Triumph Spitfire 1500

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By 1971 the Spitfire was getting a bit long in the tooth so a major revamp was ordered. The new MkIV featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models which Michelotti had also recently styled. The front end was 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 until 1973 when the 1500cc unit was introduced.

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 Vitesse had already been upgraded, the result being safe and progressive handling even at the limit

Looking resplendent in its Pageant Blue paint, this Triumph Spitfire 1500 was in long term ownership from 1994 until last year. The Spitfire was placed in storage in 2000 with 70,425 miles on the clock when the previous owner emigrated to take up a position in Hong Kong and was then sold at our May auction last year and purchased by a keen local motorist. Unfortunately, although he has enjoyed it greatly, he admits that he was a little optimistic on how easily he would be able to get in and out of it at his age so back into auction it is.

A painstaking refurbishment has included fitting new sills, a complete repaint, retrimmed seats, a new carpet set, all new braking system, four new tyres, a thorough engine service and a good dose of Waxoil to protect against corrosion. In addition to a good soft top, a works hardtop is also included for snug year-round motoring.

Now looking most attractive and said to drive as it should with an MOT until the end of July 2016, it comes with a fair amount of history back to the early 1990s, including an invoice from GB Sportscars of Leighton Buzzard from whom a previous owner purchased it in 1994 for £3,000 when the mileage was stated to be 58,653.