Were there ever any Herald or Dolomite auto trans?
That would seem the easiest swap mechanically, though
parts and reliability might be dodgy.
Otherwise, there are a wealth of used auto trans in
the right sizes for a Spitfire; Toyota, Nissan, Mazda,
etc. all built RWD cars in the 1.2 - 1.8 L range.
The configuration of the Spit chassis, along with it's
'soft' (fiberboard!) trans cover could make this a
fairly easy swap, as such things go.
The biggest hurdles will probably involve adapting the
bellhousing to the Spit motor. Often, this can be
accomplished with an adaptor plate. You can get such
things custom fabricated using abrasive jet machining
for a reasonable sum.
The flywheel can be easily drilled for the torque
converter to bolt on (once it's removed from the car
of course).
Several of the Spit motor swaps use auto trans. The
damping effect of the torque coverter helps reduce the
shock loads into the driveline due to gearchanges,
etc.
For anyone that attempts this, good luck (sincerely),
I think it could work well.
Carter
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