1976 Triumph Spitfire - California Car - Driver Quality Restoration

1976 Triumph Spitfire Description

VIN: FM44638UC

This is probably the most well sorted Triumph Spitfire you will find in the area. I brought this example from Southern California two years ago. I have a tremendous amount of dollars and time invested into this car to make a great running and driving car.

Body:

No accident damage from my extensive examination of the car from inside and below. All factory spot welds are visible. So this car has never had rocker panel replacement, etc that is never really done correctly on these cars. There is some very minor surface rust visible underneath on the frame, but nothing of concern, and would be easy to clean up in an afternoon. In this respect, you can really tell the difference in a California car versus what you find on the East Coast. The car was repainted in what I would call a driver quality job, with some minor defects here and there. Nevertheless, it presents really well, but it was not a high dollar job. New windshield installed with new gasket. The top is a rather new Robbins top with a zip out rear window. A factory steel hardtop (with all the factory glass) is included with the sale, but will need to be restored.

Interior:

Seats have been reupholstered in vinyl. I did not install the headrests, but I have them and you can install if you wish, but I preferred the look without them. The carpet is fairly new and in good condition. The dashboard was refinished with a darker gunstock stain and covered with outdoor polyurethane. All the gauges are completely functional including the bulbs. Interior panels are in great condition.

Engine:

Cylinder head was removed to de-carbonize and valves were lapped by hand according to factory workshop manual. A new Fel-Pro head gasket and ARP head bolts were installed.

The cooling system was completely flushed and a new water pump, thermostat, and hoses were installed. The original clutch fan was removed and a Euro 1500 spec fan installed.

On the bottom end of the engine, new thrust washers and tri-metal connecting rod bearings were installed. Thrust washers are a big deal on these engines and you rarely see them addressed on a Spitfire for sale. Crankshaft end float is per factory specs. I wouldn't even consider purchasing a Spitfire without this done.

The Zenith-Stromberg has been rebuilt with a new needle, damper spring, bypass valve, etc. Car has all of the original smog equipment in place with the exception of the air pump and catalytic convertor, which is included.

The exhaust is new from the front to the rear (factory style with expensive rear muffler), with new exhaust manifold gasket and donut.

Drivetrain:

New clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing installed. New engine main seal installed was during the clutch job. The transmission has no noises and was drained and refilled with Redline fluid. A new output seal was installed. New mounts at the rear of the transmission are in place. Clutch master and slave cylinder were both rebuilt. Circuit converted to DOT 5 silicone fluid.

Brakes:

Master cylinder was rebuilt. Calipers rebuilt with new pistons, New wheel cylinders at rear. Stainless braided hoses at front, with new rubber hoses at rear. Brake system was converted to DOT 5 silicone fluid, so the system should be good for a long time.

Suspension:

New KYB Gas-a-just shocks at the front; regular shocks are installed at the rear. Moss Motors higher spring rate coils are installed at the front. New bushings are in place on the front control arms. New tie rod ends and steering rack boots as well. Trunnions were checked, are in good condition, and oiled, not greased. Car wears new General Altimax tires including the spare with less than 100 miles on them.

I have owned many of these cars and this example is at a much superior level than most on offer here, but also realize that this is not a $15k restored vehicle.

Car is sold as is, where is. As this is a 40-year-old vehicle, be reasonable with your expectations and abilities in owning and operating a vintage classic car. I welcome all questions you may have. I can be available to make the car available for inspections with a reasonable notice.