Triumph Spitfire 1962–1964 car dimensions: 3685 mm long, 1450 mm wide and 1205 mm high. Unladen weight is 710 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 190 litres.
The two-seat cockpit is simple and open with body-colour painted metal on the dash and doors. Bucket-style seats in vinyl come in black, red or blue with white piping and slide plus tip forward. Instruments sit centrally with speedometer, tachometer, fuel and water temperature gauges. Wind-up windows, exterior door handles and locks, windscreen washers and an adjustable steering column are fitted. A heater-demister is optional only. No electronic driver aids appear in the equipment.
The rear boot holds 190 litres. It is lined in rubber and takes the spare wheel plus jack, leaving modest room for soft bags.
Payload is listed at 190 kg. A competition rear spring is available as a special-order option. No towing capacities are published for this generation.
The cockpit is a place for spacious living with deeply upholstered bucket seats that cushion in luxury and slide for adjustment. Winding windows and door handles come standard. An adjustable steering column is fitted. The heater is an optional extra. Rubber mats cover the floor with no carpets. A simple painted metal dash holds the gauges and an ashtray. Soft top or optional hardtop covers the open roadster cabin.
Petrol engine with twin SU carburettors
Average fuel consumption 31 mpg
Fuel tank capacity 8.75 Imp gallons
Front disc brakes and rear drums standard
Steering column arranged to telescope in a crash
Service every 3000 miles or annually
The car runs on petrol fed by twin SU carburettors from a tank of 8.75 Imp gallons capacity. Period tests list average fuel use at 31 mpg with a range supporting typical sports car outings.
Servicing follows a 3000-mile or annual schedule covering oil and filter changes, carburettor checks, valve clearances, and lubrication of suspension points. The one-piece front bonnet hinges forward for full access to the engine and front suspension, making routine work straightforward.
Safety equipment includes front disc brakes with rear drums, rack-and-pinion steering, and a steering column that telescopes in a crash. Seat belts were optional with mounting points available. All-independent suspension aids control though the rear swing axles need care in hard cornering.
Keeping the car involves regular fluid checks for the engine, gearbox and axle plus attention to the soft top and body seams. The separate backbone chassis and bolt-on body simplify repairs and part sourcing remains good for this generation.
Length 3685 mm, Width 1450 mm, Height 1205 mm, Wheelbase 2110 mm (Spitfire 1962–1964)
Sources: manufacturer data, Official Triumph workshop manual, Wikipedia/encycarpedia/spitfire.ch/conceptcarz.