One-Owner 76k-Mile 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Description

The 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500, introduced as the final and most powerful iteration of the Spitfire series, marked a pivotal evolution in the British sports car’s lineage. The 1500 featured a 1493cc inline-four engine derived from the Triumph Dolomite, producing 71 horsepower, an upgrade that offered improved torque and drivability over its predecessors. While retaining the classic Giovanni Michelotti styling, the 1974 model incorporated new safety features for the U.S. market, including rubber bumper overriders and a reinforced chassis. Production continued until 1980, with the 1500 becoming the longest-running and best-selling version of the Spitfire.

This 1974 Spitfire 1500 was purchased new by the seller on March 10, 1975 and now shows 76,800 miles. It was refinished in red paint and reupholstered with factory-correct tan vinyl in 2009. The factory engine has been upgraded with electronic ignition, and the car has an aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette stereo. This one-owner Triumph is now offered with documentation, some service records and a clean Washington state title in the seller's name.

Factory Equipment

• 1,493cc inline-four engine factory-rated at 71 horsepower

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Aerodynamic spoiler (front air dam)

• Convertible boot cover

• 13” steel wheels with Triumph hubs

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Build date – September 1974

  • Paint: 72 – Pimento Red

  • Trim: 63 – Chestnut vinyl seat covers and matching door panels

• The chassis number (1FM135651U) decodes as:

  • 1FM – Spitfire 1500 built in Seniffe, Belgium

  • 135665 – Sequential production number

  • U – U.S. market

Modifications

• Repair and refurbishment in August 2009 included:

  • Repaired dents on driver's side door and fenders on both sides

  • Grinded and filled surface rust on top of firewall

  • Refinished in red paint

  • Reupholstered in tan vinyl from Victoria British

• Electronic ignition

• Roll bar

• Aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette stereo and speakers

• New black vinyl convertible top and tonneau cover

Servicing

• May 2023: Maintenance by British Specialty (Maple Valley, Washington) included:

  • Radiator, water pump, and coolant

  • Timing chain and tensioner

  • Ignition kit, coil, spark plugs, distributor cap

  • Accelerator cable

  • Sway bar poly bushings

  • Battery

• August 2019: Maintenance by British Specialty included:

  • Ignition system: Spark plugs, distributor cap, points, condenser, wires, and rotor

  • Clutch system: Master cylinder, slave cylinder, and fluid

  • Cooling/heating system: Water pump, hoses, O-ring, valve, and heater

  • Suspension: Front shocks

  • Rear brake system: Drums, shoes, and fluid

• July 2017: Toyo Eclipse All Season P185/70R13 tires

• April 2016: Front brake calipers, pads, and fluid

Documentation

• Original purchase documents from Arnie Ness Imports in Kennewick, Washington

• Receipts for service listed above

Known Imperfections

• Subject to vapor lock in hot weather

• Paint imperfections

• Front chrome bumper is buckled near the center

• Rust spot on passenger side rocker panel and undercarriage

• Passenger door is difficult to open from outside

Ownership History

The seller purchased this 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500 on March 10, 1975 from Arnie Ness Imports in Kennewick, Washington.

The seller says the car "moved with the family to Ohio in 1978 and back to Washington State in 1987 [when it was retitled]. It was driven regularly to and from work until around 1997, and since then it has been mostly a fair-weather neighborhood vehicle. The current mileage of 76,757 is original. The car has always been garaged.”

Included Items

• Spare tire with cover

• Jack and lug wrench

• Convertible boot cover

• Tonneau cover