Introducing "Mrs. Peel," a fast & reliable Miata engine/transmission transplant

Description for Triumph Spitfire 1976

Introducing “Mrs. Peel” – a 1976 Triumph Spitfire with a 1993 Mazda Miata 1.8L engine and 5spd.

Unlike similar transplants, this looks factory – no weird bulges or openings in the hood and the shifter is in the normal position. Professional British car mechanic notched (and reinforced) the firewall to move the engine back a few inches for hood clearance and relocated frame members to accommodate oil pan. The whole job cost more than $10K in labor (not including engine source vehicle and related parts) and the almost-finished project has less than 2K miles on it.
Selling because I’ve recently moved to California and it's basically impossible to get a car like this registered here.

She fires right up and drives like a champ, but needs paint and a little bit of bodywork. Interior could use some work, and there are some minor fixes needed, none of which affect drive-ability. No accidents during my 16 years of ownership; no evidence of previous damage (only major rust area pictured).

Features include a stock Miata radiator w/ twin fans, additional Smiths oil/volt gauges (from a TR6), custom koa wood dash, lowered suspension, Panasport wheels, new Plus-1 tires, Pacesetter exhaust, hard and all soft tops.
Hawaii plates good thru end of September.