Triumph Spitfire (1979)
for sale
Price: US $1,025.00
Price: US $1,025.00
1979 Spitfire with
Mazda RX7 drive train.
You are bidding on the car Triumph might have built if they
had partnered with Mazda instead of Honda (you Triumph buffs know what I am
talking about).This Spitfire has the same motor as my 1978 RX7… but it is a
whole lot faster! At the time, folks were warned not to mess with the stock RX7
rotary engine, as it would certainly diminish the performance. Well, that is no
doubt BS! The Ro-Spit has no emission control and a dual side draft Mikuni carb
with stock Mazda electronic ignition, which is contained in the distributor...pretty
simple stuff. The 1978 Mazda RX7 ran great, but was a little slow off the
line…the completely de-smogged Ro-Spit would absolutely run circles around my
old RX7. In fact, it would probably give my Boxster-S a run for its money!
I cannot claim credit for building this car…it was built in
the 90’s about the same time the Grassroots Motorsports Ro-Spit was being
built. The builder was actually in contact with the magazine at the time and
received much support from them. However, he chose to make his car a fast road
machine, rather than a track car.
So what is so great about it? It is road legal in any state
that exempts old cars from emission testing; it is incredibly fast; it is a joy
to drive; it stops on a dime; it does not leak oil; it runs cool; sounds great;
it gets a whopping 20 MPG; you will always win your class at VTR autocross; you
can drive cross-country in comfort with no worries; chicks dig it! Check out
this video:
here
This car is completely sorted out…I have added 20, 000 miles
to the mere 14, 000 that were on the car (and engine) when purchased in 2011. I have driven it to VTR National Conventions in San Rafael CA and Dobson NC, The Roadster
Factory Summer Party in Armagh PA (long distance award winner), and numerous
shows all over the Southwest.
Like all my cars, everything works (look me up on the
Moss Motoring Magazine website here . It
has all the Spitfire features (mainly, good looks), plus a Mazda 12A rotary
engine (somewhat hopped up with porting and alloy flywheel…est. 190 HP/ 150 MPH), RX7 5-speed gearbox, heavy duty clutch, Mazda limited slip diff, Mazda rear
disc brakes (yes, this car has four wheel disc brakes!). Further enhancements
include four-wheel Koni coil over independent suspension, (the ridiculous
Spitfire transverse leaf spring suspension has been replaced with dual trailing
arms), and an RX8 stainless steel exhaust (still pretty loud…sounds like a
Hayabusa motorcycle!).
There are dual thermostatically controlled radiator fans, full sized RX7 radiator, remote oil filter, oil cooler, SS brake lines, one year
old battery, and three year old Toyo 175/70-13 tires. Those ugly ’79 rubber
baby buggy bashers have been replaced with the much sought after 1972 Spitfire
all chrome bumpers. The tiny eight gallon original gas tank has been replaced
with a 16 gallon version (runs on regular), yet there is still plenty of space
in the trunk…but not for a spare tire. Of course, the Imron paint looks really
good, except where some parking lot damage has been repaired in the rear of the
car (bet you can’t see it in the pics) and there is absolutely no rust. Shoot, look at the pictures! What else can I
say…this car is fabulous!
Why would I sell this wonder? I have enjoyed the heck out of
it for several years, but it is time to thin the herd…I have a couple of TR6s
in the works and am running out of space
in my workshop…besides, somebody out there absolutely has to have this
car…probably you! And how about this:
NO RESERVE!!!
Okay: $500 down payment due at end of auction…the balance
via EFT to my bank account. Check my rating…I am an honest seller.
update: 2015-06-19
Condition: | Used | Year: | 1979 |
Mileage: | 33,330 | Make: | Triumph |
Transmission: | FIVE SPEED | Model: | Spitfire |
Body Type: | CONVERTIBLE | Trim: | MAHOGANY/BLACK VINYL |
Vehicle Title: | Clear | Engine: | 12A ROTARY |
For Sale By: | Private Seller | Drive Type: | LIMITED SLIP REAR |