🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Triumph

Model:

Spitfire

Year:

1963

Chassis Code Prefix:

FC

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Triumph Spitfire, particularly the early 1963 model, was a lightweight, affordable British sports car that aimed to capture the spirit of pre-war roadsters with modern engineering. It competed with cars like the MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite.

Rivals 1963:

MG Midget MkII, Austin-Healey Sprite MkII, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Fiat 850 Spider

Vehicle Appeal:

Classic British styling, nimble handling, open-top motoring experience, relatively simple mechanicals for its era.

User Base:

Ideal for owners, mechanics, and restoration enthusiasts of the 1963 Triumph Spitfire seeking detailed, authoritative repair information.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 300-500+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-style manuals)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR

Compatibility:

All Windows Versions, Mac OS

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Accessories, Charging System

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Top Mechanism

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Lubrication, Tune-ups

Repair:

Component Removal & Installation, Overhauls, Rebuilds, Adjustments

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-based Diagnostics, Electrical Circuit Diagnosis

Depth:

Comprehensive (suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers), detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

Full Printable (all pages)

Binding:

Digital (N/A for printed binding, but allows for user printing and binding)

Paper:

Digital (N/A for physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

1147cc OHV Inline-4 (Standard)

Displacement:

1147 cc (70.0 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

73.7 mm x 66.0 mm (2.90 in x 2.60 in)

Horsepower Net Flywheel:

63 bhp (47 kW; 64 PS) at 5750 rpm (approx.)

Torque Net Flywheel:

66 lb-ft (90 Nm) at 3500 rpm (approx.)

Carburetion:

Single Stromberg CD150 or SU HS2 Carburetor (depending on market/spec)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (though originally designed for leaded petrol, modern unleaded is usable)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze and water mixture (refer to manual for specific ratios and types).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Manual

Availability:

No automatic transmission offered for the 1963 model.

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios covered in detail within the manual, typically including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, overdrive (optional on later models, but not standard for '63), and reverse.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80 or 90, consult manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3734 mm (147 in)

Width:

Approx. 1473 mm (58 in)

Height:

Approx. 1219 mm (48 in) to top of windscreen

Curb Weight:

Approx. 750 kg (1653 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2060 mm (81 in)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1213 mm (47.75 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1168 mm (46 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Designed to 1960s safety standards; lacks modern crumple zones and airbags. Emphasis on occupant restraint for the era (seat belts were often optional).

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes (10-inch diameter), Rear Drum Brakes (7-inch diameter). Manual details drum and disc brake servicing, fluid types (DOT 3 or DOT 4 recommended), and bleeding procedures.

Seatbelts:

Likely optional or not fitted as standard; manual will cover installation and adjustment if applicable.

💡 Technology Features

Features 1963:

Basic; typically a simple analog radio (optional) and basic dashboard instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, temperature).

Assistance Features:

None by modern standards. Relies solely on driver input and mechanical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual provides specific recommendations.

Tune Up Interval:

Regular checks of ignition timing, spark plugs, points, and carburetor adjustments are critical. Manual details these procedures and recommended intervals.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 (or SAE 30 for very cold climates) – consult manual for exact viscosity and API service classification.

Coolant:

50/50 mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Manual will specify type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (ensure consistency, consult manual).

Grease:

Lithium-based grease for lubrication points (kingpins, steering components, etc.) as per manual.

Common Wear Items:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition points and condenser, suspension bushings, clutch wear, rust in common areas (sills, wheel arches, floor pans).

Typical Restoration Tasks:

Frame/chassis rust repair, wiring loom replacement, engine rebuild (if high mileage), brake system overhaul, convertible top replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Standard-Triumph Ltd. (later part of British Leyland)

Spitfire Lineage:

The 1963 model is the original 'Mk I' Spitfire. It was penned by Giovanni Michelotti and built on a separate chassis with body-over-frame construction, a common British practice at the time.

Production Start Year:

1962

Production End Year:

1980 (for the entire Spitfire line)

Manufacturing Plant:

Canley, Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Perception:

While not typically associated with specific 'awards' in the modern sense, the Spitfire was critically acclaimed for its affordability and sporty character, becoming a beloved classic sports car in its own right.