Buy original or reconditioned Spitfire

[John Burns]

I’m looking to buy a Mk3 Spitfire, and have narrowed it down to 2. One is a very low mileage original car, while the other has been reconditioned at some point, and has unknown mileage. Which way to go?

[Tim Bancroft]

Def. the low mileage original car. However, be wary of brakes (a comprehensive examination of the seals, brake calipers and wheel cylinders---look for leaks) and drivetrain. Would be prudent to service the car as soon as possible. Also, check the fuel hoses, if poss run the car on E5 fuel or re-new fuel hoses for e10 compatible hose.

[foshi]

would agree with tim at least you know what you have ls hopefully not full of bodges cover ups 

[Amy Wade]

You should be careful irrespective of mileage/number of owners etc. Make sure you take a weak magnet with you, check everywhere you can. With the low mileage one I would also add checking the condition of all of the rubber components, especially the age of the tyres. My Mk3 was a 2 owner car & the tyres were 24 years old & the hoses were solid. As Tim said, go through the brakes as soon as you get the car, the Mk3 only has single circuit brakes, you really don't want brake failure.

Edited January 22, 2023 by Amy Wade

[John Burns]

All sound advice. Thanks. I will go for the original one.

[Martins Stag]

John with the original low mileage one i agree with what has been said and i would budget for replacing all rubber bushes, shocks and brake pipes too just in case. I brought and original Stag and it was original but at 45 years old needed quite a bit of re commissioning.....