cost estimate - rebuild engine and gearbox - ???

joe czech said:
right! I totally understand. as for feeling lucky, as the old saying goes, "if I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all." it's not so much as wanting an A65 as I've always wanted a spitfire since I was in my 20's. being retired, today, it's more about a project and not so much the ride. I realize the engine is an unknown and I have to assume the worst. my original question was coming up with a dollar cost amount to negotiate a price. I can see how a minor rebuild to a major rebuild could be anywhere from $1K to $3K or maybe more.

I did some research on spitfires that have sold in the last 6 years. I found 23 verified sales - most from auction sites - mecum, barret-jackson, bring-a-trailer, etc. fof the 23 that sold from 2014 to present - average selling $9330 with the last few years being a little on the soft side. these seem to be VG to excellent condition spitfires. now if I use that as what it will be worth when i'm done, less restoration costs, and I figure I could drop $5 grand in this thing without batting an eye, I figure $4500 is about my absolute max. to be honest, not sure it's even worth the investment. besides, I doubt there's that much wiggle room in his asking price. don't have a warm-fuzzy this is even going to pan out.
Click to expand...

And, what you get for your money with a Spitfire is: Aluminum shouldered rims ++, A hotter cam +-, and a fiberglass fuel tank --
 
Saber said:
Sounds like you are trying to justify a passion with numbers. Maybe the real value is the journey?
Click to expand...
your right on both counts, however, limited funds. I can only throw so much cash at it. as I always say, it doesn't cost any more to go first class, ya just can't go as far. no matter what the journey, and how much I'll enjoy it, there is a limit. besides, I don't have a passion for loosing money or spending money I don't have. in order for this to happen, I've GOT to get the bike for the right price.
 
Last edited:
Often (especially with a Triumphs) the US spec bikes were pretties.

But it seems you guys got a bum deal with these Beezers. What’s with the all black finish ?

I like black bikes as a rule, but UK spec Spitfires had a big racing tank... and were bright red... and were FABULOUS looking things...

47C124C1-16B1-4FD5-A1AA-24D0F0B3B097.jpeg
 
update - went yesterday to look at the spitfire. IMO, nowhere worth the asking price. hasn't ran in 8 years, no gas, no oil. tank just sitting on the frame - no fuel lines, broken instruments, slides frozen in the carbs, plenty of corrosion, nowhere near the condition represented in the pic. in general, a total mess, needing a total restoration. overall, very poor condition, and no wiggle room to negotiate on his $5500 asking price. didn't break my heart to walk away from this one.
 
Back
Top