1964 Triumph Spitfire 1200 Roadster

Description

Combining Italian style with traditional British craftsmanship, the Spitfire was Triumph's answer to the BMC Sprite/Midget range. Launched in 1962, the new model's modern, fresh lines were penned by Giovanni Michelotti and under the attractive skin lay an extensively reworked Herald platform, with rack and pinion steering, independent double wishbone suspension at the front and a transverse leaf swing axle rear end. The running gear consisted of well-proven components from the Standard parts bin, including the lively 1200cc four-cylinder engine that developing a healthy 63bhp with twin SUs, and four-speed gearbox (overdrive became an option from September 1963). The Spitfire was comparatively well equipped, with wind-up windows in place of its' rivals side-screens and a novel one-piece bonnet that provided excellent access to the engine compartment. The Spitfire proved a great success for Triumph, outselling the Midget in every year of production bar one and also enjoyed some fine results on the track, including a class win at Le Mans in 1965. Today, the Spitfire offers a rewarding ownership of the traditional British sports car experience at an affordable price and is an ideal starter classic.