1972 Triumph Spitfire

Vendors Richard and Donna Medway purchased this delectable low-mileage (just 26,904 – confirmed by an extensive MOT history) Spitfire from one of our Bonhams|Cars Online auctions at the tail end of the Coronavirus pandemic, back in May 2021. 

“We simply haven’t used it,” explains Richard. “It’s only covered 21 miles during our ownership with most of those completed whilst photos were taken for this listing; my wife only drove the car for around two miles, before it was parked in our heated garage under cover, with a trickle-charger/battery conditioner attached”.

That means that this five-owner from new example is up for grabs once more. Last time we featured this car we said, “we choose our words carefully when we say that this is a true time-warp car. Original, unmolested, well maintained and with just a gentle patina of age. Quite perfect”. 

That held true then, and still does. This Triumph roadster remains firmly in the same very smart, and highly original (carpets, hood, spare wheel cover, tool kit, are all as the car left the factory), condition that it did back then. 

“Our reasons for selling are two-fold: Donna just feels that she will never use it; and due to an impending house move, we no longer have the garage space”. 

Opportunity knocks for one lucky Triumph Spitfire aficionado. 

Compared to modern day sports cars the Triumph Spitfire presents with a magnificently clean and uncluttered profile. There is no doubt that even over half a century later, Michelotti’s creation remains a work of automotive art. 

We’re of an opinion that, given this classic vehicle’s low-mileage and how it presents, the alluring Wedgewood Blue paint adorning its panels may well just be original. It’s not absolutely faultless, but pretty darn close. Shut-lines remain tip-top, as does the plethora of exterior chrome.

The wheels were powder-coated Silver and re-lacquered in October 1999 (see our Photo Gallery below for the invoice) and remain in excellent order. Tyres look good, but the next owner would be best to check to the date stamps and if in doubt about their integrity, invest in some new rubber boots before taking to the open road with any gusto. 

Up top, the hood is also likely to be original as it’s showing its age here and there. A tonneau cover is also provided. 

Smart, achingly pretty and in one of the model’s best hues, this Spitfire is a visual treat. 

If the exterior is first class, then the cabin is equal to it. The seats remain as new, supporting occupants with aplomb, and with little in the way of signs of wear and tear. 

Carpets too are excellent with just a little wear remaining near the clutch pedal. Door cards are in rude health, and paintwork on the door shuts and sills remains unmarked. An evocative Motorola push button radio with speakers situated in the rear is also fitted. 

The boot holds a spare wheel, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and tool roll. The metalwork looks good, nice’n’solid, with evidence of the application of rust proofing product along the wheel arch seams. 

As we said at the start of this section it’s as good inside as it is out. 

It’s worth checking out the photographs in our gallery showing both the engine bay and underside of the car. The former is tidy and in good order, showing a clean leak-free engine and smart looking auxiliaries, pipes and leads; while the latter is superbly clean with a distinct lack of any surface corrosion, a lovely straight looking chassis and crack-free underseal. The stainless steel exhaust system appears to be in rude health, too. 

Talking of exhaust notes, fire up the perky four-cylinder unit, tickle the throttle and this car elicits a decidedly fruity one. It reminds us of that Outspan orange advert years ago… ‘small ones are more juicy’ – never has 1,296cc sounded better. 

This Spitfire rolled off the production line in 1972 and the included V5c document shows its date of first UK registration as being 01/06/1972. Perhaps the most important items in the car’s history file are the printed MOT Summary and accompanying MOT test certificates. The former shows that the little Triumph covered 10,213 miles in its first year, before settling down to clock up altogether smaller annual mileages. 

As well as these, you will find a variety of invoices – most for consumables, servicing and the like, with one (dated 01/10/1999) showing the wheels being powder-coated Silver and lacquered at a cost of £60.00. 

Also present is the original Triumph Passport to Service booklet, which shows stamps for the car’s all-important first three services (all completed in 1972). The original Spitfire MkIV Owners’ Handbook is included, as is a recent vehicle history check that shows no outstanding finance or other issues with the vehicle.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this Triumph Spitfire is a wonderful, low-mileage survivor and has been maintained to a very high standard.

While this Spitfire is not quite concours, it’s not a whiff of a judge’s cologne off it! What it is though, is a lovely original survivor. Cars like this come up but once in a while. Is there another MkIV (or Spitfire in general) this original and unmolested… hmm, perhaps, but it’d take a bit of searching or time for one of a similar standard to come up. 

We think it should realise somewhere between £8000 and £12,000, which even at the top end is significantly less than Richard and Donna paid for it. 

The next owner will receive one seriously sharp Triumph Spitfire and at a very decent price, too. After that, it will be time to kick back in the driver’s seat and enjoy it. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.