Triumph Spitfire 1500

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

By 1971 the Triumph Spitfire was getting a bit long in the tooth so a major revamp was ordered. The new Mk4 featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both of which were also Michelotti-designed.

The front end was also cleaned up, and the doors were given recessed handles. The interior was much improved: a proper full-width dashboard was provided, putting the instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console. The engine continued at 1,296cc, but was modified with larger big-end bearings and the gearbox gained synchromesh on its bottom gear.

By far the most significant change, however, was to the rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design. The Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse had already been modified, and the result on all these cars was safe and progressive handling even at the limit.

In 1974 the engine was enlarged yet again to 1,493cc and the name changed to the Spitfire 1500. Torque was greatly increased and the new engine at last made the Spitfire capable of the magic ton with 0-60mph coming up in 11.3 seconds. Other detail improvements included reclining seats with head restraints, wood-veneer dash, hazard flashers and electric washers. The last Spitfire 1500, an Inca Yellow specimen with hardtop and overdrive, rolled off the assembly line in August 1980.

As the original purchase invoice confirms, this particular 1500 was sold new by Kennings Ltd on 1st March 1978 for £2,336.48 ‘on the road’ to a lady in whose name the car has remained to this day. A truly remarkable survivor, it has covered a mere 35,430 miles to date with a good history file to warrant this total including the original service book which is stamped by Kennings up until 1984.

Since then servicing has been carried out locally with bills on file showing a service and brake overhaul in 2000 and another service plus new water pump in 2001.The car was then put into storage for a dozen years, re-emerging in 2013 when it was treated to another full service including a new exhaust, new fan coupling and new seat foams. The following year it had another major service which included a replacement unleaded head; new radiator, thermostat and all rubber hoses; new fuel pipes; new track rods; brake overhaul with new master cylinder and wheel cylinders plus new door rubbers.

Just prior to the auction the car was also fitted with a new battery; the engine tuned and the valve clearances set; the carbs stripped, cleaned and balanced and the ignition system overhauled. Said to drive beautifully it has an MOT until October 2015.

Supplied with the aforementioned service record and purchase invoice, it also comes with the original soft top, tonneau cover and hood bag, all in excellent condition, the original owner’s handbook and two original British Leyland keys. Described by the vendor as being “perhaps the best, most original one-owner Spitfire out there”, this low mileage time warp machine looks mighty tempting at the sensible guide price suggested.