Should YOU buy a Triumph Spitfire?

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  • Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
  • Today we'll look at a few of the positives, and negatives, of owning a British classic.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 82

  • @strangeknight3751
    @strangeknight3751 2 роки тому +15

    I've owned a spitfire 1500 for 19 years, a great car that handles like it's on rails. The ideal starter classic, with parts availability you could literally build a new one.

  • @lukes9883
    @lukes9883 Рік тому +6

    Just bought a spitfire 1500, your videos are great. Thank you for taking the time to make them they are very helpful

  • @georgealaska559
    @georgealaska559 20 днів тому

    I owned one for 29 years. Literally rebuilt the engine on top of my work bench. I had the head rebuilt with hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel. They called it a 1500, however it was actually 1493 cc. The biggest improvement I made was replacing the stock Zenith carb. with a Weber side draft. Another improvement was replacing the breaker point ignition with an electronic unit. The reliability was vastly improved. Fun little car that got thumbs up all the time.

  • @rayvanhorn1534
    @rayvanhorn1534 7 місяців тому

    Just came across your channel & watched many of your build videos. Just a fantastic job on getting her back on the road. I came across a rough patch financially some time ago & had to sell my 1978 Firebird, which just pained me to no end…but family came first. Am now at a point where I’d like to get another car & realistically cannot afford a muscle car or 50s classic, however the Spitfire caught my eye some years ago & I really like the body lines. I have found about a dozen for sale under 10K with several below six. Looking forward to joining the club & making friends, which I’ve missed. Something about “car guys”, there’s a kinship you don’t often find in other arenas. Anyway, enjoy your content & your reasons for owning a car like this is spot on…I don’t need AC or a radio, just the beautiful sound of the engine & exhaust. 😊

  • @TheUlrikkaul
    @TheUlrikkaul 2 роки тому +2

    You are so spot on. If it's okay i would add another plus.
    When driving around in your Spitfire people smile and wave at you.
    Also the fun of meeting other classics is a bonus.

  • @calvinlewington9545
    @calvinlewington9545 6 місяців тому

    Great video, very informative and answered a lot of questions I had about the Spitfire. I am hoping to buy one this summer when I retire, not the easiest car to find here in Canada, but I have time.

  • @glynnmatthews2228
    @glynnmatthews2228 Рік тому

    Hi ive Been watching your channel for a week or so now its been fun, ive had my 1979 spitfire 1500 for 24 years and its the best fun, work in progress (always) you will ever have. just to add a to your vid if your classic is over 40 years old you are exempt from mot as well, not just tax, but its a must to keep it in a road worthy condition ! im a big guy at 6ft 124kg and i fit in just nice and snuggly, Happy driveing :)

  • @tom-840
    @tom-840 2 роки тому +2

    My son just bought one.. What a blast to drive around in!

  • @GO_OutDoors
    @GO_OutDoors Рік тому +1

    I can't agree with you more that they are fun to drive! I use to own a Spit back when I was in my 20's and since then all I do is drive to work and drive the semi during the day and then drive home. May need to drive to the store and back. Its not fun anymore! So I have been looking for a project sports car the last few weeks and have looked at MG's and Triumph and have desided on the Spitfire to buy. Thank you for this video that has helped me deside on buying the Triumph Spitfire!

  • @JCKCPA
    @JCKCPA Рік тому +3

    34 years of ownership. It is a starter but for the designer, it was his favorite design. It has an excellent racing history. Sometimes MV does not add up, and I am fine with that.

  • @awalk5177
    @awalk5177 Рік тому +3

    The big attraction with cars of this era are......there is very little to go wrong, cheap to fix, what you see is what you get, no electronics or CPU's, simple maintenance, no vehicle tax, cheap insurance and great fun. All spares are available at good prices and they are a means of simple transport.
    If you look at the costs over 10 years of a classic compared to a modern car, you will see the financial benefits are significant in what you save on insurance and taxes and maintenance, particularly if you do your own simple spanner work .

  • @Fintoman
    @Fintoman Рік тому +2

    Couldn't agree more with all you said.
    I am not a luddite, I have no problem with all the creature comforts and capability of contemporary cars that modern technology has brought us. These old classics can still be relevant and like you said are hard to beat for the fun factor and old school driving pleasure
    .
    "Horses for courses" as the saying goes.👍

  • @henkvanlaere4712
    @henkvanlaere4712 2 роки тому

    You are absolutely right, the best reaction on owning and driving a spitfire I've ever heard, I wrote you before in a comment of another video , it's all about the fun to drive, forget about the rest...by the way a roundtail earlier model is even more fun, if you can, try it when the occasion comes around! I told you before a stunning good job for a first restoration, well done!!!! Greetz Henk

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  2 роки тому

      Thanks Henk! Much appreciated

  • @ethantodd3175
    @ethantodd3175 Рік тому +1

    Heavily considering buying a Spitfire. Great video 👍

  • @citizenchris099
    @citizenchris099 2 роки тому

    You said it brother. You covered every reason I bought mine.

  • @tball7027
    @tball7027 9 місяців тому

    I saved up and bought one in the eighties I was in my twenties loved it ,i learnt all about mechanics maintaining it wish I never sold it ,great simple fun car what looked cool

  • @puske1990
    @puske1990 2 роки тому +8

    Here in Belgium i've been using a Spitfire 1500 as daily since 2013 (even learned to drove in it back then), in all this time I driven her 140.000miles (car total is 200.000miles).
    Engine has its first rebuild 4 months ago, body rewelded during lockdown/ 2021/2022, gearbox rebuild, diff rebuild etc... all on my own.
    Would not take another car as daily (exept a Dolomite or 2000/2500.
    Keep up the good work 😉

    • @Aspie_Geek_UK
      @Aspie_Geek_UK Рік тому

      my second fav car as a classic after the spit would be a Triumph Dolomite Sprint. I had one of those back in the mid 1980's when it was just an old car and cost me something like £50 with 6mths MOT & Tax! Back then people like me that couldn't afford "nice" cars used to buy an old banger with tax & MOT and run it till they ran out then sell it cheap and buy another! if I'd been in a position to store all the "old" cars I'd had back them I wold have a barn full of classic cars worth a fortune lol

    • @StupStups
      @StupStups Рік тому +1

      You must be Wim! I follow your thread on the CT forum.

    • @puske1990
      @puske1990 Рік тому

      @@StupStups Yes indeed 😆.
      Need to post on the CT forum a bit more.
      Since a few years im more on the TSSC forum.

    • @ethand4784
      @ethand4784 Рік тому

      I JUST bought a spitfire 1500, what should I look out for? I'm gonna lube everything up before I drive it around, since it's been sitting, but yea any knowledge you could share would be helpful

  • @christopherpardell4418
    @christopherpardell4418 7 місяців тому

    Back in 92 i bought a beautifully restored 1500 for $3500. It was my wife’s dream car. (So happy her dream car wasn’t something costly ). It wasn’t fast, but it was fun. I had searched for several years to find on in that condition… most of the adverts you saw of a spitfire for sale were like,” $1100, comes with spare spitfire”. That didn’t bode well. But it was a great little car.

  • @dennisking1555
    @dennisking1555 Рік тому

    As I watched the video I noticed you have done the same I did ,you have the car running on pan air filter, my carburettor expert told me the car is designed to run on cool air ,if you put the old air filter intake box back on it will make a great difference to the running of the engine and more economic, good luck,great video, and I’ve made loads of expensive mistakes 😅😅

  • @mcgloinm1
    @mcgloinm1 3 місяці тому +1

    My 1st car was a 1964 in 1966 triumph spitfire. Handled very well and was slow. it was the pale yellow with black interior. they had, later, a metalic yellow later, I didn't like it. And it was a lot of fun to drive compared to american cars. But after awhile I totaled it, which didn't take much and went with a 1960 PV 544, the best all around car I ever had.

  • @Spacemonkeymk1
    @Spacemonkeymk1 7 місяців тому

    Went to buy my dream car back in the early 2000s- a TR7 convertible but left with a BRG 73 Spitfire. First job was tightening the steering column clamp on the way home after the steering failed... Put 1500 carbs on jetted correctly with the twin exhaust. Loved every minute blasting around London and regular trips back home to Bournemouth. Did a tour of the Western Front battlefields, after fitting a new gearbox the night before. Swapped a rear wheel bearing on the kerb of the South Circular road when it failed on the way home from work. Was my only car for years and loved every minute until my alcoholic neighbour parked her Volvo in it. Got a mk1MX5 a couple of years later, and got another identical MX5 now, but it's not the same....😢

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  7 місяців тому

      Nothing beats the driving sensation of a classic! Or the ability to fix with basic tools... Maybe time to get another one? :)

  • @philbaragwanath3566
    @philbaragwanath3566 2 роки тому

    Yep. You hit the nail on the head!

  • @theopportunisttankercanedi3844

    ❤️ simply beautiful

  • @BluejuiceT4
    @BluejuiceT4 Рік тому

    I agree....that is one beautiful looking car!

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому +1

      Thanks :) I used to have a T4 too!

  • @shriekinbandido
    @shriekinbandido 9 місяців тому

    Lovely video, hitting all the reasons that have made me trawl the internet for a classic sports car. Question for you though, i know you say you dont use the roof, but do you have one? How much space above your head is there with it up? I'm 6'4", 250lb and cant fit in an MX5, for reference. How does a spit compare? Thanks!

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  9 місяців тому

      I'm 6'1" - 230lbs and with the roof up I've got probably 2-3" free height. But the seat can be adjusted further back. Get to a local classic meet if you can and see if you fit in one.

    • @shriekinbandido
      @shriekinbandido 9 місяців тому +1

      @@BritSpit yeah perfect. Thanks for that. It sounds like there's a bit more room in a spit than an MX5. I'll see what I can do to get my backside in one. Cheers for the swift reply.

  • @Aspie_Geek_UK
    @Aspie_Geek_UK Рік тому +1

    Just found your channel and subscribed. Firstly let me say what a beautiful car you have, It looks like you have done an amazing job on the restoration. I'm currently saving to buy a roadworthy 1970's spitfire that needs some work (not full resto!). The spit has been my dream car since I was a child but life conspired etc. Now I'm in a position where I can start getting some money together to buy one. The only thing I'm a little concerned with is will I fit in it... I'm what you described in your video as a "Chunky Monkey" (and yes I use that description to describe myself 😂) and worry about fitting behind the wheel! I'm loads shorter than you at 5'8" but am 275lb so 55lb bigger than you which means a somewhat larger *Ahem* waistline lol. In your opinion as a Spit owner, do you think I would struggle or be fine, just a little bit of a tight squeeze? I currently own a 2002 Mercedes SLK 320 and can fit into that easily 🙂 but that might be a whole lot bigger inside I just dont know. Is there any chance you would be able to take some measurements for me such as from the front of the seat cushion to bottom of steering wheel and the seat back about 1ft above the bottom (i.e. mid belly height) to steering wheel and the shoulder height width from the drivers side window to approx centre of the car? If you can do this I would be very grateful.
    Many Thanks
    Aspie_Geek (Paul)

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      I dont think you'll have any problems but i'll measure for you later. If you can get to a classic car show near you I'm sure you'd be able to sit in one.

    • @Aspie_Geek_UK
      @Aspie_Geek_UK Рік тому +1

      @@BritSpit Thanks for the reply, I just measured my SLK and that's only 20cm from seat bottom to steering wheel and 46cm from seat back to steering wheel and I fit very comfortably in that. I'm just watching you reseat yr valves at the moment, good job. Out of interest how did you clean the pistons and bores up so well?

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      @@Aspie_Geek_UK distance from seat front to wheel = 0 (they are vertically inline). Seat back to wheel = 50cm. Door to center line = 56cm. The cylinders i left to soak overnight in diesel & wd40. Then scrubbed them for hours with a brillo pad & steel wool

    • @Aspie_Geek_UK
      @Aspie_Geek_UK Рік тому +1

      @@BritSpit Fantastic, looks like I'm good to go! Thank you for doing that for me its much appreciated and thanks for the info re cylinders they looked like new.

  • @danielgrant4402
    @danielgrant4402 Рік тому

    Very informative video and lovely car. Have you done any modifications to the suspension?

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому +1

      Thanks :) I haven't done any suspension mods although will probably add gaz adjustable shocks in future as i think my front springs have seen better days!

    • @danielgrant4402
      @danielgrant4402 Рік тому +1

      @@BritSpit thanks for the reply. How do you find the handling? I’m planing to buy my first spit in his year but have heard the handling in the early models is a bit unpredictable. Yours looks lower than standard on the rear, have you had any issues with h snap oversteer?

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      @@danielgrant4402 like all cars it depends on how you drive it. I dont throw mine into corners or track race it. Never had any unpredictable steering problems with normal driving

  • @timgonzalez1708
    @timgonzalez1708 Рік тому

    Considering buying a 79 Spitfire here in the states. My friends in-laws have one they bought new. It has 67k for miles and no rust! All original with both tops. Hasn't run in a year but was running good. Asking 3k, ant opinions??

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      3k is a good price for a rust-free car that runs & drives. I'd go for it. You only live once!

  • @georgesbaril1598
    @georgesbaril1598 Рік тому

    I fell in love with these cars in the early 1980's when a relative of mine had an orange 1979 model when it almost a new car. In the 1990's, I bought my first spity for $5000.00 CAD (a 1980 in burgundy/carmine red). It was my second car; and, as I did not know how to drive a standard, I had to go back to to driver's ed so I could learn to drive it. I bought another one for $5000.00 CAD in the late 2000's again for $5000.00 (a 1980 in bright blue/Bahamas Blue). Great little cars. Between the spitfires, I owned a guards red 1983 porsche 928 5 speed which cost me $5000.00 CAD.
    Although there was no comparison between the spitfires and the porsche for power and speed, I have to say that I enjoyed the spitfires more because with the top down and the fact one sits so low to the ground in the spitfire, it gave one the impression that one is traveling at 70 mph when one is only going 50 mph.
    All in all my triumph spitfires were great cars and I wish I still had one.

    • @georgesbaril1598
      @georgesbaril1598 Рік тому

      Another advantage of the spitfire over the 928 was that I got more "miles and smiles to the gallon".

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      Why not get another one? :)

  • @lukaspaclt4407
    @lukaspaclt4407 Рік тому +1

    Hello, I'm from the Czech Republic and I would like to ask which websites to search for spitfires for sale? Thank you

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      Ebay or facebook marketplace would be a good start

    • @lukaspaclt4407
      @lukaspaclt4407 Рік тому

      @@BritSpit Thanks

  • @markcook3570
    @markcook3570 Рік тому

    As a TR-250 owner Spitfires are kool....

  • @masheldon
    @masheldon 9 місяців тому

    The Spitfire is beautiful and fun! If you don't need anything else, they're great!

  • @locomotox1
    @locomotox1 Рік тому +1

    where did u get the spitfire plane logo on the boot ???

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      I 3D printed it, then cast in resin. If you want one i still have the mold?

    • @charlesbandini6650
      @charlesbandini6650 5 місяців тому

      You should sell them.

  • @christianlibertarian5488
    @christianlibertarian5488 Рік тому

    Yesterday I compared my 1979 Spitfire to my 2019 Pacifica mini-van. The minivan has more power, accelerates faster, is quieter, can carry 7 passengers, can tow a trailer, has Bluetooth, navigation, 10 speaker stereo, and gets better gas mileage. So why do I prefer the Spitfire? Because every time I buy gasoline, somebody will make a comment about how cool my little car is.
    Nobody ever makes a comment about my minivan.

  • @dennisking1555
    @dennisking1555 6 місяців тому

    Canley classic,beautiful

  • @robinburn4974
    @robinburn4974 Рік тому

    Yes buy one , you drive with a smile on your face, always

  • @user-uu9ju5ex8u
    @user-uu9ju5ex8u Рік тому

    The single most important reason for buying any vehicle which doesn't need tax or MOT, is there is no need for tiresome and often expensive structural repair work, to obtain an MOT pass.
    That of course is what drives the increasing levels of interest in things like T2 VW vans, the majority of which are well beyond economical repair, if there was any need to pass an MOT.
    This leads to buying any vehicle, which does not need an MOT, being a nightmare, as chassis repairs with fibreglass and underseal, are very common, and tarted up rotten wrecks, with shiny paintwork, are now probably the norm, rather than exceptions.
    Best to avoid this type of thing completely, unless you are buying a project to restore, are an expert on vehicles, without MOTs, or are happy to pay someone who is to carry out a proper inspection.

  • @johnnywilson8715
    @johnnywilson8715 Рік тому

    I’ve had four spitfires and I still cry about selling my 69 Mark three Italian design most beautiful thing find his girl to drive and easier to fix than a lawnmower now I have a 75 1500 like it but not as Much is my 69

  • @LordRidler
    @LordRidler 3 місяці тому

    Yes

  • @michaelstoliker971
    @michaelstoliker971 Рік тому +1

    Too late, I've already got one.

  • @charlesbandini6650
    @charlesbandini6650 5 місяців тому

    Absolutely ...i have a 77 spit...0 rust....

  • @North49191
    @North49191 Рік тому +1

    Anyone who thinks you always get your money back from selling a classic car is fooling themselves.

  • @nickyalousakis3851
    @nickyalousakis3851 2 роки тому

    and it fits in your garage. ha.

  • @herrunsinn774
    @herrunsinn774 11 місяців тому

    You don't get a lot of "extras" with these cars, such as a working electrical system. 😅🤣😂

  • @michaellacroix8029
    @michaellacroix8029 10 місяців тому

    I've owned my 72 triumph spitfire since 1997, 26 years good God time goes still love my little sports car

  • @jmarlow2153
    @jmarlow2153 3 місяці тому +1

    Why did you park the car in your closet?

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  3 місяці тому

      I did the complete restoration in there

  • @jpcme2002
    @jpcme2002 3 місяці тому

    4 years rebulding mine... I will never get my money (working hours) back but I don´t care it was a big lesson learn, rebuilding this spit was acknowledg a bit of car history - ua-cam.com/video/gfX-tX69zww/v-deo.html - thanks for your videos, keep the good work!!!

  • @flybobbie1449
    @flybobbie1449 2 роки тому +1

    Wanted Spitfire as first car in the 80's, never happened they all seem rust buckets, so bought TR7.........don't laugh.

    • @flybobbie1449
      @flybobbie1449 2 роки тому +1

      Beauty of cars like these, can be kept in a garage for summer, they actually fit in British home garages..

  • @yodaddamilkman8422
    @yodaddamilkman8422 Рік тому +1

    Your prices are way off

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      Too cheap or expensive?

    • @yodaddamilkman8422
      @yodaddamilkman8422 Рік тому +1

      @@BritSpit Too cheap. Maybe you’re right about the prices there in the UK. I was just shopping for a spit here in the EU( Germany, Holland, Belgium).

    • @BritSpit
      @BritSpit  Рік тому

      @@yodaddamilkman8422 i suppose they're always going up in value. Lots of unfinished projects here in the UK but not many finished cars

    • @coreypearson8912
      @coreypearson8912 Рік тому

      Have a 78 spitfire 1500 that is a frame up restoration. Driving in Canada with its size compared to all the trucks and SUV's leaves you a bit exposed. Shoulder checking and seeing the running boards of a pickup makes you realize that they will not see you at all in a shoulder check. Despite this hazard... is a blast to drive and easy to work on

  • @gianlucacoffeegianespresso2959

    Nooooo

  • @chrisgolia9940
    @chrisgolia9940 10 місяців тому

    No no you shouldn't buy a Miata