chris.eg

I have been considering that one, although I wonder if the clutch needing bleeding is a coverup of clutch/gearbox problems. Seems that it would be worth bleeding it themselves to then be able to list it as driveable. I also don't like those indicators on the front wings What do you think of this one https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-cars/triumph-spitfire-1967/1317088230 Clive, I see what you mean about the MOT, but I suppose on a budget I've got to make a compromise somewhere...

Thanks I may well come along to that meeting. What happens at the meetings? Do people tend to come in their Triumphs? Really I'd be looking to spend up to £2500 ideally including work needed immediately to get the car roadworthy. I understand this will not get me a car anywhere near perfect, but I am ok with this. I'm not interested in a show car but am after one I can drive safely on a regular basis. A couple of people on here tell me this is realistic, but I'm not really finding many suitable candidates advertised. A lot of the cars I find seem to be down near Devon. Do more people drive classics around there? Is there anyone in that sort of area that might be bribable to look at a couple? Again, thanks for all the ongoing help everyone

Thanks for all the input everyone! I might well go along to that meeting. Would I need to pay club membership to be able to go? What would be your op opinions on mk4s with 1500 engines and/or sports exhausts? As I am only 22 I imagine they would be more expensive to insure, and I'm not really clear if those cars would still need tax and insurance?

There don't seem to be many meets on the site for any of the local areas. Is there more happening than what is listed? I have noticed the club advert prices seem high. Do people advertise there expecting to get significantly less than the listed price?

That's good to know that I could find one. I would feel much better buying with someone to look at a few cars, but it doesn't seem there's much going on with the club around here Unless I'm looking in the wrong place? Where do you think would be the best place to look for cars for sale?

Doug, that's a good point about the tires, thanks. I'd thought about oil, water etc but that hadn't crossed my mind. I like the idea of going with someone to look at a few as although I have a fair idea what a car should look like I'm aware that there's a lot I'd miss. For instance, the mk4 with no seats, non running etc. What would I look at to have an idea if the engine/gearbox are reasonably ok? At the moment I'd be looking to get something pretty solid but probably scruffy for up to £2500. Is this totally unrealistic? The more I look and think about this, perhaps it won't work

So could I potentially drive it home without doing anything about tax? Wouldn't I be in trouble if I got stopped? Probably lots of dumb questions here, but having not done this before it all looks a bit of a minefield...

Yes, I would certainly get it inspected regularly... Don't want to die ? Do I understand correctly that if the car has not been used since becoming mot and tax exempt I would fill in a v112, take that to a post office instead of an mot certificate and have to pay tax as I wouldn't be able to declare it tax exempt without the v5 in my name? Then I would get the v5 in my name and reclaim most of the tax? Out of interest, is the dolomite engine identical? I knew they were very similar but thought they had a different cam? Thanks for helping me Chris

Hi all. I've always wanted a Spitfire, and have finally (more or less) decided to take the plunge. So, the limiting factor is that I'm looking at a pretty small budget to get something as solid as I can, preferably that would drive home to avoid delivery costs. There are a few that I'm looking at: A mk3 (£2500) with a few little problems but has an MOT and sounds generally pretty good A mk4 (£2350) not on the road since 1988, the few pictures look good (trying to get more) and apparently starts and drives. Also has new calipers, master cylinder, clutch slave and master cylinder A mk4 with a really solid body and chassis, no seats/exhaust centre and back section, wiring not connected so obviously not running. It also has a 1300 Dolomite engine. Does anyone know if this counts as a "significant modification" and therefor not MOT and tax exempt? Anyone got any advice? Know of any cars for sale elsewhere? Thanks in advance, Chris