Due to the placement of the engine, there was ample room in the cockpit for the passengers. Good tires. Water in the sills: also take a look at the leading edge of each sill; theres a good chance of holes here. Needing a low-priced sports car of its own to compete, Triumph turned to the rather lackluster small Herald sedan as potential small sports car underpinnings. values them at just under $12,400 for a concours condition car. There was a feel of enthusiastic amateurs about Triumph in the 1950s, as keen young men such as Harry Webster and Giovanni Michelotti followed the make do and mend wartime philosophy to save the beleaguered firm. In 1970, the rear suspension was decambered, by incorporating what Triumph called a "swing spring". A revised hardtop also became available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen. Steering: the rack-and-pinion steering is unlikely to have any problems, as it isnt under much strain, despite the Spitfires fabulously tight turning circle. The good news though is that its easy to spot a duffer from 100 paces, so buy with your eyes open and get set for some cheap fun. Are you looking to buy your dream classic car? 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2022 Ram 1500; Mechanicals derived from the Herald saloon/sedan, with the notable addition of front disc brakes. The MkIV had been rebuilt; Ive done 45,000 miles in it over the years its my general hack in the summer and it has been extremely reliable. If the top of the wheel has disappeared above the wheelarch, the spring needs to be renewed. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Values - J.D. Power - NADAguides 1962 OctSpitfire 4 launched (45,753 made), 1964 Feboptional wires and Hardtop added, also tuning kits giving 70-90bhp, with eight-port cylinder head and twin Weber carbs, 1964 MarSpitfire MkII (37,408 made) replaces 4; carpets, vinyl-trimmed dash, 67bhp, tubular exhaust manifold; 0-60mph 14 secs, 94mph, 1967 MarSpitfire MkIII (65,320 made); 9in higher front bumper, one-piece hood, wood centre dash panel, bigger brake calipers, 1296cc eight-port four, 1969 Alloy-spoke steering wheel, black plastic grille, 41/2in wheels replace 31/2in, new rear lights, 1970 OctSpitfire MkIV (70,021 made); all-synchro gearbox, alternator, higher final-drive ratio, 1974 Dec1500 (95,829 made); stronger, single-rail gearbox, diff ratio raised again, 1979 Jandual-circuit brakes, 5in wheel rims. Pop-up headlights were proposed but never made it into production due to the expense of producing them. The Mark III, introduced in March 1967, was the first major facelift to the Spitfire. The same goes for the rest of the front suspension; there are all sorts of potential weak spots but theyre all quickly and cheaply fixed. In the UK the 9:1 compression ratio, less restrictive emissions control equipment, and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models,[1] led to the most powerful variant to date. Many know the company either for its popular TR series, which was built throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, or for its early days as a motorcycle manufacturer, which led to the establishment of the separate Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd. (since revived as Triumph Motorcycles). Classic Triumph Spitfire for Sale on ClassicCars.com 1973 Triumph Spitfire. Assembled at Canley in August 1980 shortly before the factory closed, the last Spitfire was an Inca Yellow UK-model including the factory hardtop and overdrive options. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. [10], The 1968 model featured dual system (aka tandem) brakes with a brake failure warning device. Good product. The American market Spitfire 1500 is identified by large plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings/fenders. In 1962, the British company Triumph introduced a two-seater sports car named the Spitfire. With the overall weight also increasing to 1,717lb (779kg) performance dropped, with 0 to 60mph (0 to 97km/h) now in 15.8 seconds and top speed reduced to 90mph (140km/h). [1] The coil-spring design clutch of the Mark I was replaced with a Borg & Beck diaphragm spring clutch; North American models retained the coil-spring housing and were also equipped with ACDelco distributors. A folding hood replaced the earlier, more complicated design. 1975 Triumph Spitfire 45,504 mi $ 13,950 or $230/mo 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed manual gear box. Its been repainted with new upholstery, new. 4 cyl., 79.10 CID., 58.00hp $2,650 - $2,650 If you don't win, your existing pre-authorization will be released. While British cars of the '60s (and other periods) have a reputation for failing to hold up. 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Value & Price Guide - antiquetrip.com Power is supplied by a non-original 1500cc engine that had the standard Zenith Stromberg carburetors replaced with a single Weber DGV downdraft unit. Later American-spec models are even more hampered, with 5mph bumpers, extra rear outriggers and a single carb; the speedo only goes up to 80mph. All Spitfires are attractive, inexpensive to maintain, easy to find parts for and offer a great deal of fun for the money. The vehicle was based on a design produced for Standard-Triumph in 1957 by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. Triumph 1973 Triumph Spitfire History Gallery Recalls Valuation Mk 4 (1971 - 1974) 1971 1972 1973 These are standard specifications - not necessarily specifications for the vehicle (s) in the photo (s). All except bespoke car builders had moved to monocoques, yet Standard-Triumph made a virtue out of the separate chassis, basing numerous variants on the same design and trumpeting benefits such as strength, safety and turning circle. The Mk. [1] Fuel economy was reduced to 29mpg.[1]. The mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of the sleek lines of a Lamborghini Miura. Triumph Spitfire years | Hagerty Valuation Tools Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production. 1973 Triumph Spitfire This is a cosmetically freshened 1973 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that has been a rust-free California and Arizona car since new. . Then take a look at thesepotential future classics Not every car manufacturer will survive the Chinese revolution, BYD overtaking VW in China signals a tectonic shift in the global car industry. Beware 2-litre conversions unless based entirely on a GT6 chassis Spitfire running gear cant handle the weight and power. Check the steering for knocks rack wear is common but usually just a nylon button at one end. If you would like to discuss your Hagerty Insurance policy, please call us at 877-922-9701. Most relevant reviews. The wheel arches were flared, which gave it a more aggressive stance. Fair Market Value Insurance - Resale KBB - List Price MSRP - NADA Private Sale The Mk II sold for GBP 550 when new in 1965, the equivalent today of almost GBP 11,000 or a hair under $15,000. For more info, read about our auctions or email us with any questions. Thrust washers: a problem that affects the 1296cc engine all too often is worn thrust washers, given away by excessive fore-aft movement of the crankshaft. Electronics: although theres a good chance that some sort of electrical problem will be present, its usually only down to poor earths or the failure of some cheap-to-replace component. Distributor and camshaft wear take the edge off performance. 1973 Triumph Prices, Values & Pictures - J.D. Crash damage: accident damage is also a strong possibility, as these cars often appeal to inexperienced drivers after some cheap fun. CAR SPECIFICATIONS - TRIUMPH SPITFIRE MK IV 1971-1974 . The Spitfire used a shortened Herald chassis, with many outriggers cut off and stiffening built into the sills instead to give it a low floor. The car was a popular option for drivers seeking an affordable but fun roadster, and the model stayed on the market for the better part of two decades. Horsepower was increased thanks to engine tuning, a redesigned camshaft, and new intake and exhaust manifolds. Values Reference Profiles Exotics Order MENU 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 4cyl 1493cc (57hp SAE) 4M #4 #3 #2 #1: 1500 Roadster : 3700: 7800: 13200: 20000: Add: Overdrive: 5%: Wire wheels : 5%: Profile Condition Truck Table. . Buy wisely and you should enjoy many years together. Taking a cue from the Sprite's downsizing of an existing model Austin, the Triumph Spitfire was developed from the Triumph Herald sedan, shortening the chassis and redesigning the body for a sportier look. Theoriginal soft top and frame require restoration and are not currently fitted, though they are included in the sale. The gearbox gained syncromesh on its bottom gear. This 1973 Triumph Spitfire has been with the seller for two years and is in driver condition with 73k miles. [1] Top speed was claimed to be 96mph (154km/h) and its 060mph time of 14.8 seconds was considered "lively". Giovanni Michelotti, Triumphs favorite Italian designer came up with a design for the Herald chassis that unlike the Sprite and Midget, was truly beautiful. Interior changes included a steering column mounted ignition switch, a key-in-ignition warning buzzer, driver's side under-dash courtesy lamp and a new black spoked steering wheel. Anti-roll bar: the anti-roll bar links can also break, but at just 8 each thats nothing to worry about. External door locks and roll-up side windows were pleasant upgrades from what could be expected on similar cars like the Bugeye Sprite, though, and the driving experience offered by the Spitfire was by no means an unpleasant one. 1965 saw the introduction of the Spitfire Mk II. With an experienced team and a lot of data. 3rd owner. Named after the famed Battle of Britain fighter plane, the early Spitfires beauty was, however, largely skin deep. Triumph GT6 -Ultimate Review for Car Enthusiasts - Sports Car Digest Reconnected! Water will get in, wreaking havoc throughout the sill. We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Theres not much difference in values between the various Spitfire incarnations; the later cars are more usable but the earlier ones offer greater design purity. Boosted to 903cc for 70, the rear-engined, Bertone-styled soft-top was only built in LHD. [1], For 1964 an overdrive became optional to the four-speed manual gearbox. Four-cylinder engine is simple, reliable and incredibly easy to work on. The Hagerty classic car valuation tool is designed to help you learn how to value your classic car and assess the current state of the classic car market. These are among the easiest cars to rebuild at home, but buying a restored one is more cost-effective. The Spitfire's introduction was delayed by its company's financial troubles in the early 1960's and was subsequently announced shortly after Standard Triumph was taken over by Leyland Motors. Listen out for rattling and blue smoke. Trim: similarly, the trim shouldnt pose any problems as most of it is being remanufactured. The Triumph Spitfire has been a card-carrying classic for decades, and values are finally out of banger territory across the range. 1970:The MkIV bring another facelift, plus an all-synchromesh gearbox and more predictable handling thanks to revised rear suspension. However, the two-seater Spitfire convertible was one of Triumph's crowning achievements. Thanks to the Spitfire's striking good looks, Leyland executives approved production without hesitation. Although, Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats. The car is powered by a non-original 1500cc inline-four with a Weber carburetor backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The front bumper was raised in response to new crash regulations, and the front coil springs were slightly raised. 1973 Triumph Spitfire Race Car - CLASSIC.COM Always raise the top before your test drive it will help you to hear noises from the drivetrain (especially the differential) and to assess the fit of the hood. Please Visit Our Sponsors : Home Current Collector Car Value | 1973 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Prices Imperfections are said to be limited to a dent in the passenger side front fender and a scratch on the rear fender. One leaf of the suspension "stack" was eliminated and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. The Austin-Healey Sprite had proven there was a demand for small cars with sporty intentions. Even when things sound really bad the rear axle will just keep going, but its obviously something to sort. Beware rampant rust and poor parts supply. Overdrive: many Spitfires have overdrive, which can also give problems. The instrument panel was moved in front of the driver, and new seats were introduced with integrated headrests to help against whiplash. Hagerty | For People Who Love Cars Home Markets Garage In 1970, Michelotti once again turned his attention to the car, cleaning up the front and rear and engineers finally resolved the treacherous swing axles. Triumph Spitfire price guide MkI-III Concours: 12,000 Average: 2850,000 Restoration: 1000 IV-1500 Concours: 9000 Average: 2350 Restoration: 750 An all-monocoque construction derivative of the Spitfire with pop-up headlamps, named the Triumph Fury, was proposed with a single prototype being built. Crankshaft thrust washers are prone to wear get someone to press the clutch while you watch the front pulley to see if it moves; the block gets damaged if movement is excessive. One leaf was eliminated from the stack and only the bottom leaf was attached rigidly to the differential. If you don't win, the pre-authorization will be released. Giovanni Michelotti, Triumphs favorite Italian designer came up with a design for the Herald chassis that unlike the Sprite and Midget, was truly beautiful. Has very good convert, 1975 Triumph Spitfire British Sports Car 4 cylinder 1500cc engine 4 speed manual transmission.Starts, 1980 Triumph Spitfire Originally from Florida 1980 Triumph Spitfire seats gray, have black covers ne, 1975 Triumph spitfire, new top, color matched interior, inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 4 speed, 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. Congratulations! However, youre better off buying one of these or a really good car - rather than something in the middle. If you win the auction, your card will be charged for the service fee and you pay the seller directly for the vehicle. As a result, theyre all equally sought after although the Mk3 is a particular favourite as it has nicer lines than the MkIV and 1500 yet its relatively usable. U.S. pollution and safety regulations began to hit the Spitfire after 1967 with the Mk III heralding revised (and less attractive bumpers) and less horsepower in spite of a displacement increase to nearly 1.3 liters. I was looking for a Midget 12 years ago, admits owner Graham Spall, but I couldnt find a good one, so I looked at a Spitfire and liked what I saw. During the restoration, it received a full body repaint and a suspension rebuild that includednew shocks, springs, control arms, pivots, and a new steering rack. The car was a popular option for drivers seeking an affordable but fun roadster, and the model stayed on the market for the better part of two decades. Classifieds for Classic Triumph Spitfire. The Triumph Spitfire was launched in 1962, and aimed to compete with the Austin-Healey Sprite, but in the same year another rival also surfaced the MGB. Rust: corrosion is the Spitfires main enemy; it can strike in the bodyshell as well as the chassis, and the sills are essential to the cars strength. The lumbering luxury of American automobiles of the late '50s is perfectly expressed in, the wide, tail fin sporting design of the Buick Invicta, Unfortunately, the Spitfire fell victim to Triumph's existing financial troubles. The "Spitfire 4" name indicated the possibility of the appearance of a six-cylinder version. (The less powerful North American version continued to use a single Zenith Stromberg carburetor and an 8.5:1 compression ratio) due to the German DIN system; the output was the same for the early Mark IV. The older saloon's drum brakes were replaced upfront with discs, and the body was made stiffer to aid in performance around the corners. Crankshaft wear: the 1493cc engine fitted to the Spitfire 1500 has problems of its own, as the crankshaft can wear badly, along with the pistons and rings. All Spitfires should have adequate braking for modern traffic; if not, allow for a rebuild. Worn universal joints are given away by clonks as the drive is taken up when moving off in forward or reverse. Their high production numbers also mean that examples are relatively simple to locate. 1- family owned, and 25,000 original miles per previous owner. Here's How Much A Classic Triumph Spitfire Is Worth Today - HotCars However, if the panel fit is all over the place at the front, theres a good chance the front chassis rail, to which the valance attaches, has been knocked out of true. [1] Fuel economy was 32mpgimp (8.8L/100km; 26.6mpgUS).[1]. The seller notes that the energy absorbing bumper covers were removed when the car was painted. Additional exterior changes introduced included a zip up rear window, black radiator grille and a black (vs body coloured) windscreen surround. Under the bonnet, some markets had the twin SU carburettors replaced with a single Zenith-Stromberg carburettor.[12]. The twin SU carburettors now included overrun valves in the throttle discs and anti-tampering features on carburettor fuel-air mixture nuts.[11]. The two small bumpers found on the previous Spitfires were replaced with a single-piece unit. Itis sold with a factory hardtop and a clear California title. It sold well in the US, where it was cheaper than a Midget; some have been imported to the UK. 1973 Triumph Stag Price $19,000 1975 Triumph Stag Price $36,981 1974 Triumph Stag Price $21,912 The Spitfire used mechanicals from the Herald saloon/sedan. Top speed crept closer to 100 mph, and acceleration was significantly improved, the 0 to 60 time dropping by almost two seconds. Engines: the 1147cc and 1296cc engines are very durable, but all Spitfire engines must have the correct oil filter fitted if theyre not to expire prematurely. Restored-Original. The easiest way to check this is to push and pull on the front pulley; any detectable movement means possible disaster as the crankshaft and block could ultimately be wrecked. Rot: there are plenty more rot spots to inspect too: the rear quarter panels, door bottoms, boot floor and the windscreen frame can all corrode badly. RELATED:This Is How Much A Ferrari F40 Is Worth Today. This fun and proper sports car has enjoyed 95,000 original miles. With a focus on the economy, the Spitfire's trim options were not extravagant. Your best bet is to feel for play by getting underneath. *Please note: All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in, Membership by Hagerty Drivers Club (HDC), a non-insurance subsidiary of The Hagerty Group, LLC. In SU twin-carburettor form, the engine put out a claimed 75bhp (56kW) at 6,000 rpm, and 75lbft (102Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm, and made the Mark III a comparatively quick car by the standards of the day. We did the Lige-Brescia-Lige rally in it last year. Triumph Classic Car - TR 6: Blue Book Value There are plenty of project Spitfires about, but if you want to restore the car properly, even at home, youll be doing well to break even if you buy something that needs a complete overhaul. The images shown are representations of the 1973 Triumph Spitfire and not necessarily vehicles that have been bought or sold at auction. Optional overdrive was a big plus over Spridgets. The remaining leaves were mounted to pivot freely eliminating the worst characteristics of the original swing-axle. Used Triumph convertibles for sale in Dover-Foxcroft, ME DAA Industry Opt Out Assess the box for worn synchros and a noisy layshaft, heard at tickover in neutral; dip the clutch to see if the noise stops. Our Value Guide is constantly growing with pricing information, mar. , a concours condition example, today will fetch about $16,500, as will the similar Mk Is and IIIs. Triumph wanted a piece of this market and felt they could produce a better automobile than the Sprite. Detail improvements continued to be made throughout the 1500's production run, including reclining seats with "chequered brushed nylon centre panels" and head restraints, introduced for domestic market cars early in 1977 along with a new set of column stalk operated minor controls (as fitted already in the TR7) replacing the old dashboard mounted knobs and switches. Panelfit is a good guide to the quality of restoration and likelihood of problems: dont be taken in by shiny paint alone. This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION; Vin Plate : Vehicle Number Location: Adjacent to the left hand door striker plate. Needing a low-priced sports car of its own to compete, Triumph turned to the rather lackluster small Herald sedan as potential small sports car underpinnings. (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). While British cars of the '60s (and other periods) have a reputation for failing to hold up, the Spitfire's success went unhampered by such issues. The luggage space behind the seats and in the trunk was sufficient. Simple and reasonably comfortable, especially in reclining form (from 73), Spitfire seats get scruffy but are not that costly to restore and re-cover. The Herald's rack and pinion steering and coil-and-wishbone front suspension carried over, having derived from systems used by the former Alford & Alder company that had been acquired by Standard-Triumph in 1959. However, none of these cars are really fast and none will ever provide the lan of an Elan, but then youre not paying Lotus prices either. Thankfully, after Leyland Motors acquired triumph, Michelotti's design was rediscovered. The interior was revised to include a full-width dashboard, with instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console, initially finished in black plastic and then from 1973 finished in wood. We also offer classic motorcycle values and classic truck values. A heater and seat belts were now standard equipment. Find out how much a 1973 Triumph Spitfire is worth and Triumph Spitfire used car prices. Current value for 1975 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE collector cars. However, theres a good chance that something else will be fitted, such as an engine starting G (Herald), D (Dolomite) or Y (1500 saloon). Classic & Sports Car values them at just under $12,400 for a concours condition car. [13] The notable exception to this was the 1976 model year, where the compression ratio was raised to 9.1:1. Here is a great example of a 1970 Triumph Spitfire convertible. 1977:The interior receives minor fettling for greater comfort. The 1500 Spitfire now produced 71hp (DIN) at 5,500 rpm, and produced 82lbft (111Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The Triumph GT6 is a 6-cylinder fastback version of the Spitfire, styled by the Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, and produced over 7 years from 1966 to 1973. $24,997 Dealership CC-1714967 1978 Triumph Spitfire $9,995 Dealership CC-1708132 Awards & Ratings; Reviews; Cars for Sale; Sell My Car; Business; Used 1973 Triumph Spitfire Values. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love. Lower trunnions need regular lubrication with heavy oil they will seize and snap the kingpin if neglected or if grease dries and goes hard inside. An aftermarket stereo and wood-rimmed Momo steering wheel have been fitted. 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Original 1500cc Engine in Excellent Running Condition. 1973 Triumph Spitfire | Project Cars | Classic Motorsports Images are general in nature and may not reflect the specific vehicle selected. 1973: Triumph: Spitfire: Base: 1.5L 1493CC 91Cu. Look for signs of overheating: recore the radiator every 10 years and youll have no problems. The mere mention of the early days of the European supercar conjures thoughts of, . Youre going to struggle to find anything that offers the same amount of fun as the Spitfire, if youre on a seriously tight budget, but such low values are a double-edged sword because theres a lot of rubbish available as a result. In 1973, new emission controls saw the Spitfires performance reduced with a top speed of 90 mph. While the Mk IV's speed suffered from new American emissions regulations, it did feature a notable revision to the car's rear suspension, which remedied the oversteer common in earlier models. I hope you enjoy these videos of me working on and playing with or driving my Triumph Spitfire . A new quieter exhaust gave a sweet distinct note and reduced cabin noise. MkIV Spitfires are especially prone to these problems; listen for rumbling from the bottom end as the engine ticks over. #1 Concours condition #2 Excellent condition #3 Good condition #4 Fair condition Let us watch the market for you 82% Relevance. When you think of classic cars, certain images come to mind; certain associations that are too strong to be avoided. 4 Speed Manual Tra, 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible Why This Car Is Special The 1977 Triumph Spitfire Convertible is a, Gateway Classic Cars of Indianapolis is proud to offer this 1975 Triumph Spitfire 1500. Overdrive is a highly desirable extra; if not fitted, budget to convert. There were three different engines fitted throughout the life of the Spitfire, with each one also fitted to other models in the Triumph range. The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such received rather basic trim by today's standards, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. When you bid we pre-authorize your credit card for the service fee (this helps prevent fraud). Find your next car in our classifieds the classic of your dreams could be just a click away (l-r) Neat Hardtop featured bolted-on steel roof and no hood; Spits did well on rallies and circuits, here at Le Mans in 64, The Spitfires four-cylinder engine will do around 100,000 miles between rebuilds, if well maintained, Owner Graham Spalls MkIV has been extremely reliable, Fiat 850 Spider (left) and MG Midget are alternative buys, Rare Frua-bodied Maserati to make UK debut, The Amsterdam Job: the story of an epic classic Mini advert, C&SC presents Ferrari Legends is out now, Homologation specials join London Concours line-up. This extra clean Spitfire is rust free and has a comprehensive frame on restoration. 1973:A 1500 edition makes its entrance, for the US market only. Although in this final incarnation the engine was rather rough and more prone to failure than the earlier units, torque was greatly increased by increasing the cylinder stroke to 87.5mm (3.44in), which made it much more drivable in traffic.[1]. The final variant arrived in 1973 with the insertion of the 1500cc unit from the MG Midget appropriately named the Spitfire 1500. The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized This variant was dubbed the Mk IV. Protect your 1973 Triumph Spitfire from the unexpected. In March 1965 the Spitfire Mark II launched with a retuned engine, featuring a revised camshaft profile, water-heated intake manifold, and tubular exhaust manifold, increasing power to 67bhp (50kW) at 6,000 rpm. You're the high bidder. Triumph 1973 Toledo 1500 - discontinued in October 1500 TC - new model in October Dolomite 2000 / 2.5PI Mk II Spitfire Mk IV GT6 Mk 3 - discontinued TR6 Stag Great Britain . If a car has been badly restored, with the shell twisted in the process, the door wont be flush all the way down and neither will the shut lines be even. The rubber steering rack mounts can also perish, usually after theyve been marinaded in leaked engine oil. The Triumph Spitfire is a British sports car and manufactured over five production iterations between 1962-1980. Although Giovanni Michelotti, the Italian designer who had also worked on everything from the Herald to Ferraris to BMWs to Fiats, had already created a prototype of the Spitfire, it was delayed and eventually shelved indefinitely. III's final production year (1970) included an integrated rear reverse and license plate lamp, side lamps at the front and rear and new badging. The model was named after the famed Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane of World War II.[7].