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Spitfire What year Spitfires are most desireable

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bluemiata90

bluemiata90

Jedi Trainee
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I recently purchased a 1967 Spitfire for a very low price. The body is rough, but very restorable. All the parts are there and the engine had been rebuilt and runs. My question is, what year Spitfires are the most desireable to own and restore. I know everyone has favorites.
 
I do not know what the market is saying, but I would think any of the roundtails (especially the refined Mark 2 and the 1970 Mark 3 with its RAF badge) and the early 1500s (no crazy bumper add-ons) would be desirable. At least they are to me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

And I would argue that the Mark IVs are the sleepers of the Spitfire family. I do not know if it is the relatively smaller engine, but the 1500s seem to be more popular (or more plentiful?).

I should have quit while I was ahead, you probably could not lose with any of the Spitfires. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif

Actually, it's a bit like asking "which is your favorite child?"

Over the years, many have made a good argument for the early Mk3 as the best all-round performer, although some might question the handling part of that equation.

Having driven most every variant (and having owned several as well), each has its own endearing qualities...and quirks. There's a certain '72 MkIV that I came to know intimately over the past 20 years; I wish to this day I could have bought it when it became available (I was only the mechanic). But two summers ago, I fell in love with a pristine original '64 that I helped get back on the road after decades of storage. I still miss my long-gone '69 Mk3 and my also-long-gone '74 1500...and -- going back many years -- a friend's '66 Mk2. (Black, red interior, wire wheels...shared by at least half of the brothers in a family of eight, and it survived all of them before finally wearing out and rusting away!)

Basically, I say forget the guides and go with what you like (or what you have in your garage)! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
I haven't a clue... but, I wonder about the value of an early Spitfire just by having a low commision number. Is there a premium for the earliest cars? You know, as an historical artifact? I noticed some time ago here in the Phoenix area some one wanted $18,000 for a 1500. Who knows what it sold for. We know that a particular car, race winner, once owned by a celebrity adds to the value. I just can't imagine a Spitfire being a valuable car- I like mine a lot and have spent more money to restore it than I'll ever get out of it. T.T.
 
I would say the MK3 and previous would be most collectable, the later models I would NEVER put more than $10000 into one. They are meant to be driven, like other club cars such as Datsun 510's etc.


Adam H.
____________________________________________________________
1972 Triumph Spitfire.
 
I appreciate all the feedback. From all the posts, I guess I'll just have to go with my gut feelings. I do have several other projects in progress that will come before this Spitfire including two different TR3 restorations, so I have time to think about it. This Spit was a garage rescue that only cost $200.00, so I really have alot of room for restoration costs. Thanks again.
 
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