1965 Triumph Spitfire

Description

Perhaps the most quintessential example of the post-war British roadster, the Triumph Spitfire shares its name with the equally successful World War Two fighter. The compact roadster was an unlikely success with a unique origin story. After the purchase of Triumph by Leyland Motors Ltd. at the end of 1960, a roadster prototype was discovered under a dust sheet in the corner of the factory by Leyland Motors employees. Entranced by its good-looks it was approved for immediate production, debuting as the Mark I in 1962. The updated Mark II would follow soon after in 1965, with the exterior altered very little. The real changes featured within, with a new reworked camshaft combined with a water-heated intake manifold and a tubular exhaust manifold. These updates not only increased power, but improved throttle response, torque delivery, and reliability. Due to the Spitfire’s sleek, open bodywork, fully independent suspension, and a tuned four-cylinder engine, it became a darling among SCCA racers, winning many F and G production class SCCA National Sports Car Championships.

This Mark II 1965 Triumph Spitfire is finished in Pure White with an interior upholstered in black leather and white piping and offers additional safety enhancements such as a roll bar and three-point seatbelts. With its blend of style and heritage, this Spitfire still offers an exhilarating classic driving experience.

Highlights 

• Finished in Pure White on Black leather with white piping 

• Powered by a SC inline-four single overhead cam metered by twin SU carburetors paired to a four-speed manual transmission

• Competition Lucas HA12 ignition coil

• Front disc brakes and rear drum

• Upgraded front harness wiring - converted to positive ground and modern (Lucas) alternator

• The five-digit odometer shows 47,977 miles, however, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Revised horizontal slat grille (1965-1967 style)

• 8000 rpm tachometer

• Aluminum radiator fan blades

• Electric windshield wipers

• Black air box 

• Millboard engine bay valance kit 

• Boot rack

• Sun visors 

• Defroster 

• Roll bar

• Three point seatbelts

• Oil pressure gauge 

• Ammeter

• Converted to electric fuel pump

• Battery disconnect 

Known Imperfections

• Convertible top is worn and shows use

• Rust in low corners of the trunk, at the pinch welds, and under the floor pans

• Scuffs and scratches on lower half of passenger door 

• Paint cranks and chips on trunk lid edges 

• Paint touch up marks 

• Paint crack surrounding headlights 

• Paint cracks along lower door edges 

• ​Oil leaks block, differential and gearbox 

Included 

• Original wheels (rim damage) and hubcaps

• Scissor Jack

• Spare tire

• Spare freshly rebuilt starter

• Spare transmission core (gears worn)

• Spare generator

• Spare (new) mechanical fuel pump

• Miscellaneous small parts

Ownership History

Based on the chassis number structure, this Spitfire appears to have been assembled in Belgium and likely began life on the continent before being shipped to the United States. The previous owner indicated that they had purchased and restored the car in the 1990s.