test driving a Spitfire
Discussion
I keep seeing a Spitfire all the time and can't take it anymore, so I'm going to go test drive it. Not sure what model it is, but it looks similar to AJLintern's: 
I've never driven a British car before or one like this at all, so anything I should keep in mind, or look out for?
>>> Edited by goo-goo-gjoob on Monday 6th September 16:23
I've never driven a British car before or one like this at all, so anything I should keep in mind, or look out for?
>>> Edited by goo-goo-gjoob on Monday 6th September 16:23
This is a Mark four model, produced from around 1971/2 onwards....
I owned a Pimento Red new one from 73-6, did 36,000 with no trouble whatsoever....
Excellent cheap little sports car, although by now there are very few examples around that are not riddled with rust,,,(seperate chassis) so BE CAREFUL.
BUT, if you can find a good one parts are plentiful and fairly cheap......
I owned a Pimento Red new one from 73-6, did 36,000 with no trouble whatsoever....
Excellent cheap little sports car, although by now there are very few examples around that are not riddled with rust,,,(seperate chassis) so BE CAREFUL.
BUT, if you can find a good one parts are plentiful and fairly cheap......
Those were the pics from Ebay - you can see why I bought it without even going to look at it first! 
Well the first thing that took me by suprise were the pedals - offset to the right (or left in a LHD car!), you soon get used to that though. Also the clutch needed to be pressed down further than you might expect to avoid grinding the gears, but again you get used to this. The brakes however were a little disconcerting, no servo means you have to push pretty hard to have much effect. Though I adjusted the rear brakes yesterday so they might be better now...
Overall though it's a fun little car which goes pretty well and is enjoyable to drive - I can't wait to get it back on the road (failed it's MOT
).
They are easy to work on too as the whole front end tilts forwards giving excellent access to the engine and front suspension
Well the first thing that took me by suprise were the pedals - offset to the right (or left in a LHD car!), you soon get used to that though. Also the clutch needed to be pressed down further than you might expect to avoid grinding the gears, but again you get used to this. The brakes however were a little disconcerting, no servo means you have to push pretty hard to have much effect. Though I adjusted the rear brakes yesterday so they might be better now...
Overall though it's a fun little car which goes pretty well and is enjoyable to drive - I can't wait to get it back on the road (failed it's MOT
). They are easy to work on too as the whole front end tilts forwards giving excellent access to the engine and front suspension
Yep, as all have said, watch for rust! Everything else is easy and cheap. They have the best engine access of any car ever built! Open the bonnet and sit on a wheel! They are very reliable as long as they have some maintenance, it is all basic stuff though so its easy to look after one. Overdrive is nice to have but dont reject a good car just because it doesnt have it.
A short guide to buying a spitfire, or any Triumph, here: http://www.tssc.org.uk/index.php?option=com_docman...
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