CHASING CARS
ASKING £13,750 PRICE
ENGINE 1296cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 75bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 80lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 95mph 0-60MPH 13.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-sp man + o/d MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 79,681 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
With plenty of choke, the 1300 Triumph engine announces itself rather more audibly than expected. This one has a twin-pipe back box in place of the standard transverse silencer and mono-pipe, but its soundtrack suits the bright yellow visuals. Progressive bite on the clutch and slightly notchy selection of ratios are correct for the MkIV. It pulls strongly through the gears, with no hesitation or flat spotting; both of which would be obvious on even moderately out-of-balance SUs. There are no noises from the suspension, braking is progressive and the steering heavy-ish but feelsome.
BODYWORK CHECK
The condition of the paintwork is first-class, likewise all the chrome, save for some minor tarnishing on one end of the rear bumper, which the vendor will fix prior to sale. Panel fit is excellent, all glass and lights are great, and the windscreen rubber is new. The soft top is also new, the shut lines are probably better than new, and it’s clear the car has hardly turned a wheel since the restoration was completed.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior has been re-trimmed to a very high standard and although spotless, the door cards look original – the door top cappings certainly are. While re-carpeting was obviously required, the steering wheel and gear knob have both been left alone. All just right. The facia wood is original too and all the switchgear and instrumentation, which works perfectly, show just the right amount of patina. The seats themselves look like later Spitfire 1500 items (the centre armrest and shorter handbrake lever certainly are) and give the car a more modern, if not strictly original, feel. A l
