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Considering Taking the Plunge

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huck6

huck6

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I have always wanted an LBC and hope to pick up a little something for the next Summer. I had been looking at minis, but now that I drive an econobox regularly, I'd like to go with a convertible.

How are Spits as daily drivers (overall)? I know that milage varies, but with a stock, good running engine, what can I expect? How are they at speed? I would be looking at a later model given my budget, so I am assuming some loss in hp with emissions, bumbers, etc.

Thanks for your patience. Spitfires have a good reputation for being nice introductions to the world of British cars and they look nice to boot.
 
First, Spits are fun and exciting cars to own and drive. A nicely restored Spitfire will turn heads everywhere it goes. Not a powerful car, but the Spit handles well and is relatively easy and inexpensive to repair and restore. Parts are readily available and lots of good repair advice can be had at a number of excellent, Spit-specific websites and chat rooms.

Veteran restorers will advise you to buy the best car you can possibly afford. Try to get one with little or no rust and sound mechanicals. Body work can be harder to fix and more expensive than mechanical items.

Unless you're a Triumph or LBC expert, take a professional mechanic or highly experienced restorer with you to inspect any LBC you intend to buy -- even if you have to pay for the advice. This is a good investment that will pay off far into the future.

Good luck, please keep us informed of your search!
 
I drove my 80 Spitfire quite often to work this past summer. I have overdrive and get about 30 mpg on the highway. I would highly recommend that you look for one with overdrive; it just makes it more enjoyable to drive at highway speeds, but it is more important to buy the best one you can afford.
 
If you live where it gets very hot in the summer and plan the car to be a daily driver, a TR7 may be worth considdering.
The factory air blows very very cold in them.

People who say air conditioning has no place in a sports car have never been stuck in trafic in Texas on a 105 degree day. =x

If you decide on a TR7, watch out for the paint bubbling around the wheel arches, and rockers. Its not surface rust, it started from the inside. There is no such thing as "surface rust" on a TR7.
 
Spitfires are likely the best first LBC you could find. They are cheap, good parts availability (for MkIV and 1500 anyway) and probably one of the easiest cars to work on. If you are going to do a daily commute on the highway then definitly go for an overdrive car - it revs pretty high overwise. As far as engine power the Spitfire didn't suffer under emissions as much as say a MGB because the motor increased in displacement so the 1500 models are just as fast (if not slightly faster) than the early models. The autochoke on later ones is apparently junk so I'd switch to manual choke if you are sticking with the stock ZS carb.

also check out https://www.triumphspitfire.com - its a great site!
 
"There is no such thing as "surface rust" on a TR7."

Yes there is. Its when the rust from the inside reaches the outside!!
 
The thing to keep in mind is that you get "upside down" financially in a Spitfire quicker than in a TR. Now, don't let this be your prime decision making datapoint, since all new cars are in the same boat. A well purchased TR6 can be run for free, since the value appreciation can offset running and maintenance costs.

Also, if you've never run a Spitfire (or similarly sized vehicle) on a freeway with the Ford Excursions and semi-trucks, you might reconsider.

Now, I might be booed off the stage, but I think you'll be better off for a daily driver to get a '95 or '96 Miata for $5K. Just as fun (faster and handles better than any Triumph) plus A/C and a very good top. Parts are cheap, and they're more comfortable. They are also significantly safer, with better brakes, crumple zones and airbags. (Statistically, Miatas are very safe vehicles.) Now as for image...kind of boring, but I never have bought cars on image.
 
Hi Guy!
Long time. Are you still in Flagstaff? You'll probably anticipate my advice to reconsider a TR7, but they are a pretty good buy and parts aren't bad. If you're still in the southwest the chances of beating the rust bugs are pretty good.
Lastly, the TR7 contingent on this forum is excellent as well as growing. I don't understand the rational of suggesting you get a miata after you'd clearly stated your interest in an LBC, but any one on this forum at least has their heart in the right place.
thumbsup.gif
 
Thanks for the friendly posts! I do like the TR7, but the Spitfire is my favorite as it looks less "modern" and more "mod".

I will be driving on highways, so I'll look for the overdrive.

Thanks for the advice, I can't wait for summer and saying that as a skier, you know that it must be something special.
 
The only reason I would suggest a Miata is because he stated he wanted a daily driver. If he were talking about a second car/weekender, I'd say "go with whatever floats your boat."

Not only am I a LBC fanatic, but I'm also a weekly Collector Car Columnist, so I don't suggest cars like a Miata on a whim. I see people who try to drive classics every day, and almost everyone I know of who tries to do this with a LBC winds up in a Miata. Those who try it with old Mustangs, Camaros, Imapalas also wind up in newer rigs (usually pickup trucks, for some reason.)

Just remember: you're more likely to die in an accident in a LBC and it will always take you roughly 20 percent longer (or more) to stop. 60-0mph braking on a TR7 is around 145 feet. It's 125 on a Miata. (Almost two LBC lengths!!!)

So just for a daily driver, I would recommend a Miata.

Sam
 
Dear All,
The only way I can see dying in my LBC is if my wife pulls the jack stands out from under because I spend too much time taking care of it. When was the last time you waved at a Miata whilst cruising down the highway?

Bill
 
Oh, and I drive a TR6. Along with the big Healey, they are the epitome of the last of the angry sports cars.

Bill
 
Sammy, I am 6'3" and cannot drive a Miata--my head hits the top supports. I have no trouble at all in my TR6 and I had an MGB and a Jensen Healey in the past, and none of them were a problem. Miatas are okay, I guess, but give me a nice LBC any day! John.
 
Miatas are more than ok....

ok, ok, Spitfires are nice too, and I would choose one over a TR7, but Spits are not very sure footed at high speeds. Over 110kmh, they feel pretty light....

[ 12-02-2003: Message edited by: Twinkie ]</p>
 
The height thing I definitely understand. I'm 6'4" and that's why I don't own a Miata. It's also one of the reasons I don't own a lot of other cars with a lack of head and kneeroom.

All I can say is: don't knock Miatas until you have a chance to race in one. Those who have understand what I mean.

I wave at Miatas all the time, whether I'm in my Corvette Convertible, old '69 Vette roadster or TR3. I wave, nod, thumbs up anyone who has the soul to drive something sporty, old or has a drop top.
 
I've now owned my TR6 for 3 years this month. I would say that having a fair amount of mechanical skill is a big plus. I've done u-joints, exhaust and regular tuneup items to keep it on the road during that time. Another TR6 aquantance is not as mech. inclined and it costs quite a bit for him to keep rolling. Of course he really beats the car when driving.
I know the first time I was side-by-side with a full size Dodge Ram 4x4 dually I found myself accelerating past quickly. I think of it as the same as driving a motorcycle in terms of visibility/vulnerability. I don't hang out next to 18 wheelers.
I've used it for short day trips in about a 100-200 mile radius. I've gotten 25mpg highway on a regular basis-without overdrive. Crank it up and that will drop 20-30%.
I'm 6'5", 250lbs and have plenty of legroom. Of course it looks like a go-cart with me in it! LOL Only issue is if the darn gas pedal could be moved forward a bit. I have to have my leg kinda "crooked" to reach it.
It's been very predictable and the engine has run like a top.
Its always neat to have folks talk to you when at a light or parked around town. Don't know what it is but folks like to chat about the cars - whether knowing someone else or having owned one in the past. The TR6, like other LBC's are head-turners to say the least.
All the best and look forward to your chatting.

Jeff
 
Jeff, the stop light conversations are fun. I was next to a beautifully restored 31 Ford last weekend, in my reasonably well restored 71 TR6. I was on the way to Pep Boys, searching for GL4 Gear oil and they were just out for a cruise. We admired each other's cars and continued on our ways.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by sammyb:
The only reason I would suggest a Miata is because he stated he wanted a daily driver. If he were talking about a second car/weekender, I'd say "go with whatever floats your boat."

Not only am I a LBC fanatic, but I'm also a weekly Collector Car Columnist, so I don't suggest cars like a Miata on a whim. I see people who try to drive classics every day, and almost everyone I know of who tries to do this with a LBC winds up in a Miata. Those who try it with old Mustangs, Camaros, Imapalas also wind up in newer rigs (usually pickup trucks, for some reason.)

Just remember: you're more likely to die in an accident in a LBC and it will always take you roughly 20 percent longer (or more) to stop. 60-0mph braking on a TR7 is around 145 feet. It's 125 on a Miata. (Almost two LBC lengths!!!)

So just for a daily driver, I would recommend a Miata.

Sam<hr></blockquote>
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by sammyb:
The thing to keep in mind is that you get "upside down" financially in a Spitfire quicker than in a TR. Now, don't let this be your prime decision making datapoint, since all new cars are in the same boat. A well purchased TR6 can be run for free, since the value appreciation can offset running and maintenance costs.

Also, if you've never run a Spitfire (or similarly sized vehicle) on a freeway with the Ford Excursions and semi-trucks, you might reconsider.

Now, I might be booed off the stage, but I think you'll be better off for a daily driver to get a '95 or '96 Miata for $5K. Just as fun (faster and handles better than any Triumph) plus A/C and a very good top. Parts are cheap, and they're more comfortable. They are also significantly safer, with better brakes, crumple zones and airbags. (Statistically, Miatas are very safe vehicles.) Now as for image...kind of boring, but I never have bought cars on image.<hr></blockquote>

Darn I wish I wasn't so ignorant about this thing so I could pull out a quote without taking up so much space. Any way the daily driver thing is often a matter of necessity. I drive my TR7 5 or 6 days a week now 25 miles round trip. Am loving it, but painfully aware of the wear and tear on it. It is practical in many ways, but the benefits are largly intangible. Do love your TR3A. Do they still make "Oly" in Tumwater?
cheers.gif
 
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