Triumph Repair: overheating, coolant level, cruise speed

Question
I just recently purchased my first Triumph-1976 Spitfire 1500.  When I'm at a stop light or sitting for a short period it begins to overheat.  I have been told that this is normal.  It's normal operating temp. is 195.  It rises about 11 degrees.  When I turn the car off the temp.  rises to about 230 until it begins to cool.  Any ideas?  Thanks..

Answer
Hi Matt,
What you describe is common on the older British cars, however, you should gauge the problem by weather it boils over. You should also consider a cooler thermostat in the summer. Some of the problem is the small radiator and lack of a good fan. If the engine does not overheat at cruise speed and does not loose coolant, you probably do not have a problem other than a high temp thermostat. As far as the temp raising after you turn the engine off, that is because the coolant has stopped moving and has absorbed more heat form the head and block and the gauge reads coolant temp, not engine temp. The engine itself is cooler, only the coolant is hotter.
I would just install a summer thermostat and keep an eye on coolant level.
Howard