A best-seller and true British icon with an exceptional longevity of 18 years, 315,142 Triumph Spitfires were produced between 1962 and 1980, of which almost 140,000 were exported to the North American market.
From 1966, it served as the basis for the development of a derivative model, the GT6. Transformed into a coupé, the GT6 received a fastback roof designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Under its long hood, Triumph installed the 2-litre engine from the Vitesse and 2000 sedan. Dressed in a fastback rear end borrowed from the GT6 and adapted for the occasion, Triumph Spitfires took part in the 1964 and 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.
November 1970: production of the Triumph Spitfire MK4 begins. Its design is completely revised by Michelotti. The front end was slightly modified. The hood no longer had a central rib, nor joints at the top of the wings, and the windscreen frame could no longer be removed. In fact, it’s above all the rear section that has been redesigned. It now features a cutaway rear section, and the soft top now folds away into a special housing.
The natural wood dashboard is positioned behind the steering wheel, and the skai seats are more comfortable. The rear suspension is modified to avoid camber variations, and the gearbox is now fully synchronized. The side windows are no longer rounded, and a new hard-top is offered. The dynamo is replaced by an alternator.
The Triumph Spitfire MK4 enjoys a huge following. Lively and agile, it’s the archetypal easy-to-use roadster capable of delivering great sensations. Settle into the cockpit, wedge yourself into the seats and head for the sun!
