tim smallshaw

More recent pic ...

😆 Yes, my memory from back in the day was tubeless. Looking at other chat rooms on line there is a lot of conflicting opinion & "information". The main reason according to the local garage was because the wheels don't have the bead to retain the tyre to the rim. Either way, other than an extra £13 per wheel I am not all that bothered - they hold air and run smooth and the tyres are modern spec Falkens, much better than what came off.

Adding a new post to an old thread - it's great to see Vitesse saloons getting a shoutout. I have had my 2L mk1 for about 2 1/2 years years now and after a complete rebuild (wouldn't call it restoration) it has been on the road for over a year. I specifically wanted a saloon because I had several Vitesses in my youth (a 6 saloon, a mk1 saloon and a 6 convertible). The saloons are out-cooled by the convertibles but I had the most fun in the saloons, I think party because back in the late 1980's / early 1990's they were old and cheap to buy and there were lots of spare parts in scrap yards. My current Vitesse first appeared on these forums in 2017 - JHA 303 E Luckily it wasn't scrapped after since I have have owned it just about everything has been done (a bit like trigger's broom its all original but everything has been replaced)

Thanks to all who added comments earlier to this thread, from today this Spitfire is back on the road. 🙂 I have replaced all suspension bushes (I went with standard rubber ones in the end), including front & rear trunnions, etc. I have replaced the tyres (resisted going wider and kept to standard size) and inner tubes - the garage insisted the Spitfire wheels should be tubed and as tubes came out new ones went in. I have added a picture of the car - this is just after the first test drive after about 12 years off the road. Just a few minor tweeks required (reduce idle speed, fuel gauge temperamental, etc) but there is plenty of time for fine tuning and improving the bodywork. Other than that great fun to drive and sounds great. Didn't even rain during the test drive ... 😁

Good tips, I will look them up. Better than Rimmer Bros?

I had been looking at the tyres on the Spitfire, as said earlier in the thread they haven't turned in 13-ish years (don't know how old they were when it was parked up). It is one of those things, they look ok and hold air but are probably flat-spotted if nothing else. I had already decided to replace all the suspension rubber bushes so why not do the tyres as well - they are a pretty significant part of the suspension, steering & brakes. Once on the road i was planning to include insure my daughter on the insurance so if she is driving it I'm taking no risks. Also, having moved from the south coast to the peak district i have been told that there are days when it is not blue skies and sunshine. Will probably need all the tyre grip i can get.

Thanks Pete - that stacks up with the paperwork given with the car (last MOT). Looks like the mileometer has stopped working because it was the same on all reports and still reads the same. Good advice about the MOT test - I am going through the whole car before driving on the road but will get it tested. (I did the same with my Vitesse) Cheers, Tim

I have just bought a Spitfire IV and was wondering if anyone knows any history about this car. It is a 1974 MkIV in mimosa yellow reg no VYA576M. I bought it as a non-runner having been stored since approx 2010 in a dry garage in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Paint and interior are a bit tatty but overall looks to be solid. I'm just going over the car now but it should be back on the road soon, so another Spitfire will be off the SORN list. So far I have got the engine running (runs beautifully - just needed fuel system draining and going over) and have freed off the clutch so after 13 years it can move under its own steam. Suspension, brakes and steering to be checked before first run out across the Peak District. Any knowledge about the car anyone has will be appreciated.

Just a quick message to everyone in the south to say how much I enjoyed the meet at the Seven Stars yesterday evening. It was great to see a great range of Triumphs and to see how my Vitesse stacks up, but most of all I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome you gave me. I do travel quite a bit for work but will definitely be back for future events. It was also a fun ride up the A roads from Fareham & the car was great fun there and back. I hope you all got back safely. Cheers, Tim

Looks like I've opened some old wounds & enjoying a bit of banter. Happy to help!

Hi Doug Thanks for the invite, I am a little further away in Fareham (not Farnham) but yes I am planning to come up. See you soon, Tim

Hi Y’all I am returning to the club after leaving in early 1990’s when family responsibilities required sensible cars. Back in the day I’d been lucky enough to own a Spitfire 1500, 2 Vitesse saloons and a convertible. Fast forward 30 odd years and I am back in Triumph ownership as one of many mid-life crisis, having bought a 1967 Vitesse 2L MK1 saloon as this is the car that I associate with most fun memories (although the Vitesse convertible was my wedding car). This latest car has been a project that has kept me same during lockdowns, requiring extensive work to make roadworthy and something of a looker. This has led to taking the body off, lots of chassis and body welding, mechanical overhaul, paint, etc, etc. All the usual Triumph stuff. If anyone knows any history about the car I’d love to hear – I see from an old posting it came close to being scrapped in 2017 but that is all I have so far. It is nearly there but realistically won’t be attending any meets before spring 2022, when I look forward to meeting up and seeing club cars. I live on the south coast so it looks like there is a bit of a journey to the nearest area. Until then drive safe & see you soon. Cheers, Tim

I All As a returning member to the club I thought I'd check to see if there are any previous mentions about my Vitesse - Came across this thread. I am happy to say the car has survived, I picked it up from a seller in Potters Bar in September 2020, not sure what happened between 2017. I bought it as a complete project car so over the last 12 months took the body of for lots of chassis & body welding and a complete mechanical going over. I was hoping to bring to a meet but that looks realistically something for 2022. Its not finished yet but picture attached anyway Cheers, Tim