1965 Triumph Spitfire 2 seater sports review from North America
"A great, timeless classic.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing at the moment, may have to change the starter relay as the car sometimes decides not to start with the key, and I have to start it from the starter relay button, (a year when they still included this facility).
And perhaps a couple of electrical, so at least I know it definitely has Lucas electrics.
General comments?
An excellent California car, you can see it on the Triumph Spitfire International Database, its the Mk2 picture.
I had owned a Mk 3 in the eighties, but I think the 1 and 2 were the best looking, before the bumper had to be raised to meet US regs.
I have had no problems with this car, or with my earlier one, as long as you keep an eye and ear on everything, nothing jumps out and bites you, it is, after all, a simple design, and parts are readily available, and cheaper than they were (proportionally) than back in the sixties.
This is a great, fun, rag-top which is a definite classic, in age as well as design, (good old Giovanni), and I would recommend this affordable classic to anyone who wants to follow the individuality on the road route, and to someone who likes to feel like he or she is "driving".
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1968 - Spitfire Mk III hardtop 1.3 petrol Brilliant value and great fun with superb spares back-up |
![]() ![]() | A classy, elegant, fun motor |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1965 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.1 cc Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 54259 miles |
| Most recent distance | 57684 miles |
| Date of Entry | 17th July, 2007 |



