1970 mk3 spitfire stop light L847

[Andy Moss]

I have been wondering what the history is behind the variation in stop/tail lamps fitter to the mk3 spitfire. There was a change to a different type for a short period. I would like to know if these L847 lenses were fitted to other cars or whether it was a mistake at the time. Does anybody know?

[Colin Lindsay]

I don't think it was a mistake but possibly an experiment with a more modern looking lens or light pattern? The other variation - the 672 - has a larger reflector but smaller bulb area; perhaps it was for safety reasons at night? It may have been brought in just too late for any large-scale supply as the Mk4 was just around the corner, and there were a few variations to the rear of the MK3 in the final year of production. I've found a photo which shows the difference in both lenses for other interested parties.

 

 

[Herald948]

I'm reasonably sure that neither the L672 nor L847 was fitted to anything except the Spitfire. That said....

 

The overall logic behind the change has long baffled me. It might have made some sense for the North American market, where government regulations might have rendered the L672 lens obsolete due to either lack of "light output" or changes in reflective specifications that resulted in North American 1970 cars not only getting the L847 with increased light area but also the separate and reasonably sizeable red reflectors.

 

Other things that puzzled me about the change: 1. Some late Mk3s in other markets got that L847 lens but didn't get any supplementary reflectors. I found that strange. 2. Lucas seemed not to continue to produce replacement L847 lenses for very long, although they continued seemingly forever producing the L672 lens! I would estimate that it's now been well over 35 years since one could buy a new L847 lens from pretty much any typical supplier of Triumph parts (not counting NOS specialists and such).

[Colin Lindsay]

Early GT6 got the 672, both Mk1 and Mk2 versions. Thankfully they're readily available both new and second-hand, as I seem to break one off every time I walk past the rear of the GT6; similarly a lot of people at shows, particularly children, like to head-butt them off then have their parents glare at me accusingly for not obeying elf-n-safety and coning the rear of the car off.

[Herald948]

Colin caught me: I should have said "neither the L672 nor L847 was fitted to anything except the Spitfire or GT6"!

[Andy Moss]

Thanks for the info guys. Thanks to Colin also for making me laugh.