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Spitfire Spitfire Questions

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glemon

glemon

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I have owned many British sports cars, but never a Spitfire, I know a little, but my knowledge is limited. I am looking at a 69 Mark III, body and bumpers look right, but the dash has the instruments over the steering wheel, not in the middle. What documentation I can find shows the Mark III still had the gauges in the middle. Is this a later dash? How is parts availability, good as the big TRs?
 
Does engine bay look correct and original (if also very grungy)? IMG_20201107_071102556.jpgIMG_20201107_071127461.jpgIMG_20201107_071313351.jpg
 
From what I can tell, engine bay looks correct. And the gauges are where they belong. A friend of mine bought a '69 when he returned from Viet Nam. Dash layout was like that; '69 was the first year for them to be moved from the center. I think the seats were also new, with integrated headrests.

Great cars!
 
Thanks Mickey, that is good to know, I got a Triumph Spitfire Restoration guide already, but it is not as detailed as the complete original big TR and Healey guides I have.

The Mark III is a really nice package in looks and specifications.
 
Yeah, lots of folks prefer the earlier model with the lower front bumper. I think the higher bumper looks better and well integrated into the overall lines of the car.
 
glemon said:
Does engine bay look correct and original (if also very grungy)?View attachment 66190View attachment 66191View attachment 66192
Click to expand...


It all looks almost painfully correct for a "Federal" specification 1969 Mk3, even the mounting of the fuel filter. Overall, it appears to be a very original car, with the correct 1969-only wheel covers!

Parts support is somewhere between very good and outstanding for these, and from all the "usual suspects" (TRF, Spitbits, etc., etc.)!
 
Thanks Andrew, the chrome trim is all there and in very good shape, all four hubcaps, nice bumpers, the body has considerable rust, but my TR250 was worse when I started. Mechanicals unknown, I am tempted, a little more of a project than what I want, but I am already starting the restoration in my head...

I confirmed what Mickey said, the dash is correct for the car, so it looks like it is complete and unmolested.
 
Federal mandate (US) required that the instruments be moved in line with the steering wheel in 1969. I much prefer the dash as it is in the earlier spit. I can tell you the spitfire is a fun care to drive. Just watch the tuck under of the rear wheels when driving the twisties.
Nigel at Spitbits.com offers almost any part for any spitfire. A little pricey but good quality and good service. Also willing to offer advice.
BPNW is also a good place for some parts.
 
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