Last Update: 03-31-2002 06:30pm Eastern Standard Time
1963 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MK1

Picture above taken from original ad for a 1963 Triumph Spitfire, see pictures page

Introduction

Database

Clubs

\spitfire\spitfire.html

 The Michelotti designed Spitfire began life around 1956.  He was asked to design a complimentary designto the current model line-up, and base the car on a Triumph Herald (with a shorter chassis).  However, finances in the company could not be aligned right-away, so the project was put off.  Later BMC gave new life into the project, and the marketing began.  In the extremely short time (18 months) from Go-ahead to Production, The Spitfire 4 emerged from the Heralds roots.  Over the next 8 years, the car was modified and changed only slightly from the original formula.  The engine was enlarged slightly, interior trim was introduced, as well as a removable hardtop. The only major change was the introduction of the GT6 in 1966.  The GT6 was not an originally planned addition, and so some development of the inline 6 cylinder engine had to be done.  The GT6, unlike the Spitfire, had a fixed metal roof, in fastback form.  Getting back to the Spitfire, a major re-style was done in 1970 which became known as the "Square-tail" (previous models are known as the "round tail"). The rear styling matched more closely to the Triumph Stag, and other models.  The front was revised too, with all new sheetmetal, however, the original look is still there.  The 1500 was introduced in 1974 and became the most successful model.  The Spitfire did recieve a Bumper makeover with typical 1980s black rubber bumpers in 1980, which didn't save it from the cut list at Triumph.  

Here are some Specifications:

Model

Manufacture Date

Production Figure

Commission No.

Engine

Gearbox

Differential

Ratio

Spitfire 4 (MK I)

1962-1964

45,573

FC

FC

FC

FC

4.11:1

Spitfire 4 (MK II)

1965-1967

37,409

FC50001-

FC

FC

FC

4.11:1

Spitfire (MKIII)

1968-1970

65,320

FD

FD

FD

FC

4.11:1

Spitfire (MKIV)

1971-1974

70,021

FH

FH

FH

FH

3.89:1

Spitfire 1500

1974-1980

95,829

FH75001

FM

FR

FR

3.63:1

Spitfire 1500 (post Oct. 1979)

Oct. 1979-1980

See above

TFADW1AT(non-overdrive

TFADW5AT (Overdrive)

 

 

 

 

Throughout these pages you will find an assortment of information on the Spitfire.  I also encourage you to visit many of the other Spitfire Pages located in the "Links" page.  If you own a Spitfire, and would like to share pictures and info, feel free to email me (address is on the lower left), and I will happily share webpage space.
Coming in the Future!!! Data/Picture page.  This area of the Spitfire page will mostly be
pictures with VIN numbers, but may include other information, especially as time
moves forward.  

If you'd like to email me, please email me at this address: 
n3prz@qsl.net

 
Spit-(a lot of)-fire