Triumph Spitfire MK IV
ELISABETTA
Year of production: 1973
Engine: 1295 c.c.
Power: 75 hp / 5.500 rpm
Transmission: 4 gears + reverse gear
2 seats
This charming English Spider, produced by Triumph Factory in its various forms from 1962 to 1980, was created by the inspiration of the eclectic Turin designer, Giovanni Michelotti. The name of the car, which embodies the essence of British sports convertibles, honours the glorious single-seat fighter Supermarine Spifire, flown in World War II by the pilots of the Royal Air Force.
This two-seater, uncompromising and extremely basic car design, the "Spit", as we call her, is a car made for travelling en plein air, enjoying the landscapes, while listening to the low rumble of its brilliant 4-cylinder engine, powered by two SU carburetors.
Our Spider is the MK IV model, with a production run of 70,021 units produced between 1970 to 1974. Registered in Genoa in October 1973, she has spent much of her life enjoying the warmth and the views of the Ligurian Riviera. After being the subject of a careful restoration and having spent the last year at rest, coming out only for Historical meetings and rambles, this iconic car has been selected by Vintage Driving to return to active life.
Practical advice
The Spit is a sporty roadster, with basic comfort, made for a sensitive and experienced drive, travelling seated just a few centimeters from the ground; pedals and steering wheel are slightly misaligned with the driver's seat. Consequently, the vehicle requires some athleticism, not only for the driving position, but also to get in and get out the car!
Steering is direct and not servo assisted, maneuvering, especially when the vehicle is standing, is a bit weighty. The clutch pedal requires a moderate pressure when engaging it into gear; the gears require some practice in moderate driving mode to understand their proper use and enjoy its original features.
The car is equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes; the brake pedal must be pressed firmly to achieve the desired effect.
With the seating and cabin space limitations we recommend drivers to be not taller than 180 cm (6 ft) to truly enjoy driving this iconic car.
Luggage advice
The car has a good load capacity, in the rear trunk. Above the spare wheel and safety/emergency equipment, there is enough space for two cabin sized trolley cases or even a piece of hold baggage.
