Registration - OLH 377E Chassis No. - FD4045 M.O.T. - August 2022 Odometer - 75,593 This very pretty Spitfire was first registered in April 1967 and is therefore an early MKIII example. It was apparently lovingly restored by the previous owner, a retired motor engineer, between 2015 and 2017 for his personal enjoyment, but a house move left him without a garage - hence its sale to the vendor. It is understood the body was stripped back to bare metal and repainted in the current Signal Red, and the chassis cleaned and re-blacked. The engine was dismantled and generally refurbished, the cylinder head and block machined, the crankshaft reground, and everything reassembled with fresh gaskets and seals. The remainder of the Triumph was then rebuilt using restored or new components as required, during which the interior was treated to new black upholstery and carpets, and a wood-rim steering wheel. The vendor now grades the bodywork, paintwork, interior, 1296cc engine and four-speed manual transmission as ‘good’, and the painted wire wheels as being in ‘beautiful condition’. ‘OLH 377E has remained in a private collection since 2017 and is now offered at a registered 75,593 miles from new, complete with a new MOT valid for 12 months. The prototype Spitfire was produced by Standard Triumph in 1957. It was based on a modified Herald chassis clothed in a swooping two-seater body penned by Giovanni Michelotti. Unlike the rival Austin-Healey Sprite, it featured wind-up windows; also a single-piece front end that folded forward to provide optimum access the engine bay. There was much support for the car, however production was initially impossible due to Standard Triumph’s dire financial situation. Indeed, it was eventually delayed until 1962, by which time the company had been taken over by Leyland. In summary: • Comprehensively restored just four years ago • Part of a private collection since 2017 • Comes with fresh 12 months’ MOT
Classic Cars
