1960s Triumph Spitfire

[jims-terrano]

Hi Guys, I’ve been offered a 1960s Triumph Spitfire for free!

It’s a couple that my wife knows and the car belonged to her late father. He was a petrol head and they are trying to clear the house basically.
All they can tell me is that it is definitely a 1960s Spitfire and has been kept under a tarp for a few years so will need a trailer to remove which isn’t really a difficulty to hire a trailer.
I’m thinking that it’ll be a rotter but wondered if it might break for parts to fund the mg perhaps.

What’s everyone’s thoughts?

 

[RJL Services]

you have nothing to loose if free and parts should be worth something you could always list on a owners club etc jim plus shell would worth something even if just scrap plus like you say may help fund mg project

 

[jims-terrano]

I’ve been thinking as well, it’s got a proper chassis too so I’m thinking maybe easier to fix up.
Can’t really make plans until I’ve seen it.

 

[macabethiel]

That Chassis !

I’ve been thinking as well, it’s got a proper chassis too so I’m thinking maybe easier to fix up.
Can’t really make plans until I’ve seen it.

From my memory the chassis design for the spitfire was similar to /based on the Triumph Herald design so its outriggers etc running off the main chassis members across the floor pan. They were very prone to corrosion - my Mum had a Herald model Circa 1959/60 that she learnt to drive in during 1965/6.

Amongst the scariest issues was when the UJ on the steering column failed as we were just leaving home. The UJ was a steel affair with rubber & 4 bolts, the lower two bolts came loose and sheered off as we turned out of the house driveway. The Herald ran straight into the farmers hedge opposite our drive - causing very little damage.

In Mum's second year of ownership it was expensive as all the outriggers were rotten as were the front & rear panels. Extensive patches were extended on the main chassis rails. No rustproofing back then just underseal that did a great job of retaining salt and water!
Luckily my Father could get the repairs done cheap as he was in the trade.

That said if the interior is in decent condition there will be a good market for interior trim.

 

[makeitfit]

As with all these "projects" or barn finds lol they WILL suck up bucket loads of time.
Personally, I'd get the engine running and brakes if they're not too bad. Then simply sell it on as a running project.
If you do get involved I can help a bit as we've got a herald project on the go :doh