Triumph Spitfire Walkaround

I discussed Triumph Spitfire styling in considerable detail here.  So today's post mainly offers more views of a first-generation Spitfire for your enjoyment.

Points I made in that post include:

"English sports cars were popular in America from the late 1940s through the 1960s and even a few years beyond.  They came in a variety of sizes, capabilities and price points, the latter including entry-level machines.  Up through the mid-1950s, the MG was considered entry-level.  But the marque began to creep upscale, so in the early 1960s the tiny Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget were introduced.  In 1965, Triumph, maker of standard size TR-series sports cars, brought its smaller Spitfire to the market."

"The hood (bonnet) is as low as the motor allows, in this case dropping below the fender line.  Front and rear fenderlines (wings) are distinct, with the latter represented by an upkick as well as a delimiting crease and bulge to the fore.  The grille area is nondescript, and the use of body paint on the windshield frame makes that item heavier and more old-fashioned looking than nececssary."

"All-in-all, a nice design for a car that was a little too small for its own good."

The Spitfire was styled by noted designer Giovanni Michelotti, who did a good deal of other work for Triumph.

Photos below of a 1964 Spitfire are via Bonhams.

Gallery

The front fenders and hood area are integral, pivoting from the bumper -- note the horizontal cutline aft of the front wheel opening.

I think Spitfires look best from the side.

Bumpers are massive, perhaps compensating for the gap between them.

I noted in my previous Spitfire post that the tail lights look tacked-on, perhaps being sourced from a different design.

The slanted crease at the front part of the rear fender is an unusual touch.  It marks the start of the puffed-out fender.  Yet it's distinctive and fairly subtle, Michelotti doing his professional job.

Not an impressive grille.  Perhaps because the lower front end is the hood-body pivot point, simplicity and possible weight considerations were in play.

A central instrument cluster as a low-cost necessity for left-side steering in North America, the Continent and elsewhere.  More expensive cars would have dashboard designs that "flipped" depending on market destination.