Spitfire Prototype Spit? Wonder what this is all about?

[jdubois]

https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/1721289984.html

 

[Roger]

Someone stretching something. Truth, perhaps?

 

[Trevor Triumph]

How come there is nothing in the Mike Cook books about such a car? 958cc engine. Prototype for only $1000. Wouldn't that be in some collection already?
T.T.

 

[jdubois]

Yeah, you guys are no doubt correct. Somebody trying to sell a hacked up Spitfire. But I emailed the guy asking what he was talking about. We'll see what he says.

 

[jdubois]

Wow, a fast response off craigslist. I'm surprised!

It's a widow selling it and she's a little confused. It's just a first year car in bad shape. $1000 seems about right. She said she's got a few offers already, so good luck to her

 

[Andrew Mace]

I wonder how she knows it's a Herald engine (which would be 948cc, btw)?

<rant>And, of course, it wouldn't really be a 1962; the car was introduced late in the fall of 1962 in England, and the US introduction was in January 1963 (yeah, here we go again with that whole model-year thing). Also, of course, it's a Spitfire 4; there's no such thing as a "Mk1" officially.</rant>

I would love to know how low the commission number is....

 

[jdubois]

Andy, her answer to those sorts of questions was, "That info died with my husband!"

I'd run over and check it out for interest sake, but I'm afraid of bringing home a lost puppy...

 

[Andrew Mace]

Well, Jeremy, if it's not too much trouble for you to do so....

Just remember NOT to look into the eyes of the Spitfire, or you WILL be hooked! :laugh:

 

[sabot]

holding my breath tell you find out the commission number.
please hurry.
tom

 

[jdubois]

I'll email her and ask if she's got the number. She thinks the car will be sold by this Saturday, and I just don't have time to go look personally.

 

[Silverghost]

Andy, her answer to those sorts of questions was, "That info died with my husband!"

I'd run over and check it out for interest sake, but I'm afraid of bringing home a lost puppy...

And what's "wrong" with lost puppies?? They need love and homes to ya know!! :wink: <woof....pant, pant>

 

[jsfbond]

The "look What Followed me home" line only works so many times. Like just once, with a really good story, told.... just shy of light speed.

 

[Don_R]

Andy,

I know that feeling. Found a Mk3 in need of serious work at my local junk yard.

Really wanted to bring it home. Would like a round tail to go with my square tail and the TR3.

Some day....

 

[jdubois]

And what's "wrong" with lost puppies??

Lol, well there's currently plenty enough wrong with my own three puppies :laugh:

I know that feeling. Found a Mk3 in need of serious work at my local junk yard.

For a long time there was a gold TR7 with no top sitting out front of the junkyard I pass every day on my way to work. As it got rained on, then snowed on, my heart went out to the poor thing more and more. Finally, before I could do something really foolish, it disappeared.

 

[Number_6]

For a long time there was a gold TR7 with no top sitting out front of the junkyard I pass every day on my way to work. As it got rained on, then snowed on, my heart went out to the poor thing more and more. Finally, before I could do something really foolish, it disappeared.

Reminds me of an E-Type Jag convertible a person had near where I grew up in Lowell, Ma.. The Jag was parked on the street in front of an apartment house I walked by every day on my way to school when I was in the 5th grade. It spent the entire winter half buried in a snowbank. The weight of the snow on the top gradually caved in convertible top and it got filled with snow and ice. Stayed like that until the spring thaw and one day it just disappeared. I thought that was a real crime, ruined the car.

 

[jdubois]

I would love to know how low the commission number is....

It's not even a MkI... "TFC51909L" I'm assuming the T is just a mistake. She pulled the number off the registration. It's an earlier MkII than mine though, and I thought mine was pretty early! But based on the weird engine and the commission number inconsistency with the description, I suspect it's a combination of several cars... Prototype indeed. She never said it was a "factory" prototype :laugh:

 

[Andrew Mace]

I'd guess that the initial "T" might be a "1" on the commission number plate. If so, it could indicate a Belgian-assembled Mk2 Spitfire.

 

[jdubois]

Well, she says the deal she thought she had on Saturday fell through, so if anybody has any serious interest in the car, I could certainly go look at it. But she's updated her ad to say there is no title and "rust has taken it's toll". I'm now doubting she'll get her $1000 for it. Probably depends on how many good parts are on it.