Christopher Michael Neal <cmneal@tenet.edu> wrote
>Hello all--Please give advice/opinions about a car I'm considering buying.
>It is a 1972 Triumph Spitfire (1300 engine)ÿû. OK top, original paint, but
>needs to be re-painted. There is some floor rust, but not excessive.
>There is no OBVIOUS fluid leakage, and it seems pretty well kept. I didn't
>have much time, so I didn't get to drive it or do much REAL inspection.
>He wants $2200 for it, but may come down alittle. Is this a relatively fair
>price based on these fuzzy details?? The car is currently running. It is a
>2 hour drive to go see the car again. Worth my while if I really miss driving
>one?? Is there anything specific to this model car I should know??
>Thanks in advance for your help!!
>Chris Neal
>Wacko, TX
Chris,
This is what I know--hopefully other's will chime in that know more.
1972 Mk IV's are probably the most underpowered Spitfires (redundant?)
around. BMC/JRT/BL/whatever were trying to change the Spit to meet US
emission standards. The '72 is one step along the way--I believe it
was originally rated at 48 hp so a >20 year old Mk IV is not going to
be a screamer unless modifications are made. From what little I know,
the Spit 1500 (starting in '73) was hurried along because Triumph was
embarrassed by how poor a performer the '72 was. That said, I would
like to add that I am restoring my '72 Spit Mk IV so you know I am a
little addled. I have owned mine since '79 and drove it into the
ground thus I consider the restoration a labor of love (or virtual
insanity, your choice). The car has its good and bad points:
Good
- rear swing axle fixed to correct handling problems in earlier Spits,
- '73 and later Spits have a 2" wider rear track and have had
problems with rear sag and breaking halfshafts (or so I have heard),
- top down,
- fun to drive, handles well,
- not a lot of emissions stuff to worry about for when smog checks
start in Waco,
- its a Triumph.
Bad
- underpowered,
- rust, if raised in the South (the car that is),
- underpowered,
- its a Triumph,
- underpowered.
I would definitely go drive it again and put it through the ringer.
Things to do off the top of my head
- Run up the car in each gear, keep your hand off the stick, and let
off the gas immediately--see if the shift pops out of gear--could mean
transmission work.
- Listen for bad u-joints or put car on stands and check u-joints for
slop (there are 4).
- Check rear trunk lid, door sills, battery box, floor panels/foot wells
for rust (all can be replaced fairly easily but you shouldn't pay for
good if they are bad).
- Compression test (wet & dry)
- 1000 other things I can't think of right now.
Overall, I have liked mine but again I have a strong emotional
attachment. As far as any kind of investment? Hah, the '72 Spit Mk IV
is a poor choice. $2200 sounds kind of steep but I haven't seen the
car. If you need any more (free) advice, e-mail me.
Regards,
Pat Willems
pbw@chong.dseg.ti.com
'72 Spit Mk IV (in pieces)
Flower Mound, TX
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