Lot 282: 1974 Triumph Spitfire at the Mathewsons December 2026 auction

What to check on any Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1980)

• The body is steel and largely single-skin, bolted to the chassis.
• The engine is robust and often reaches 100,000 miles. The key check is crankshaft end float: have someone press the clutch while you watch the front pulley.
• Listen with the engine idling in neutral for layshaft rumble that disappears when the clutch is pressed.
• The front trunnions are the classic weakness. They need EP90 oil pumped in about every six months; if neglected or packed with grease they wear, seize and can snap the kingpin.
• Electrical faults are usually poor earths or failed cheap components, and parts are easy to find.
• Check the chassis and engine numbers against the V5C and against the model claimed.

Full Triumph Spitfire (1962 to 1980) buyer's guide →

Checks for this car

• Check the chassis outriggers and sills.
• Check the bottom end of the 1500 engine.
• Confirm the year; the listing says the first owner had it from 1975.