> It sounds like your Spitfire has the original Lucas electronic
> ignition with the amplifier mounted under the distributor.
I have a 1980 Spitfire with the amplifier mounted by the clutch
and brake hydraulics, and a magnetic distributor. I had my car
die on a hot day in a similar manner. It would lose power, and
then quickly die, unable to restart. I never found the problem,
since it would go away on cooling, and I didn't have tools to test
it when I was stranded.
Since then, I have installed an Allison optical ignition and a new
spark coil. I also changed the head gasket in case I had steam
blowing into the cylinders. I'm still a bit scared to go on long
trips in case this happens again.
I'd be very happy if people could verify that the ignition was likely
the problem, because then I can increase my 'radius of safety',
indicating how far I can drive while maintaining a high probability
of getting back.
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