TriumphSpitfire

Triumph Spitfire Mk3

The Spitfire of 1967–70, known at a glance by the front bumper across its grille: a bigger engine, a folding top that stays with the car and, from the 1969 model year, the first federal cars for the United States. Triumph called it the Mk III; it is also written Mark 3 or MkIII.

A red Spitfire Mk III with a black hood up and white wheels, on a quiet lane below scrub.
A Spitfire Mk III with its hood up: the front bumper crosses the grille.Avaldia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Look at the front bumper. On the Mk III it runs across the middle of the grille instead of beneath it, the most visible sign of the first big revision of the Spitfire. Canley built the Mk III from January 1967 to December 1970, and it was introduced to the public in March 1967.

Instantly recognisable by the raised front bumper (by nine inches) that adds a hint of Lotus Elan, the MkIII Spitfire may count as the only car in history to have its looks improved by trying to meet American regulations.

Triumph Sports Six Club, Mk III model page⁠1​2​3​4

What changed

The engine grew. Triumph bored out the four-cylinder engine of the Spitfire 4 and Mk II, kept its stroke, and gave it an eight-port cylinder head: the same family of engine as the front-drive Triumph 1300 saloon (sedan) and the Herald 13/60. Mike Cotton explained the move in Motor Sport: with Fiat and Honda arriving with smaller-engined cars, BMC and Triumph were taking theirs up a class.

Fitted with the Mark II camshaft and a pair of S.U. HS2 carburetters, the engine develops 75 b.h.p. (rather a gross figure) at 6,000 r.p.m., compared with 67 b.h.p. of the 1,147-c.c. Herald-based engine.

Mike Cotton, Motor Sport, June 1967

His "rather a gross figure" matters later. The Mk IV of 1970 was rated on a different basis, which is why its lower figure gave it a reputation as a detuned car.

With the extra power came a larger, stronger clutch, larger front brake calipers like the 1300 saloon's and stiffer front springs. The suspension's layout was not altered: swing axles at the back, the Herald's wishbones and coil springs at the front.

Outside, the front bumper was raised to cross a one-piece grille, with the sidelamps and indicators in units beneath it and rubber-faced overriders (bumper guards). At the back the bumper went up too, the overriders were dropped and two reversing lamps were added. Classic Car Africa's history says American safety legislation required the change.

The hood (soft top) became part of the car. It folded away behind the seats under a cover, and one person could raise it in seconds, where the earlier cars had a removable frame kept in the boot (trunk). Inside, the instruments stayed in the centre, now set in a wood-veneer panel; cars for the United States moved them for the 1969 model year. First gear still had no synchromesh.⁠5​6​4​2​7​8

A white Spitfire Mk III with its black hood up and chrome bumper across the grille, on a show-field lawn.
Sidelamps and indicators below a bumper that now crosses the grille, on a white Mk III at a show in June 2011.Graham Robertson, CC BY 2.0
An open Spitfire engine bay with the bonnet tipped forward, showing twin carburettors, a brown rocker cover and front suspension.
Twin carburettors beside the rocker cover of a red Spitfire that its photographer describes as a Mk III, the bonnet (hood) tipped forward, in June 2012.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

Contents

The federal cars, 1969–70

From the 1969 model year, Mk IIIs for the United States were "federalised". Their instruments moved from the centre of the dashboard to a black panel in front of the driver.

For the 1970 model year most federal cars had a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor in place of the twin SUs, together with side-marker lamps, a steering-column lock, an evaporative-emissions canister and a one-year bonnet (hood) badge: SPITFIRE over an RAF roundel. triumphspitfire.com lists an FDU prefix for their commission numbers.

These cars are covered, with the later US models, on North American Spitfires.⁠9​10

A dark green Spitfire Mk III with its hood up and bonnet raised, seen from behind on a show-field lawn.
A dark green Mk III that its photographer describes as a 1969 model-year car to US and Canadian specification, at the Vancouver All British Field Meet in May 2007.SqueakyMarmot, CC BY 2.0
A red Spitfire Mk III with its black hood up, seen from behind on grass, with a red side-marker reflector.
A red reflector on the rear wing (fender) of an American-specification Mk III at a car show in New Castle, Pennsylvania, in September 2021; its wire-wheel covers and four exhaust tips are not standard.MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

Telling the years apart

Cars of the 1970 model year changed in ways that make them easy to date. The Vintage Triumph Register records wider wheels and a "Spitfire" name plate on the bonnet in place of the TRIUMPH letters. triumphspitfire.com adds a black grille and windscreen (windshield) frame, a zip-out rear window, a single reversing lamp above the number plate (license plate) and a TRIUMPH plate on the tail.

Commission numbers begin FD, and so, by Canley Classics' chart, do engine numbers; triumphspitfire.com also lists an FE engine prefix for emission-controlled engines, which no other source confirms. Identification explains how to read the numbers and what a Heritage Certificate adds.⁠9​10​11​7

Chrome TRIUMPH letters across the nose of a red Spitfire bonnet, below its teardrop-shaped centre bulge.
TRIUMPH in separate letters across the nose of a red Spitfire at the Coventry Transport Museum in October 2004: the letters that a Spitfire name plate replaced for the 1970 model year; the bumper that would show whether this car is a Mk III is out of frame.Chris Bloom, CC BY-SA 2.0
A red US-market Spitfire with its black hood up, wire wheels and a roundel badge, parked on grass.
In place of the letters, the badge of the 1970 model year, SPITFIRE across an RAF roundel, on a red Mk III built for the American market, at New Castle, Pennsylvania, in September 2021.MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

Production, price and options

Canley Classics, the Triumph Sports Six Club and Classic & Sports Car print the same production figure for the Mk III. Unlike the Spitfire 4's and the 1500's, it is not disputed; the production table below gives it with its sources.

Price lists can make the Mk III look cheaper than the Spitfire 4, but the gap is purchase tax, not the car. The Triumph Sports Six Club's figure for the Spitfire 4 is its launch price, which included the tax at its late-1962 rate, and the tax was cut within months. The Spitfire 4's prices from before and after the cut are on its own page.

Overdrive, working on third and top gears, and a steel hardtop were optional, and Cotton's car had both. According to a report in Autocar (15 February 1968), as cited by Wikipedia, the 100,000th Spitfire, a Mk III, left the Canley line on 8 February 1968, driven off by the general manager, George Turnbull.

Abroad, Leykor assembled the Mk III in South Africa from 1968, and Australian Motor Industries assembled it in Australia.⁠1​4​2​12​8​5​13​7​14

A red Spitfire Mk III with a matching hardtop and chrome bumper across the grille, parked by a park shelter.
A red Mk III in a park in December 2011, under a hardtop that its photographer describes as the steel winter top.Avaldia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Chrome Overdrive script on the boot lid of a red Spitfire, beside its tall rear lamp.
The Overdrive script on the boot lid of a red Spitfire that its photographer describes as a Mk III, in September 2012.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

Contents

On the road

Mike Cotton took a Mk III with the hardtop and overdrive from London to Milan, on to the Monaco Grand Prix and home again for Motor Sport's June 1967 issue, a trip of 3,154 km (1,960 miles). Despite its extra power he found it "somewhat heavy and lacking in sparkle", but it would hold high cruising speeds without tiring. The seats were comfortable, though their backrests yielded in hard cornering, and wind noise with the hardtop on was acceptably low.

Bumpy French roads found the old weakness: sometimes, when really bad surfaces came up unexpectedly at speed, the rear wheels "steered the car badly, almost to the point of taking control". On true mountain roads it was very good, with an amazing lock on hairpins. He wondered whether the next version could afford the trailing-link rear suspension of the Triumph 2000 saloon, and thought a close-ratio gearbox (transmission) with a lower axle ratio would help.

If two people can travel 680 miles in a single journey in a small sports car (save only two meal stops), and arrive without being unduly tired, then the car can be rated seriously as a means of transport, not just as a debs'-delight.

Mike Cotton, Motor Sport, June 1967

The Mk IV answered his worst complaint, if not in the way he suggested: its "swing spring" rear suspension tamed the swing axle, and its gearbox at last had synchromesh on first.⁠5​6​15

A Spitfire Mk III cockpit from behind the seats, with a wood centre instrument panel and black three-spoke wheel.
The cockpit of a Mk III parked in Morges, Switzerland, in October 2012, seen from behind the seats: the wheel, the gear lever and the instruments in the middle, with a radio-cassette fitted later.Akela NDE, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr

Contents

Specification: Mk III

Engine

Sources for Engine, Mk III

Capacity
Good sources agree.Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; Canley Classics, "Engine Number Identification Chart"⁠11; Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home⁠16
Bore × stroke
One good source.The same 1,296 cc engine, from the Mk IV road test. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Road test: The Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV", Motor Sport, Jan 1971⁠6
Compression ratio
Several figures in print.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 2023⁠10; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Carburettors
One good source.Non-US. Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5
Capacity1,296 cc
Bore × stroke73.7 × 76 mm
Compression ratio9.0:1

Compression ratio, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 9.0:1Not 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, high compression (HE)⁠10; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
  • 7.5:1Not 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, low compression (LE)⁠10
Carburettorstwin SU HS2

Performance

Sources for Performance, Mk III

Power
Good sources agree.Gross ("rather a gross figure"), at 6,000 rpm. Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠2; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠7
Torque
Good sources agree.At 4,000 rpm. Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠7
Torque peak
Not yet confirmed.Torque peak. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Top speed
Several figures in print.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠2; Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠7
0–60 mph
Several figures in print.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023⁠19; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13
Power75 bhp
Torque75 lb ft
Torque peak4,000 rpm
Top speed95 mph

Top speed, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 95 mphGood sources agree: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠2
  • 97 mphOne good source: Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967, overdrive top, with hardtop (156 km/h)⁠5
  • 100 mphNot yet confirmed: Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, source not named⁠18; Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower", claimed (161 km/h), South Africa⁠7
  • 160 km/hNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, works figure⁠17
0–60 mph14.5 s

0–60 mph, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 14.5 sGood sources agree: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, source not named; the time triumphspitfire.com credits to Autocar⁠18; triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, Autocar⁠19
  • 13.6 sNot yet confirmed: triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, Road & Track, Sep 1967⁠19
  • 13.4 sNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, citing Robson⁠13

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, Mk III

Gears
One good source.4-speed, no synchromesh on 1st. Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5
Overdrive
One good source.Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; 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 2023⁠10
Front brakes
Several figures in print.Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠14; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠2
Rear brakes
One good source.All models. Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠14
Tyres
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 2023⁠10
Wheels
Several figures in print.Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs)⁠9; Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19⁠14; 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 2023⁠10
Clutch
Good sources agree.Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967⁠5; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
Gears4
OverdriveLaycock D-type, on 3rd and top, optional
Front brakesdiscs

Front brakes, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • discsGood sources agree: Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967, larger calipers than the Mk II's⁠5; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500, larger calipers than the Mk II's⁠2
  • 9 in (229 mm) discsGood sources agree: Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, all models⁠14
Rear brakes7 in (178 mm) drums
Tyres5.20-13 cross-ply; 145-13 radial option
Wheels3.5J × 13 to FD75000; 4.5J × 13 after

Wheels, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 3.5J × 13 to FD75000; 4.5J × 13 afterOne good source: Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs), 1970 model year "4.5 in. solid disks … 1 in. wider"⁠9; 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 2023⁠10
  • 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, UK⁠14
  • 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–IV⁠14
Clutchdiaphragm spring

Dimensions and weight

Sources for Dimensions and weight, Mk III

Length
Several figures in print.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Width
Several figures in print.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Height
Several figures in print.Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
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)⁠4; Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000⁠18; Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Wheelbase
One good source.83 in. Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
Length3,734 mm

Length, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 3,734 mmOne good source: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
  • 12 ft 1 in / 3.7 mOne good source: Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, Spitfire 4 and Mk III⁠18
  • 3,730 mmNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Width1,448 mm

Width, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 1,448 mmOne good source: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
  • 1,450 mmNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Height1,207 mm

Height, Mk III

Several figures in print.

  • 1,207 mmOne good source: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
  • 1,205 mmNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Kerb weight749 kg

Kerb weight, Mk III

Good sources disagree.

  • 749 kgDisputed: Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4
  • 1,736 lbDisputed: Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, 787 kg⁠18
  • 748 kgNot yet confirmed: Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠17
Wheelbase2,108 mm

Contents

Specification: US

Engine

Sources for Engine, US

Compression ratio
Not yet confirmed.US 1969–70. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13; 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 2023⁠10
Carburettors
Several figures in print.Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs)⁠9; 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 2023⁠10
Compression ratio8.5:1
Carburettorssingle Zenith-Stromberg

Carburettors, US

Several figures in print.

  • single Zenith-StrombergOne good source: Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs), US 1970 model year (most cars); not the 1969 cars, so not written to specs⁠9; 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, US 1970⁠10
  • single Stromberg 150 CDSENot 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, US 1970⁠10

Performance

Sources for Performance, US

Power
Not yet confirmed.US 1969, 8.5:1 compression. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13
Torque
Not yet confirmed.US 1969. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13
Power68 bhp
Torque73 lb ft

Running gear

Sources for Running gear, US

Wheels
One good source.1970 model year only, so not written to specs. Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs)⁠9
Wheels4.5 in wide

Contents

Production

Production: how far the sources agree

65,320, Mk III, Jan 1967–Dec 1970 (federal 1969–70 cars included)
Good sources agree.
632, of which sold in South Africa, 1968–71 (NAAMSA)
One good source.

  1. 65,320Mk III, Jan 1967–Dec 1970 (federal 1969–70 cars included)

    Canley Classics, "Production Figures"⁠1; Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26)⁠4; Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500⁠2; Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026⁠13; Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home⁠16; 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 2023⁠10

  2. 632of which sold in South Africa, 1968–71 (NAAMSA)

    Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower"⁠7

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. Canley Classics, "Production Figures", Spitfire Mk III, January 1967–December 1970; Spitfire Mk III row; Production Figures table, row "Spitfire MK III". Reference
  2. Classic & Sports Car, A–Z of classics: Triumph Spitfire I, II, III, MkIV, 1500, Spitfire III; A–Z entry. Reference
  3. Malcolm McKay, "Triumph Spitfire buyer's guide: what to pay and what to look for", Classic & Sports Car, 10 May 2019. Reference
  4. Triumph Sports Six Club, Model pages: Spitfire 4/Mark II (model_ID=24), Mark III (23), Mark IV (25), 1500 (26), Mark III page; Mark III and Spitfire 4/Mark II pages, cost when new; model_ID=23 (Mark III page); model_ID=23, "Dimensions"; model_ID=23, "Weight"; model_ID=23, "Quantity". Reference
  5. Mike Cotton ("M.L.C."), "Triumph Spitfire to Monaco", Motor Sport, Jun 1967, p. 26; test car; pp. 26–27; Jun 1967 p. 26, text; Jun 1967 p. 26, final paragraph. Primary
  6. Bill Boddy ("W.B."), "Road test: The Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV", Motor Sport, Jan 1971, p. 59, engine; p. 59; Jan 1971 p. 59, engine paragraph. Primary
  7. Classic Car Africa, "The Wallflower", Mk III section. Reference
  8. 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; final paragraph. Primary
  9. Vintage Triumph Register, "Spitfire" (production history, production dates and numbers, buyer's guide tabs), 1969–70 identification; production dates and numbers; 1970; Spitfire page, 1970 notes; Spitfire page, 1970 model-year notes. Reference
  10. 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 III options-and-changes log; models page; Mk III options-and-changes log; engine page; options log; stock tyre page; Mk III change log; engine page (FE prefix); general spec; models page. Unchecked
  11. Canley Classics, "Engine Number Identification Chart", FD; engine chart, prefix FD. Reference
  12. Standard-Triumph, "New Triumph Spitfire" (Standard-Triumph advertisement), Motor Sport, Nov 1962, p. 32. Primary
  13. Wikipedia (EN), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, Mk III section, citing Autocar, 15 February 1968; Mk III section; production figures, citing Robson 1982 p. 187. Unchecked
  14. Triumph Sportscars (Australia; closed end of 2016), "Spitty Tips" 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19, Spitty Tips 19; Spitty Tips, brakes; Spitty Tips 5. Reference
  15. 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, "Swing Springs". Reference
  16. Triumph Spitfire Club (Netherlands), "Spitfire modellen", "Aankoop informatie", "Clubinfo", home, engine-number table, prefix FD; "Spitfire modellen" page, production figures. Reference
  17. Wikipedia (DE), "Triumph Spitfire", 2026, Datenblatt. Unchecked
  18. Practical Classics, "Buyers Guide: Triumph Spitfire", May 2000, p. 83 spec table. Reference
  19. triumphspitfire.com, "Top Speed and Track Test Results", 2023, test-results table. Unchecked

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