114 Triumph Spitfire Sports Car (1963-71)

The recent purchase of a red version of the Triumph Spitfire allowed a comparison with my existing gold model. Apart from the obvious addition of jewelled headlights on the (later) gold issue, I also discovered that there had been the deletion of the soft plastic bonnet retainers from the earlier red version. The rear lamps, number plate lamp and boot lid handle are slightly smaller and not as clearly defined on the gold one, no doubt due to die wear. Never having had either the silver or purple issues, I could not say what features these gained or lost - no doubt other menbers can add this information ! Kevin.

I haven't looked at huge numbers of Dinky Spitfires, but all the red ones I have seen have the little bonnet-retaining knobs, while none of the other colours have them. Of course, knowing Dinky I wouldn't be at all suprised if there are crossover examples!

Since posting, I've found a major change to some of the purple issues where the passenger side dashboard and footwell is completely filled in. Does this occur on any others? The mystery deepens....

Kevin I have: A silver version with the bonnet retainers, an open passenger footwell, silver seat belt and grey base; A gold version without bonnet retainers, an open passenger footwell, silver seat belt, matt black base and 'I've got a tiger in my tank' decal; A gold version without bonnet retainers, a closed passenger footwell, black seat belt, silver base, and no decal. Clearly some overlap going on. Regards Mark

A nonDTCA member approached our webmaster who suggested me to forward it to the forum with the information below relating to the Triumph Spitfire which may be used to identify the different variants Ive found that there are four generations of this model 1 Edition Closed Passenger Footwell Jewels Lights Gold Black Baseplate Gold Blank Baseplate Only in folding box Purple Black Baseplate Purple Blank Baseplate Folding box and export box 2 Edition Open Passenger Footwell Jewels Lamps Gold Black Baseplate Black Seatbelt without Decals Only in folding box Gold Black Baseplate Black Seatbelt with Decals Ive got a tiger in my tank Gold Black Baseplate silver Seatbelt with Decals Ive got a tiger in my tank Folding box and export box 3 Edition Open Passenger Footwell Metal Lamps Silver Black Baseplate silver Seatbelt Silver Grey Baseplate silver Seatbelt Folding box and export box All models of the 3rd edition come from old bad molds 4 Edition Open Passenger Footwell Metal Lamps Bonnet Retainer New molds Red Grey Baseplate Black Seatbelt Folding BoxSilver Grey Baseplate Silver Seltbelt Unfortunately I have not yet had this silver model described by Marc (CaddyEldorado) in my hands and can only assume that this variant was also made with the new model shape A photo would be helpful here Best regards Ralf