• A fully and fastidiously restored Triumph Spitfire 1500
• Features many band-new parts including hood, seats and carpet
• Benefitting from a new, performance tuned engine with less than 400 miles of use
The Background
The Spitfire was originally conceived by Standard-Triumph to compete in the small sports car market against the Austin-Healey Sprite. The Spitfire used mechanicals from the Herald saloon. Due to the Herald’s “body-on-frame” design, this was a chassis Triumph was able to easily downsize, saving the cost of developing a completely new chassis-body unit.
From 1975 onwards Triumph fitted a 1,500cc engine to a Mk IV Spitfire body to create the Spitfire 1500 as we offer here. The 9:1 compression ratio and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models, made this the most powerful variant to date. The 1500 Spitfire now produced 71 hp and 82 lb ft of torque. Top speed now reached the magic 100 mph mark, and 0 to 60 mph was reached in around 13 seconds.
The current owner is a Triumph enthusiast with and is always on the lookout for highly original and unmolested examples of the brand. This particular Spitfire was a genuine ban find that he bought as a full restoration project.
The owner is a welder and fabricator by profession with over 30 years’ experience of his trade. He was keen to use his skills to bring this Spitfire 1500 back to showroom condition. In actuality he has done better than that with this fine restoration benefitting from a number of improvements over the original factory specification. These include a new, uprated 1,500cc engine and replacement, nylon suspension bushes throughout.
The owner is now looking to find a new, enthusiastic owner for this fully restored car just because of the number of restoration projects he currently has on hand.
There is a good level of paperwork to accompany this Spitfire including the current V5 and a number of historic bills and invoices. There is also photographic evidence detailing the full extent of the restoration that has been enjoyed by this Spitfire 1500.
Given the age of the car we understand it to be classified as a Historic Vehicle and this exempt from tax and MOT.
The Interior
The interior is effectively as new with replacement leather seats and new carpets having been fitted. The steering wheel and gear knob have also been replaced making this one of the best Spitfire interiors we have seen.
The dash veneer is complete and in good general condition and all gauges are present and in good working condition as far as we could tell.
The bodywork of this car has benefitted from full restoration and repainting in the original Mimosa Yellow. As you will see from our photographic package all painted areas of this car have been professionally resprayed and the wheels fully refurbished, ensuring that a factory-fresh appearance is maintained.
The black hood is also new and perfectly complements the bright and lustrous Mimosa Yellow paintwork of the car. There is a black pvc tonneau cover included with the car.
As can be seen from our photographic package we were able to photograph the car on the owner’s ramp so you can judge for yourself the quality and thoroughness of the restoration of this car.
Numerous mechanical components have been replaced or refurbished during the restoration of this car, most notably the engine. This engine is an uprated version of the four cylinder 1,500cc engine but benefits from a high-lift cam and a K&N induction kit giving a useful power boost in what is a very light car.
Additional replacements and renovations have included the suspension components, the brakes and the fuel tank. The gearbox has also been professionally rebuilt.
The Triumph Spitfire is an archetype of a small and affordable British sports car that combined light weight, compact dimensions and a peppy 1,500cc engine to provide owners with a memorable and enjoyable experience.
This car adds to that already alluring package by offering a fully and professionally restored car with every facet of the original receiving significant and painstaking attention. This means this car is essentially “as-new” only better! The uprated performance engine and stiffened suspension adds another dimension to this already deeply appealing British sports car icon.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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More about buying with us
1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500
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