19k Original Miles! 1967 Triumph Spitfire Mark II
In the classic world, low mileage claims without verifying evidence must always be taken at face value. The general condition of some cars makes such statements seem far-fetched, while others appear plausible. That brings us to this 1967 Triumph Spitfire Mark II. Its presentation is extremely impressive, especially considering the claims made by the seller. These include the fact that most of its paint and interior trim are original and that the odometer reading of 19,421 miles is genuine. They are parting with this classic due to a pending relocation, listing the Spitfire here on Craigslist in Fair Oaks, California. They set their price at $19,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this sweet little British survivor.
I have used the term “elegantly simple” in previous articles to describe classic British sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, and I believe the description is accurate. These cars tend to feature tried and true mechanical components from humble backgrounds that have stood the test of time. They are easy to maintain and restore, making them ideal for enthusiasts seeking a hands-on ownership experience. The Spitfire Mark II is no exception, although our feature car isn’t a restoration candidate. The seller states that they believe that most of its Conifer Green paint is original, with evidence of touch-ups to its doors and trunk. If this is true, the shine across the entire vehicle indicates that this gem has been protected and cherished throughout its life. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of significant corrosion or penetrating rust. The seller states that the top and tonneau are both original, and these appear to be in good condition. The trim and glass are spotless, and the wire wheels feature new Coker tires.
The Spitfire’s mechanical components demonstrate how companies sourced drivetrains from existing models to keep production costs and sticker prices low. The 1,147cc four under the hood of this classic started life in the Herald Saloon. The same is true of the four-speed manual transmission and rear end. The engine should produce 67hp and 67 ft/lbs of torque, and while both figures are modest, the curb weight of a mere 1,475 lbs makes these surprisingly lively. They will sprint from 0-60mph in 14 seconds, with the engine running out of breath at 95mph. I admit that those figures won’t threaten many muscle cars from the same era, but that was never the object of the exercise. Triumph designed the Spitfire for relaxed motoring on typical British country lanes, a role this car would fulfill perfectly. The seller states that they recently fitted a new stainless steel exhaust, new shocks, new mounts for the engine and transmission, and a new rear pinion seal. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, but the car’s condition makes it plausible. This British classic runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition that will provide the new owner with immediate enjoyment.
The originality of this Spitfire is said to extend to its interior. The seller admits that the seats recently received new professionally installed foam. Otherwise, everything is as it left the factory. The Black upholstered surfaces are free from wear, with the White piping on the seats providing a classy contrast. There is no significant wear, the carpet is excellent, while the flawless dash features gauges with clear lenses and crisp markings. Everything is said to work as it should, including the factory radio.
If this 1967 Triumph Spitfire Mark II is all that its seller claims, it is an extraordinary find. You will struggle to locate another of this vintage with such a low odometer reading, although I’m sure that they do exist. That brings us to the question of the price, which is at the very top of the market. However, that figure isn’t unprecedented. Values slumped earlier this year, but are recovering quite well. They haven’t reached January’s levels, but they are getting close. Therefore, now could be the ideal time to buy one of these classics if investment is one of your priorities. Of course, any time is the right time to buy one if you crave motoring fun. Are you tempted?
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Comments
Obviously this is one of the rare finds but the question is….. can it ever be driven much anymore? It had passed the point of no return at $19K so it now becomes an investment and a garage pet.. Nothing wrong with that if that is what you are looking for…The Spitfire was a low end driver sportscar when new….. Will it now appreciate more? I don’t think it is that kind of car! You have to want this car and keep it as an investment to pay $19k…. otherwise it will start to tumble into the $4-6K range as the miles increase………..(just my two cents and not necessarily the view of the management!)
I think that can be said about just about any vehicle with super low miles and a resultant premium price. It’s really coll to buy one…. but then it becomes like buying a new car off the dealers lot. It begins depreciating unless you put it under wraps. And what fun is that?
You’re buying the originality and good condition that (usually) comes with low miles. If you choose to drive it, then the additional miles may drive the value down from what it was, but you were paid back in a different way… by getting to drive such a nice car. It all works out in the end if you don’t overthink it, and if retaining premium value isn’t a priority. And if retaining premium value is the priority, then most classic cars aren’t really the best investment for that anyway.
Perhaps “with a grain of salt” should replace “at face value”.
The license plate is clearly not original. I’d want to inspect this very closely before accepting it as a low Mike’s original.
RE the non-original license plate. If the car had been registered in another state when it was new, it wouldn’t have an original California plate.
Boy, sure negative around here the last couple of days…..
bobhess, i think it is SAD-seasonal affect disorder. Winter is coming.
Looks like a great car. Buy it. Drive it. You’ll likely only put a few hundred miles a year on it. Chalk up any depreciation as entertainment expense.
Or you could find another one for half the price and wind up spending valuable time and money in the vain attempt to make it as nice.
Beautiful Spitfire :-)
Except for the color this was the car i drove in High school. My friends drove a 71 spitfire, a 65 Austin Healy Sprite, and a Volvo p1800. We loved those cars.
The J.D.Power Car Values Guide assesses this Triumph at around $22,600 USD based on their “High Retail Price” (Quote: “The vehicle is in excellent condition overall, fully restored or a very well-maintained original showing very minimal wear with no reconditioning needed. It may be considered a ‘matching-numbers’ vehicle”).
Any Triumph Spitfire of this vintage, bought in mediocre or lesser condition, can’t be brought up to this car’s standard for this asking price. Think of the saved time and saved money: No parts searches, no labor hour costs, no parts expenses, and no hustles or disappointments with body shops and mechanics.
It’s basically a turn-key, fun-right-now car. That is worth something.
I agree with all of your points . . . compared to new vehicles today this is a bargain and much more fun to drive.
I’d be in the mix for this if it wasn’t on the left coast. Fun little driver.