. I hold the right to cancel bidders if communication has not been reached. Please be a real buyer with respect for a real seller. I'm not a dealer, and only put up a couple of cars a year. This is my hobby, not my job, but since I would like to keep my hobby alive, I need to sell when I'm done. Many thanks!
Payment
A deposit of $500 must be made within 24 hours of the end of the sale and can be made only through PayPal. Full payment must be made for the vehicle within 7 calendar days of the end of the auction. Full payment can be made in cash or a certified bank check. Please respect these terms and be prepared to pay the deposit immediately upon winning the auction.
Shipping
Shipping and pickup is the responsibility of the buyer. Any expenses associated with shipping or pickup will be additional expenses the buyer must handle. Prior to a sale, if you would like information about transportation services I have used in the past, I would be happy to discuss that with you. I will only meet a shipper or individual and pass over the title and keys at a mutually convenient time at the vehicle’s current location, and I hope you understand why that would be the case.