In 1969 , I purchased a 1964 Triumph Spitfire for myself as a college graduation present. The selection of the Spitfire was planned - I was going to make a V-8 powered Spitfire and would use the stock one for parts. I created a new frame, added a modified a 1964 Corvette Stingray rear suspension, and upgraded the front suspension to hold the weight of the V-8 engine. The body of the 1964 Spitfire was placed on the rolling frame and the rest of the 1964 Spitfire was parted out. By 1970 the V-8 powered Spitfire was on the road. My son named it - The Beast . Since the Spitfire is of British origin, I dubbed it Ye Beast . Between 1970 and now, there have been three Chevy small block V-8 engine upgrades:

• a Corvette high performance 327cid, 350hp
• a Chevy 350cid, 360hp
• a Chevy 383cid, 470hp & 500 ft-lbs torque

The initial transmission, a Muncie 4-spd, was upgraded to the Tremec 3550 5-spd with a .68 fifth gear ratio - very smooth cruising at 100mph - 2760 rpm.

Ye Beast is a project of continual upgrades to new and current technologies, including a rear suspension upgrade to:

• inspect all components for wear and fatigue after 48+ years of service
• increase the rear track by 3 inches for improved handling
• add two more leaves to the transverse spring to increase the spring rate
• convert the rear Vette drum brakes to disc brakes
• increase the rear wheel size to 17 inch diameter and 10 inch wide rims to allow the selection of rear tires that match the front tire specifications

and a front suspension upgrade to:

• inspect all components for wear and fatigue after 48+ years of service
• replace all bolts and connectors for safety
• convert the front Chevy Nova drum brakes to disc brakes

The suspension projects were followed by a headlight upgrade to LED beam headlights & all LED running lights.