Triumph Spitfire - My Blog
Welcome Triumph Spitfire Cars Article - Triumph Spitfire Cars
Triumph Spitfire - My Blog
Welcome Triumph Spitfire Cars Article - Triumph Spitfire Mk I
Triumph Spitfire - My Blog
Welcome Triumph Spitfire Cars Article - Triumph Spitfire Mk II
Triumph Spitfire - My Blog
Welcome Triumph Spitfire Cars Article - Triumph Spitfire Mk III
Triumph Spitfire - My Blog
Welcome Triumph Spitfire Cars Article - Triumph Spitfire Mk IV

Showing posts with label Mk I Spitfire. Show all posts

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 4 or Mark I

11:49 AM

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 4 or Mark I

Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars

The production car changed little from the prototype, although the full-width rear bumper was dropped in favour of two part-bumpers curving round each corner, with overriders. Mechanics were basically stock Herald components: The engine was a 4-cylinder of 1147 cc, mildly tuned for the Spitfire with twin SU carburettors. Also from the Herald came the rack and pinion steering and coil-and-wishbone front suspension up front, and at the rear a single transverse-leaf swing axle arrangement. This ended up being the most controversial part of the car: it was known to "tuck in" and cause violent over steer if pushed too hard, even in the staid Herald. In the sportier Spitfire (and later the 6-cylinder Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse) it led to severe criticism. The body was bolted to a much-modified Herald chassis, the outer rails and the rear outriggers having been removed; little of the original Herald chassis design was left, and the Spitfire used structural outer sills to stiffen its body tub.

Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars

The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such had very basic trim, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. These early cars were referred to both as "Triumph Spitfire Mark I" and "Spitfire 4", not to be confused with the later Spitfire Mark IV.

Picture Of Triumph Spitfire MKIII Classic Cars

For 1964 an overdrive option was added to the four speed gearbox to give more relaxed cruising. Wire wheels and a hard top were also made available.

The History Of The Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars
A Brief History - Triumph Spitfire Cars Part 1

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Model

Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Mark III Classic Cars

Models Five separate Spitfire models were sold during the production run

Model name	Engine	Year	Number built
Triumph Spitfire 4 (Mark I)	1147 cc inline 4	1962–1965	45,763
Triumph Spitfire Mark II	1147 cc inline 4	1965–1967	37,409
Triumph Spitfire Mark III	1296 cc inline 4	1967–1970	65,320
Triumph Spitfire Mark IV	1296 cc inline 4	1970–1974	70,021
Triumph Spitfire 1500	1493 cc inline 4	1974–1980	95,829

The History Of The Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars
A Brief History - Triumph Spitfire Cars Part 1

A Brief History - Triumph Spitfire Cars Part 2

5:21 AM

Goohara , Posted in Mk I Spitfire , Mk II Spitfire , Mk III Spitfire , Mk IV Spitfire , Triumph Spitfire , Triumph Spitfire 1500 , 0 Comments

A Brief History - Triumph Spitfire Cars

Picture Of triumph spitfire 1500 Cars

In 1965 the Mark II model was launched, and its engine now produced 67bhp due to a revised camshaft and four branch exhaust manifold. A diaphragm spring clutch was now also fitted. Exterior modifications on the Mk II included a redesigned front grill and emblems on the rear wings, whilst the interior benefited from improved seats, and carpets replaced the earlier models rubber matting. Further improvements were to come with the Mk III which arrived in 1967, the most obvious being styling changes which included a new design of raised front bumper to comply with USA regulations. The engine had been replaced with a 1296cc unit producing 75bhp, and the brakes updated accordingly to cope with the extra performance by enlargement of the front callipers. The interior of the Mk III was complimented by a wood veneer dashboard and better seats. The folding soft-top was also improved and became permanently attached and no longer had to be stored in the boot when not in use.

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Picture Of 1972 Triumph Spitfire Mark IV Cars

In 1970 Michelotti was brought in to redesign the Spitfire, bringing the looks more in line with other Triumphs in the range which he had recently restyled – or recently designed - such as the Triumph Stag which was launched in June of the same year. New rear light clusters, flared wheelarches and thinner bumpers with plastic underriders were among the styling changes. The whole of the interior was completely restyled and was this restyled car was then launched as the Mk IV.

Picture Of 1972 Triumph Spitfire Mark III Cars

The MkIV used the 1296cc engine from the Mk III, although improvements to bearing size and con rods were made. Contrary to popular rumour, the engine was in no way detuned for the Mk IV on its introduction. Yes, the Mk IV was not as fast as the Mk III, but this was due to higher gearing and weight increase more than anything else. Although the Mk IV was quoted as producing only 63 bhp as opposed to 75bhp for the Mk III, it was just that the output was now measured using the German DIN system. However In 1972 the engine was detuned to comply with United States emission regulations. Other mechanical changes to the Mk IV Spitfire were an all synchromesh gearbox and much improved rear suspension. The Mk IV Spitfire was finally replaced with what was to be the last incarnation of the Spitfire - the Spitfire 1500 - in 1974, which continued in production with effectively only minor changes until 1980.

The History Of The Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars
A Brief History - Triumph Spitfire Cars Part 1