1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Launched in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire’s final iteration was introduced in December 1974 and continued until August 1980. Known as the Spitfire 1500 — a numerical designation based on its engine size — the British roadster’s four-cylinder power plant was actually slightly smaller than 1,500 cc. Officially 1,493 cc, it was the Spitfire’s largest engine ever. This increase in power transformed the driving experience, endowing the 1500 with a more spirited performance.

Designed by acclaimed Italian automotive designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Spitfire 1500 showcased captivating body lines and modern features such as roll-up windows, setting it apart from competitors that still relied on side curtains. In 1977, the Spitfire received a new carburetor, redesigned cylinder head and intake and exhaust manifolds. The steering wheel shrank to 13.5 inches, and the ignition switch moved to the steering column.

The Spitfire 1500 was the final Triumph automobile to be sold in the United States, leaving behind a lasting legacy that exemplified America’s infatuation with British sports cars. This 1977 model is one of more than 62,471 Spitfires sold in the U.S. from 1973-80.

Highlights

• Final generation of the iconic Triumph Spitfire

• Refinished prior to 2014 in Tahiti Blue paint over tan/black interior with tan leather seats

• Powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 53 horsepower

• New Weber carburetor

• Timing chain and front oil seal were replaced on 6/2021

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Black soft top and tonneau cover

• Optional luggage rack in rear

• New Bluetooth stereo system

• New carpeting

• New rear suspension

• The chassis number (FM61897U) decodes as:

  • FM – U.S. spec 1493cc model

  • 61897 – Production number

  • U – Complies with Federal U.S. Legislation

Features

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door roadster

• Manufacture date: January 1977

• Spitfire 1500 decals on hood and trunk

• Woodgrain three-spoke steering wheel

• Woodgrain dash

• Dash instrumentation:

  • 120 mph speedometer and odometer

  • Tachometer

  • Coolant temperature

  • Fuel level

• Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo with Bluetooth and USB port

• Sony 500W Xplod amplifier

• Heater

• Manual windows

• Sun visors with vanity mirror on passenger side

• Passenger grab bar

• Door-mounted exterior rearview mirrors

• Front disc brakes

• Rear drum brakes

• Michelin Harmony P175/70R13 tires

• 13-inch factory steel wheels with chrome trim rings

• Black rubber bumpers with mandated 5 mph bumper guards

• Rear antenna

• Wheelbase: 83 inches

• Length: 147 inches

• Width: 57 inches

• Height: 47.5 inches

• Weight: 1,830 pounds

Known Imperfections

• Paint nicked on right rear panel

• Paint scratched in trunk

Included

• Spare tire with cover

• Jack

• Spare clutch

• Car cover

Ownership History

The owner of this 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 purchased the car in August 2019.

Additional Notes

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.