Triumph Spitfire, Mk3 Saffron
Having bucked the car industry’s trend towards monocoque construction with their Herald in 1959, creating a small sports car based on its components was a simple and cost effective way for Standard Triumph to earn American dollars with a cheaper companion to their larger 1961 2-litre TR4. The first prototype was produced by Italian stylist, Giovanni Michelotti, at his workshop in Turin in autumn 1960, and was actually built by cutting down a Triumph Herald although the production versions used a bespoke chassis design.
The Spitfire was announced at the 1962 Earls Court Motor Show and would go on, through four distinct updates, to be produced until 1980. A total of 314 332 were made. The Spitfire Mk3 was announced in early 1967 and featured a larger 1296cc engine, which replaced the original 1147cc unit and offered a power increase of 8bhp to 75bhp@6000rpm and a similar increase in maximum torque to 75Lb.ft@4000rpm; this lustier engine improved the driving experience considerably. The front disc brake calipers were enlarged by using the latest Girling 14LF Mk3, a modification that had been proven by Triumph’s Competitions Department in both racing and rallying.
The Mk3 was also the first Spitfire to use both a negative earth electrical system and a new more user friendly fold-away hood design. However, the most obvious visual difference was the raised front bumper, which was positioned in the middle of the front-grille rather than below it.
Engine: 1296cc 4IL OHV; Power: 75bhp@6000rpm; Torque: 75lb.ft@4000rpm; 0-60 mph:14.5 seconds; Maximum speed: 95mph; Kerb weight: 1652lbs.
