Name: Ernie Knight
Vehicle Year/Make/Model: 1970 Triumph Spitfire MK III
Built By: Homebuilt
Engine Details: 2.6L Ford V-6 from 1972 Capri (German Ford imported as Mercury); Isky cam and dual valvesprings, Manley oversized valves, hardened seats; throated intake with Weber 40DFAV two-barrel carburetor; custom shorty header (left) and ’80s European exhaust manifold (right), ceramic coated; Bosch electronic distributor from ’80s European Ford 2.8 V-6 and MSD 6A ignition box; Griffin Scirocco aluminum radiator, dual electric fans; valve covers from TVR 280i; GM CS-130 one-wire alternator; Gear Reduction Starter
Transmission: Ford Type-9 five-speed transmission from European ’80s Capri 2.8 injection
Chassis and Suspension Details: GT6+ front brakes, uprights, Wilwood Forged Billet aluminum four-piston calipers; GT6+ front springs (lowered by heating) with Koni shocks; GT6+ independent rear suspension, leaf added to rear spring, GAZ adjustable shocks; GT6+ rear brakes and uprights, Rimmer Bros. shock relocation
Wheels & Tires: 14×6 Minilite-style wheels, 17 5/65-14 tires
Interior Details: Custom-laminated Walnut dashboard; Auto Meter Cobra Tach (recalibrated for six-cylinder), electronic speedometer and gauges; Mota-Lita laminated wood steering wheel; center armrest and kneepads from late Spitfire/GT6; battery relocated to trunk
Body and Paint Details: Louvers punched into top and sides of hood by Hopperstad’s Customs (Belvidere, IL); Hood Bubble from Mitsubishi Eclipse (Hopperstad’s Customs); modified front bumper made from two bumpers (tips welded onto inner ends); shaved antenna, side marker lights, and hood, fender, and trunk trim; 1973 Triumph Mallard Green paint/bodywork by Accurate Auto Body (Naperville, IL); 1960s Aston race-style gas cap, Talbot racing mirror, backup light converted to third brake light, red LED
Miles Driven in a Year: 500-1,000
Favorite Shows to Attend: British Car Union Annual Show, Route 66 Mother Road Festival, Iron Gate Car Shows
Any Awards: Best in Class at various car shows
Background on the Car: Bought the car in 1986 to do an engine swap. Got GT6+ parts car for suspension, brakes, and differential. Capri engine came from family car. Trans imported from England. Did all the work but the bodywork and paint myself.
