Classic in Green: 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk4
The Triumph Spitfire was a little sportscar built for a long time (1962-1980) on Triumph Herald sedan chassis and powered by a small 4-cylinder engine. The Spitfire might be small in stature, but it is large in character and deserves a spot in any car guy’s garage. Find this 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk4 offered for $6,500 in Livermore, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
1993 mazda miata
condition: good
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 49000
paint color: green
size: sub-compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: convertible
NOT A MIATA! 4speed manual with overdrive. Comes with hard top and luggage rack. 49xxx miles. Open to offers and trades
See a better way to drive green? tips@dailyturismo.com
This might be peak-Spitfire, though all model years are worthwhile for different reasons. The Mk4 has redesigned rear suspension that’s less likely to tuck under at inopportune moments and it’s the first year of the kammback restyle by Michelotti which I think is beyond reproach. It’s also got the high compression 1300 engine that has more brio than the later 1500.
Bonus points for overdrive, a very nice hardtop and what might be a premium paint job as we all know how blindingly expensive paint-work is lately. Two 1978 Spitfires have lived in my garage over the years and now a ’71 TR6 so I can assure the DT world they’re a great entry into classic motoring.
A Kucinich or NPR sticker would really tie this one together.
In Livermore an “I brake for neutrinos “ sticker maybe?