Triumph - Triumph Spitfire
The Triumph Spitfire sportscar was based on a shortened version of the Triumph Herald backbone chassis which was clothed with a Michelotti body design, along with the engine being fitted with higher compression pistons and twin carburettors for its 1147cc engine. Triumphs Spitfire had been in prototype form under the Standard-Triumph company, yet it was not until Triumph became part of the Leyland group that there were sufficient funds available to get the Spitfire to production. The Triumph Spitfire range was continually uprated from when it became available in 1962 until production ceased in 1980. Originally the Spitfire had the 1147cc engine while the Spitfire Mk.2 introduced in 1964 had a revised cam and other changes to further increase the power. Next change was in 1967 with the Spitfire Mk.3 that now had the larger capacity 1296cc bigger bore engine. The Mk3 looked different because it was raised up considerably and then the front bumper was also raised higher up the body, all this so the Spitfire could conform to US regulations, along with a Kamm type tail. These later Spitfires also had a folding hood, and other refinements such as veneered dashboards, all synchromesh gearbox, higher differential ratio and improved rear suspension. For 1970 the Spitfire Mk.4 changed shape with it's boot looking more like the Triumph Stag, and for this there was also some further redesign on the rear suspension to try and eliminate the worst effects of the swing axle design. Finally in 1974 came the Triumph Spitfire 1500 which was produced in to 1980. This was the most powerful Triumph Spitfire to date, even in the new world of emission control, with yet more development work being done on the rear suspension which improved things enormously.
Triumph Spitfire tyre size was originally 5.20x13 fitted to a 3.5" wheel, with a wider 4.5"J optional wheel. The radial tyre size equivalent is the 145R13 size, which was in any case later fitted by the Triumph factory as standard as radial tyre fitment became more popular. By 1974 the Spitfire Mk4 was fitted at the factory with the 145R13 from new. Blockley produce an excellent full diameter "80 profile" steel belted period correct looking 145R13 tyre - see full details below. For the last 2 years of Triumph Spitfire 1500 production the 175/70R13 size was also used, so for those that have the wider wheels fitted we also produce the high quality Blockley 175/70VR13 tyre. Our Blockley tyres are guaranteed to transform the ride and handling of your car, or your money back! See full details of these Triumph Spitfire tyre options below:
