Triumph Spitfire Mk IV
Michelotti's 1970 restyle of Triumph's small roadster, with a cut-off tail, all-synchromesh gearbox and a tamer swing-spring rear end.
- Power
- 63 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.8 s
- Top speed
- 90 mph
About the Triumph Spitfire Mk IV
The Mk IV went on sale at the end of 1970 as a thorough rework of Triumph's small roadster, with a restyled tail echoing Michelotti's Stag and 2000, a cleaner bonnet pressing, recessed door handles and a full-width dashboard placing the instruments ahead of the driver. Its 1,296 cc four-cylinder engine was quoted at 63 bhp (DIN) on twin SU carburettors, while North American cars used a single Stromberg and lower compression. The gearbox gained synchromesh on first gear, and a 'swing spring' rear suspension made the handling far more progressive than on earlier swing-axle Spitfires. Extra weight and a taller 3.89:1 final drive made it slower than the Mk III, and 70,021 were built before the Spitfire 1500 took over.
Triumph Spitfire Mk IV specs
The Triumph Spitfire Mk IV produces 63 bhp (47 kW) and 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.8 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Triumph |
|---|---|
| Model | Spitfire |
| Generation | Mk IV |
| Trim | Mk IV 1300 |
| Years | 1970–1974 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 70,021 built |
| Engine | 1.3-litre inline-4, twin SU carburettors |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,296 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 63 bhp (47 kW) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 15.8 s |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (all-synchromesh), optional overdrive |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 779 kg (1,717 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 81 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Triumph Spitfire Mk IV rarity in CarSpot
The Triumph Spitfire Mk IV is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 37 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Triumph Spitfire Mk IV fun facts
- The Mk IV had a UK base price of £735 when it went on sale at the end of 1970.
- North American Spitfires got the 1,493 cc engine for 1973 while keeping the Mk IV body, ahead of the Spitfire 1500 that replaced the Mk IV from December 1974.
- From 1973 the 1,296 cc engine gained larger big-end bearings to rationalise production with the TR6's 2.5-litre six.