TriumphSpitfire

Triumph Spitfire Mk1

The first Spitfire, sold as the Triumph Spitfire 4 and built from 1962 to 1964: a Herald underneath, a body by Michelotti, and wind-up windows that the Sprite and Midget lacked. It is now known as the Mk I, also written Mk1 or Mark 1, though it was never badged so.

A red Spitfire 4 in full profile on a lakeside path, with water and hazy mountains behind.
A red Spitfire 4 in profile on the shore of Lake Geneva at Morges, Switzerland, in October 2021, its bumpers low at both ends.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

In October 1962 Standard-Triumph showed a small new sports car at the London Motor Show at Earls Court, and its Canley works began building it that month. It was the Triumph Spitfire 4, and the 4 counted its cylinders.

Although never badged or promoted as a Mk1 this name stuck as the later models arrived.

Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"

Canley built it until December 1964, when the Spitfire 4 Mk II replaced it. It is not the Mk IV, a different car of 1970; the versions page sorts out the names.⁠1​2​3

What it was

An early Spitfire's cockpit with centre-mounted dials, a drilled wood-rim wheel and red door trim.
An early Spitfire's dials grouped in the middle of the dashboard, in a car its photographer describes as a 1965 Mk II; the wood-rim steering wheel is aftermarket, and the picture was taken in or before 2006.jimmyroq, CC BY-SA 2.0

Harry Webster, Standard-Triumph's technical chief, wanted a sports car made from the Herald to take on the Austin-Healey Sprite. The Spitfire 4 was that car: mostly Herald underneath, so that little new tooling was needed, under a body by Giovanni Michelotti. Graham Robson points out why a separate chassis made sense: a body on a frame was much cheaper than a monocoque, and a restyle, or a shorter frame, would not take years or cost millions.

The frame was the Herald's backbone, shortened, with its outer rails and rear outriggers cut away, and the sills (rocker panels) were made structural in their place. The front suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs, came from the Herald, and so did the swing axles on a transverse leaf spring at the back. Discs braked the front wheels and a rack and pinion steered them, and to reach the engine the bonnet (hood) and both front wings (fenders) swung forward as one.

Its doors had exterior handles and wind-up glass windows, which neither the Sprite nor the MG Midget then offered, and the doors and boot (trunk) locked. The windscreen (windshield) had washers, the steering column could be set for reach with a spanner, and the instruments sat together in the middle of the dashboard, so that the car could be built with its steering wheel on either side. A heater was an extra. In its launch advertisement Standard-Triumph made a selling point of the turning circle:

TIGHTER TURNING Whip the Spitfire round in one go (24 ft is all you need) while other cars are making the 3-point turns!

Standard-Triumph advertisement, Motor Sport, November 1962

The same car was the starting point for the works team's Le Mans and rally Spitfires of 1964 and 1965, whose story is on the racing page. How the Spitfire came to be built, and the rivals it was sold against, are on the history page.⁠4​1​5​6​3​7​8​9​10

Contents

How to spot a Spitfire 4

The Spitfire 4 and the Mk II share a body, so telling them apart comes down to a few details, and the commission number settles it.

  1. The grille

    Two halves of fine mesh, as German Wikipedia describes them. The Mk II has horizontal bars.

  2. The bumpers

    Low at both ends, with overriders (bumper guards) front and rear. The Mk III raised the front bumper to cross the grille.

  3. The boot lid

    No Mark on it. The Mk II's lid carries its Mark.

  4. The floor

    Rubber mats. Moulded carpets came with the Mk II.

  5. The hood

    A hood (soft top) on separate sticks, stowed in the boot when down. The folding hood came with the Mk III.

  6. The number

    A commission number between FC1 and FC44656, by the Vintage Triumph Register's list. The Mk II's begin at FC50001.

Within the run, triumphspitfire.com's change log, which cites no sources, records smaller changes by commission number, among them a larger clutch from about FC17136 and the end of the separate header tank at about FC39925. How to read the plate, and what a British Motor Museum Heritage Certificate adds, are explained on Identification.⁠11​3​12​13​9​14​15​16

A red Spitfire 4 with whitewall tyres and its hood stowed, parked on a road beside a lawn.
A red Spitfire 4 at Morges, Switzerland, in October 2021, its grille of fine mesh above a low bumper with two overriders; the black wheels are not original.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr
The tail of a white Spitfire 4 with chrome quarter-bumpers, parked on grass under trees beside a lake.
The tail of a white Spitfire 4 in August 2013, with a "Spitfire 4" script and no Mark on the boot lid, above quarter-bumpers with overriders.Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0

Contents

How many were built

Two production figures for the Spitfire 4 are in print, made of the same digits in a different order. The Triumph Sports Six Club and Classic & Sports Car print the one the production figures below lead with, and Wikipedia cites Graham Robson's book of 1982 for it; Canley Classics prints the other, and the Dutch Triumph Spitfire Club copies Canley's table. None of them says what it counts. The commission numbers do not settle it either: the Spitfire 4's range holds fewer numbers than either figure, no source read explains why, and the identification page sets them side by side.

Some Spitfire 4s were put together abroad from kits. In South Africa, Motor Assemblies of Durban began building them in July 1963, and Classic Car Africa, using NAAMSA sales figures, counts those sold there; that count is among the production figures below. In Australia, Australian Motor Industries assembled them and painted them in its own Dulux colours.⁠12​14​17​2​18​13​3​19

A black-and-white photograph of a Spitfire 4 from the front three-quarter on a lit turntable at a motor show, a man leaning into its cockpit and stand signs overhead.
Plate I A Spitfire 4 on Triumph's turntable at the London Motor Show, Earls Court, in October 1962, as production began, with a man leaning into its cockpit.Geoff Charles, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

Price and options

The price came down within six months of the launch. Standard-Triumph's advertisement of November 1962 gave one price and Motor Sport a lower one in April 1963, both including purchase tax, the second after a cut in the tax. The specification below gives both, with their sources.

Overdrive followed: a Laycock unit working on third and top gears, offered from October 1963 for the 1964 model year. Wire wheels and a steel factory hardtop were added for the same model year, and from 1964 the factory sold tuning kits, usually through SAH, mainly to satisfy the homologation rules for its racing.⁠8​9​12​14​7​20

A dark green Spitfire 4 with a maroon hood and wire wheels on a lakeside quay by a marina.
Wire wheels on a green Spitfire 4 at Morges, Switzerland, in October 2017; the car has been modified, its front bumper bar removed.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

Contents

On the road

Bill Boddy drove two Spitfires for Motor Sport's April 1963 issue and took his performance figures with two people aboard; they are in the specification below.

The little 1,147-c.c. Triumph is purely a sports car, lively, fun to drive, making appropriate noises—a travelling motor-race—and sticking well to the road.

Bill Boddy, Motor Sport, April 1963

He liked the gearchange, with synchromesh on the top three gears, the light and accurate steering and a turning circle he called astonishing. The lower gears he thought too low: first and second ran out at 40 and 71 km/h (25 and 44 mph). In corners the swing axles turned mild understeer into oversteer once the rear wheels reached positive camber, and he found the suspension fairly hard, enough for bad roads to set the car rattling. He missed an oil-pressure gauge, and the brakes wanted a firm push.

Road & Track tested the Spitfire 4 in April 1963, and Autocar tested it too, but no source read reprints either test: triumphspitfire.com's uncited table gives their figures, and Practical Classics printed the same figures in 2000 without naming a source. The road tests page sets the period tests side by side.

The Mk II of December 1964 kept the gearbox (transmission) and the swing axles, and gave the car more power and thicker-padded seats.⁠9​21​3​14

Contents

Specification

Production

Sources for Production, Spitfire 4

Price new
Several figures in print.Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962⁠8; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15; Graham Robson, "One Design, Many Derivatives", Moss Motoring, 26 Oct 2022⁠5; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠11; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠3
Price new£729 15s 3d

Price new, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • £729 15s 3dOne good source: Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962, incl. purchase tax, launch, Oct–Nov 1962⁠8
  • £640 19s 7dOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, incl. purchase tax, Apr 1963 (after a purchase-tax cut); £654 5s 5d with heater⁠9
  • £530Not yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023, basic, before purchase tax⁠15
  • $2,199One good source: Graham Robson, "One Design, Many Derivatives", Moss Motoring, 26 Oct 2022, USA, 1963⁠5
  • 8,790 DMNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, West Germany, launch, early 1963⁠11
  • 1,530 ZAROne good source: Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower", South Africa, Aug 1963 launch⁠3

Engine

Sources for Engine, Spitfire 4

Capacity
Good sources agree.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Canley Classics, "Engine Number Identification Chart"⁠22; Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home⁠18
Bore × stroke
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Compression ratio
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
Carburettors
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠3
Capacity1,147 cc
Bore × stroke69.3 × 76 mm
Compression ratio9.0:1

Compression ratio, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 9.0:1One good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, UK, high compression⁠9; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023, FC high-compression (HE) engines⁠15
  • 7.0:1Not yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023, FC low-compression (LE) engines⁠15
Carburettorstwin SU HS2, side-draught

Carburettors, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • twin SU HS2, side-draughtOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
  • twin 1¼ in SUOne good source: Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower", South African cars⁠3

Performance

Sources for Performance, Spitfire 4

Power
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠14; Malcolm McKay, "Triumph Spitfire buyer's guide: what to pay and what to look for", Classic & Sports Car, 10 May 2019⁠7; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠23; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠11
Torque
Good sources agree.At 3,500 rpm. Malcolm McKay, "Triumph Spitfire buyer's guide: what to pay and what to look for", Classic & Sports Car, 10 May 2019⁠7; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠23
Torque peak
One good source.Torque peak. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Top speed
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962⁠8; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12
0–60 mph
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023⁠21; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠23
Standing start
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962⁠8
Power63 bhp

Power, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 63 bhpGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, net, at 5,750 rpm; maker's figure⁠9; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500, at 5,750 rpm⁠14; Malcolm McKay, "Triumph Spitfire buyer's guide: what to pay and what to look for", Classic & Sports Car, 10 May 2019, at 5,750 rpm⁠7; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, net, at 5,750 rpm⁠23
  • 60 PSNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, German advert, Feb 1963 (via Seeliger)⁠11
Torque67 lb ft
Torque peak3,500 rpm
Top speed93 mph

Top speed, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 93 mphOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, measured, "absolute" (150 km/h)⁠9
  • 92 mphOne good source: Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962, maker's claim⁠8; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12
0–60 mph15.6 s

0–60 mph, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 15.6 sOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, measured, mean of runs, two-up; best 15.4⁠9
  • 15.5 sOne good source: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, Road & Track, Apr 1963⁠21
  • 17.3 sNot yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, Autocar (date unknown)⁠21; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, source not named; the time triumphspitfire.com credits to Autocar⁠23
Standing start19.55 s

Standing start, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 19.55 sGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, standing ¼ mile, measured mean; best 19.5⁠9
  • 19.5 sGood sources agree: Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962, standing ¼ mile, maker's claim⁠8

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Spitfire 4

Steering
One good source.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Gears
One good source.4-speed, synchromesh on 2nd–4th. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠11
Overdrive
Good sources agree.Optional from Oct 1963 (1964 model year). Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠14
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠19
Rear brakes
One good source.All models. Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠19
Tyres
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15; Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠19
Wheels
Several figures in print.Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠19; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
Clutch
Not yet confirmed.triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
Steeringrack and pinion, 3¾ turns lock to lock (Alford & Alder)
Gears4
OverdriveLaycock, on 3rd and top
Front brakes9 in Girling discs

Front brakes, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 9 in Girling discsGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
  • 9 in (229 mm) discsGood sources agree: Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, all models⁠19
Rear brakes7 in (178 mm) drums
Tyres5.20-13 Dunlop C41, tubeless

Tyres, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 5.20-13 Dunlop C41, tubelessOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, test car⁠9
  • 5.20-13Not yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
  • 620 × 13 cross-ply "original"Not yet confirmed: Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠19
Wheels13 × 3½ in

Wheels, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 13 × 3½ inOne good source: Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, Mk I to early Mk III, UK⁠19
  • 3.5 × 13 steel discNot yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
  • 13 × 4½ J wire wheelsOne good source: Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, wire wheels (option), Mk I–IV⁠19
Clutch6.25 in coil-spring; 6.5 in from FC17136

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Spitfire 4

Length
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠23
Width
Good sources disagree.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Height
Good sources disagree.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Kerb weight
Good sources disagree.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠23; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; Standard-Triumph, Spitfire Mk. II (sales brochure), Italy, Ref. 352/666/IT-DUC, 1966⁠24; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠11
Wheelbase
Several figures in print.Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠3; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9
Ground clearance
Not yet confirmed.Laden; 5 in. Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠11
Fuel tank
Several figures in print.Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963⁠9; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15
Length3,689 mm

Length, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 3,689 mmGood sources agree: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, 12 ft 1¼ in, 1963⁠9
  • 3,683 mmGood sources agree: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), Spitfire 4 / Mk II⁠12
  • 12 ft 1 in / 3.7 mOne good source: Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, Spitfire 4 and Mk III⁠23
Width1,448 mm

Width, Spitfire 4

Good sources disagree.

  • 1,448 mmDisputed: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), Spitfire 4 / Mk II⁠12
  • 1,473 mmDisputed: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, 4 ft 10 in⁠9
Height1,207 mm

Height, Spitfire 4

Good sources disagree.

  • 1,207 mmDisputed: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), Spitfire 4 / Mk II⁠12
  • 1,194 mmDisputed: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, hood up, unladen; 3 ft 11 in⁠9
Kerb weight711 kg

Kerb weight, Spitfire 4

Good sources disagree.

  • 711 kgDisputed: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), basis unstated; Spitfire 4 / Mk II page⁠12; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, unladen, UK spec⁠17
  • 1,589 lbDisputed: Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, 721 kg⁠23
  • 14.25 cwtDisputed: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, 724 kg⁠9
  • 735 kgDisputed: Standard-Triumph, Spitfire Mk. II (sales brochure), Italy, Ref. 352/666/IT-DUC, 1966, with oil, fuel and water; Mk II brochure (same body)⁠24
  • 736 kgNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, Seeliger⁠11
Wheelbase211 cm

Wheelbase, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 211 cmGood sources agree: Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠3; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), 83 in⁠12
  • 2,121 mmNot yet confirmed: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, 6 ft 11½ in⁠9
Ground clearance125 mm
Fuel tank8 gal

Fuel tank, Spitfire 4

Several figures in print.

  • 8 galOne good source: Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, Imperial (36.4 L), 1963⁠9
  • 8.25 galNot yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023, imperial gallons; Mk I/II⁠15

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

45,753, Spitfire 4 (Mk I), 1962–64
Disputed.
45,573, Spitfire 4 (Mk I), Oct 1962–Dec 1964
Disputed.
626, of which sold in South Africa to Dec 1965 (NAAMSA-based estimate)
One good source.

  1. 45,753Spitfire 4 (Mk I), 1962–64

    Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠12; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠14; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15

  2. 45,573Spitfire 4 (Mk I), Oct 1962–Dec 1964

    Canley Classics, "Production Figures"⁠2; Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home⁠18; triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023⁠15

  3. 626of which sold in South Africa to Dec 1965 (NAAMSA-based estimate)

    Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠3

Contents

Sources

Sources are given as plain text; their addresses are on the sources page.

  • Primarymade at the time, by the maker or by people who were there
  • Referenceserious later work: clubs, specialists, magazines, books
  • Uncheckedencyclopaedias and enthusiast sites: cited beside a good source, named in the sentence, or marked Unchecked
  1. Lancaster Insurance, "The Triumph Spitfire: a celebration", 29 Dec 2021, the 1962 show. Reference
  2. Canley Classics, "Production Figures", row "Spitfire 4", October 1962–December 1964; row "Spitfire 4"; Production Figures table, row "Spitfire 4". Reference
  3. Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower", Mk I section; Mk I section, chassis; Mk II section. Reference
  4. Graham Robson, "Harry Webster – My Technical Mentor", Moss Motoring (Moss Motors), 12 Jun 2019, the "Herald sports car". Reference
  5. Graham Robson, "One Design, Many Derivatives", Moss Motoring, 26 Oct 2022, separate chassis; Robson, "One design". Reference
  6. Fran Madigan (ed.), "Giovanni Michelotti", TRaction (Triumph Sports Owners Association Victoria), Apr–May 2023. Reference
  7. Malcolm McKay, "Triumph Spitfire buyer's guide: what to pay and what to look for", Classic & Sports Car, 10 May 2019, chassis and sills; timeline; spec box. Reference
  8. Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962, p. 32; Nov 1962 p. 32, "All for only £729.15.3 including p.t."; Nov 1962 p. 32, advert. Primary
  9. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4", with data panel "The Triumph Spitfire 4", Motor Sport, Apr 1963, p. 20, equipment and instruments; p. 20, cockpit and hood; data panel, p. 26; pp. 20–21 and data panel; Apr 1963 pp. 20, 26 (data panel); Apr 1963 test text; Apr 1963, engine paragraph; Apr 1963, performance figures; Apr 1963, steering paragraph; Apr 1963, gearbox paragraph; Apr 1963, chassis paragraph; Apr 1963 data panel; Apr 1963 data panel "Dimensions". Primary
  10. Canley Classics, "Spitfire ADU ~B Le Mans". Reference
  11. Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, Spitfire 4, grille; Spitfire 4 section; footnote; Datenblatt. Unchecked
  12. Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), Spitfire 4/Mark II and Mark III pages; Spitfire 4/Mark II page, "Quantity"; Spitfire 4/Mark II page, overdrive; model_ID=24 (Spitfire 4/Mark II page); model_ID=24 (Spitfire 4/Mark II page), "Overdrive became an option from October '63"; model_ID=24, "Dimensions"; model_ID=24, "Weight"; model_ID=24, "Quantity: 45,753/37,409". Reference
  13. Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs), production dates and numbers. Reference
  14. Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500, Spitfire III; Spitfire I, "Number produced"; Spitfire I; Spitfire II; A–Z entry; A–Z entry "Spitfire 4". Reference
  15. triumphspitfire.com ("Spitfire & GT6 Magazine and Information Warehouse"), Reference pages (group): models and options; Mk I–1500 options-and-changes logs; engine numbers; 1979–80 VINs; what year is my car; final drive; general specification data; stock tyres; wheel alignment; lubrication; tuning; fuses; paint and trim codes; side stripes; decal and badge placements; wire wheels; head swaps; substitute parts; suppliers; new owner; pre-purchase checklist; spotters guide, pages modified 2023, Mk 1 options-and-changes log; Spitfire 4 page, basic price; engine page; stock tyre page; Mk I change log; Mk IV change log; Mk I page; models page. Unchecked
  16. British Motor Museum (BMIHT), "Heritage Certificates". Primary
  17. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, production figures, citing Robson 1982 p. 187; infobox. Unchecked
  18. Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home, "Spitfire modellen", production figures; engine-number table, prefix FC; "Spitfire modellen" page, production figures. Reference
  19. Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, AMI cars; Spitty Tips, brakes; Spitty Tips 5. Reference
  20. John Kipping (overdrive articles), Technical articles (group): "Swing Springs", "Rear End Noises", "Propshaft Problems", "Oil Consumption", "Unleaded Engines", "The D-Type Overdrive", "The J-Type Overdrive", "Different Differentials", "Close Ratio Gearboxes For Spitfire MkIV/1500", "Chrome Bumpers", "Spitfire Tuning Kits", "Fitting Le Mans Style Bonnet Vents", Canley Classics, "Spitfire Tuning Kits". Reference
  21. triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, Road & Track and Autocar tables; test-results table. Unchecked
  22. Canley Classics, "Engine Number Identification Chart", engine chart, prefix FC. Reference
  23. Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, p. 83 spec table. Reference
  24. Standard-Triumph, Spitfire Mk. II (sales brochure), Italy, Ref. 352/666/IT-DUC, 1966, 1966 brochure, "Peso". Primary

Contents