Triumph Spitfire 1500

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Named after the iconic WW2 fighter aircraft and launched in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire was such a success that the basic design remained virtually unchanged until 1970.

A riposte to the diminutive BMC Sprite/Midget range, the Spitfire was closely based on the Herald saloon, inheriting that model's all-independent suspension (double wishbone front / swing-axle rear), disc / drum brakes and precise rack-and-pinion steering, the chassis being shortened and reconfigured as a 'backbone' type.

Styled by Michelotti, its wonderfully sleek two-door roadster body featured a clam-shell bonnet that tilted forward to give unhindered access to the engine bay. It also had a usefully capacious boot and met with instant success, particularly in the booming North American market.

Initially available with a twin SU carburettor version of the Herald’s 1,147cc engine which gave it 63bhp and a 92mph top speed, it was gradually uprated over the years until the final 1500 incarnation appeared in 1974, now with 71bhp and significantly more torque which made it much more tractable around town and gave it a genuine 100mph top speed.

Dating from October 1979, this Spitfire 1500 may look rather shabby and unloved but it is actually said to be in good running order, according to the vendor, and was Crypton tuned shortly before the auction. He also states that the chassis is sound and it is only the bodywork that really needs attention.

Clearly well-looked-after in the past, it comes with numerous bills for what appears to have been a fairly extensive mechanical overhaul in 2001/2002 which included a rebuilt gearbox and a new clutch at around 93,000 miles, the odometer currently showing some 97,800 miles. Five old MOTs from 1999 to 2006 indicate that it was probably last on the road and in use about 10 years ago. Being offered here at no reserve, it has all the signs of a fairly straightforward restoration project.