Well, my spitfire seems to have hit a problem. The engine starting making
noises I never heard before. My mechanic came over to listen to it. I
started to crank it and he very quickly said, "Stop! I've heard
enough." He says that it slip or slung or something that means broke, the
main bearing and that it was about to throw a rod.
I've asked around some. Rebuilding will cost anywhere from $1500 to
$3000. A used engine might be had for around $450.
I've concluded that I don't have the right stuff to be a Spitfire
owner. You need endless optimism, some mechanical ability and at least
some enthusiasm for mechanical work. I can fake the first one, I have the
second one, and I lied about the last one. I hate working on cars.
Anyway this is my long way of saying that I have decided to leave the
honorable brotherhood and sisterhood of British sports car enthusiasts and
am going to sell my Spitfire.
I want to thank everyone on the spitfire list and the members of the
Nashville British Car Club. You've been very helpful during my short time
in the exciting world of classic cars. Thank you all.
Now I have one more favor to ask. I want to try to recover some of the
many dollars I invested in the project. I'd like you to ask you to read
the following description of my car and let me know what you think would be
a fair price.
1977 Triumph Spitire 1500 4 speed
39,000 miles
What appears to be the original white paint
Almost rust free. Just a few spots here and there. Nothing underneath.
Four almost new tires (only 1100 miles on them)
Four new shock absorbers
Recently rebuilt alternator
New battery
New clutch master cylinder
An engine that probably need to be rebuilt
Interior in fair shape. Everything is there but well worn. Let's call it
serviceable, but the dash is in nice shape.
Front end recently aligned
Some spare parts - just a handful of small things
Haynes Triumph Spitfire Owners Workshop Manual
Complete Official Triumph Spitfire 1500, Model Years 1975-1980 : Comprising
the Official Driver's Handbook and Workshop Manual
Other things I fixed
carburetor mostly rebuilt - replaced diaphragm and some seals and repaired
float
Replaced valve cover gasket (Thanks Terry Thompson)
Replaced most of the hoses under the hood
Recently repaired exhaust manifold (If you're in the Tullahoma, TN area,
Maxi Muffler did a great job welding it)
Replaced gas cap gasket
Also has a hepped up stereo and big speakers behind the seats. It's real
easy to listen to music with the top down and roaring down the highway
Convertible top is all there, but has some tears and the window is cracked
and clouded. Heck, you can drive in the rain with it, but stay out of
downpours.
Tonneau cover intact and servicable
Two outside mirrors
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