2/24/2023 0 Comments Jay leno triumph spitfire1964 Triumph Spitfire Mk I, owned by Barry Connallyīeneath the surface were efficient disc brakes which stopped the light Spitfire effectively and independent suspension originating from the Triumph Herald. A main factor was that it was better equipped by offering wind-up side windows, exterior door locks, an aircraft-inspired instrument panel, an optional hard-top, and later on even an overdrive transmission with wire wheels. Although it was slightly more expensive than its competitors, the Spitfire was outselling them, especially in the USA. The first version of the Spitfire, released in 1962 was called the ‘4’ which was a reference to the number of cylinders under the hood. Perhaps it relates to the fact that Triumph produced Spitfire parts in its Coventry factory during the war. Although it was clearly a name paying tribute to the second world war plane, there is no record of Triumph licensing the brand. The background to the reason behind calling the car the ‘Spitfire 4’ is not known. The ‘Bomb’ prototype may have been lost forever if it had not been for a curious Leyland manager who, while walking around the trim factory, looked under a dust sheet to find the ‘bomb’ prototype hiding there. Triumph got a lifeline in 1961, with British Leyland (BL) taking over the ailing Standard Triumph factory. Unfortunately before the ‘Bomb’ was able to begin production, the financial situation at Triumph became dire and the project was put on hold, and slowly forgotten. To give the car even more stability, stronger side skirts were installed and the wall behind the seats was reinforced so that the spring arms could be mounted there. Since its predecessors had a lack of rigidity in the body, the ‘Bomb’ was no longer riveted but welded. The frame however was newly developed and is characterized by its high level of robustness. The Spitfire borrowed its steering and the suspension. The prototype was heavily based on the Triumph Herald, Michelotti’s other Triumph design. It would be superior to the Sprite by having a larger and more powerful Herald 1.1L engine, along with more spacious and comfortable interior space for the driver. The prototype of the Spitfire was named “Bomb”. Michelotti creation featured a beautiful swooping body. They had already utilized Michelotti for the Triumph Herald so was the logical choice for this new project. In 1960 the Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti was appointed to draw an attractive design for a sports car.
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