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Spitfire Where Are the Spitfires? - Cars for Sale

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dklawson

dklawson

Yoda
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This is a rhetorical question, not a fishing or "wanted" add.

My older son is about to start driving and I thought it would be good to get a running LBC as both a car and a rolling restoration to get him more familiar with basic car maintenance and repair.

I've been looking on eBay, Craigslist, and of course... here for Spitfires, MGBs, and Spridgets. I was really struck by the very small number of pre-1500 Spitfires that are for sale.

Is the small number I've found indicative that Spitfire owners really love their cars and never sell... or am I just looking in the wrong places? I'm really looking for a 1973 or older car and they just aren't as easily found as the MGs.
 
I have no clue where all the pre 73 spits are. I just picked up an 80 about two months ago though. I really wouldn't shy away from a later one. Parts availability seemes to be a bit more common than the pre 73.
 
My reasons for the pre-1973 quest is largely one of convenience. There are fewer emissions components on the early cars. Also, recent changes in the North Carolina DMV rules exclude vehicles 35 years and older from all inspections. I'm not suggesting that I would run an unsafe car, however, it has been very convenient to not have to worry (or remember) to get our GT6 or Mini inspected.
 
Doug, I agree, the older Spits appear to be disappearing slowly. And, if you think pre-'73 Spits are rare, try to find a MKI or MKII GT6 (about 13,000 per year were manufactured for import) in good condition. I've been looking for one for about a year now, with no success. Rare as hen's teeth. Plenty of rust buckets, but I'm not going there.

Their apparent scarcity in the marketplace hasn't significantly increased pricing, though. When a well-sorted pre-'73 Spit or MKI/MKII GT6 surfaces on the market, pricing is predictable and pretty much in line with the books (i.e., "Cars That Matter", etc.). But they sure are few and far between. I'm totally prepared to travel a long way to snatch the right one up!

Pre-'73 Spits in good condition are not entirely uncommon on EBay, Hemmings, etc., but you must be willing to travel to get them.

Get one now, before they're gone . . . :cryin:

I can't imagine a world without these lovely cars, can you??
 
Shawn, I think the first one (yellow and primer) is currently on eBay also. The second one looks very nice but $7k for a Spitfire is a bit rich for me... especially factoring in transportation. It looks like I may end up with a Midget at this rate.

Thanks for the replies guys.
 
From time to time I've thought about buying a round-tail Spit, and you're quite right -- they're darn hard to find! Good luck with your search.
 
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