Spitfire Looked at a Spit6 last night

[78Z]

Well I went and saw a '75 Spitfire with a GT6 2.0L inline six motor and GT6 hood, suspension and brakes. Interesting car. It was a slightly darker blue than my old Spitfire. Rust free and straight body except for a rust hole at the front, below the hood and indicator light - not really a huge deal - not structual and reasonably easy to fix. Paint was so-so. The top was shot, seats need recovered. Comes with new carpet and dashpad but need to be installed. The conversion looks well done except they used a TR6 instake manifold so the front carb pokes through the hood. :? Could definitely use a pile of TLC but solid car overall. Been sitting a while needs a good go through.

Outside door handle on passenger side missing - hard or easy fix?

I really liked it but I think the price ($2500Cdn) is a tad high considering. Might become mine if he's flexible enough. Any thoughts? I didn't take any pics but here's the one from the ad.

 

[bluemiata90]

You never mentioned if you drove it or not and how it ran if you did. Any major modifications on any unknown cars always worry me. If you didn't drive it, think very seriously about this purchase. It does look good and might be a great little car, but get as much information about what was done with the conversion as possible. I just purchased a TR3 with rebuilt engine, brake system etc. and I was able to talk to the mechanic that did the rebuilding and he sent me all the paperwork on the car. It makes it alot easier when you have to try fix something. As for the price, if it is running and driving good, it seems like a fair price, but I'd try and get it for under $2000. Good Luck

 

[tony barnhill]

Spit6 would be the other car that would get me to buy a Triumph - GT6 & Stag being my 2 other choices.

If it drives out good what is that in US $'s? $1,800 - $2,000?

 

[78Z]

Didn't drive it yet. I generally don't test drive unless I'm really serious. I'll probably go back next week for a test drive.

Unfortunatly the owner is not the one who did the swap so details are unknown.

 

[Andrew Mace]

[ QUOTE ]
Well I went and saw a '75 Spitfire with a GT6 2.0L inline six motor and GT6 hood, suspension and brakes....

[/ QUOTE ]Can this be verified by engine number? If so, I have to wonder why a TR6 manifold would've been used. As for suspension, which type: swing axle or "rotoflex" rear? Are the front calipers TR6-style with the larger (than Spitfire) 9.7" discs, and the rear brakes 8" drums?

Arguably the best such conversions are done by suitably modifying the Spitfire tub as needed to fit onto a complete rolling GT6 chassis.

[ QUOTE ]
Outside door handle on passenger side missing - hard or easy fix?

[/ QUOTE ]Easy!

[ QUOTE ]
I really liked it but I think the price ($2500Cdn) is a tad high considering....

[/ QUOTE ]I'd have to agree, especially a: without knowing more about the build history, and b: considering the amount of cosmetics needed. Sadly, there seems to be a fairly good supply of GT6s with somewhat rusty tubs but good chassis and running gear.

Of course, many would argue that this is the Spitfire Triumph SHOULD have built. Maybe so (and maybe someday I'll get around to making one myself, since I've got pretty much everything I need)!

 

[TR_Jim]

I'm one of those who feel this is the car Triumph should have made. I had a '75 Spitfire about 12 years ago, and though I enjoyed doing a full restoration (my first) on it, I never liked the lack of power.

My guess is...if you drive the Spit6, you'll buy it. It's a real kick when you hit the pedal!

 

[AngliaGT]

Does anyone have a "guide" on how to build one properly?
I'm not ready right now - maybe down the road.

- Doug

 

[TR_Jim]

You can find some good info here:

https://www.teglerizer.com/triumphstuff/spit6project/index.html

 

[78Z]

Thanks all. I'm going to a drive next week and see if he's willing to be flexible on price. TR_Jim - I love your site - very nice.

 

[TR_Jim]

Thanks!.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif