1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Description

Launched in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire continually evolved until the end of production in 1980. This final generation (December 1974 through August 1980), dubbed the 1500, featured the largest engine ever used in the Spitfire, a 1,493 cc inline-four. Compared to earlier cars, this added power gave them a more sporting character and was a hit amongst buyers. Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti penned the wonderful body lines and featured roll-up windows, while many competitors still utilized side curtains. A racy car, it won numerous National Sports Car Championships with the Sports Car Club of America, in addition to rallies across Europe. The Spitfire also marked the final Triumph automobile sold in the United States. 

Highlights

• Finished in Inca Yellow over a beige interior with cloth seat inserts

• Powered by a 1,493 cc inline-four and mated to a four-speed manual transmission

• Tonneau cover with a center zipper allowing for driver-only open-air motoring

• Independent suspension with front anti-roll bar

• As per the consignor, in October 2022, the thermostat, belts, fuel hoses, both front brake calipers, brake master cylinder, side marker lights, taillights, battery, and brake wear parts front were replaced in addition to removing and cleaning the fuel tank

• Please note that while the five-digit odometer displays just over 53,000 miles, the true mileage is unknown

Features

• Front disc brakes

• Rack-and-pinion steering

• Reclining bucket seats

• Walnut veneered dashboard

• Cigar lighter

• Electric windshield wipers

• Anti-dazzle dipping rear view mirror

• Heater

• Twin sun visors

• Padded center armrest

• Door-mounted exterior mirror

• Demister

• Passenger vanity mirror

Known Imperfections

• Rust on the rear bumper

Included

• Two boxes of spare parts

Ownership History

The current owner of this 1978 Triumph states that their parents had purchased the car in 2009 during a car show in Englewood, Florida. The current owner moved the car to their residence in Indiana in 2012, prior to them inheriting it in 2018.