1979 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, which resonated well with buyers. 

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. Renowned for its racing prowess, the Spitfire clinched numerous SCCA championships and excelled in rallies across Europe.  

The Spitfire 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 1979 model, one of more than 10,000 sold in the U.S., is one of the final Spitfires built during its 19-year run. 

This 1979 Spitfire 1500 was completely sorted in 2021. Its owner wanted the car to be worry free, so it received all new fluids, gaskets, valves, and bulbs, and had any non-working items fixed or replaced. 

Highlights 

• This 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 23,775 miles at the time of listing, believed to be original 

• Turnkey car was sorted in 2021 by Kane Motor Car Company, Inc., in North Kingstown, Rhode Island (at a cost of $4,254.51); any non-working items were fixed or replaced and the Spitfire received new fluids, gaskets, valves, and bulbs 

• Second-to-the-last model year of the iconic Triumph Spitfire 

• Finished in Carmine Red (82) paint over tan/black interior and Tan (C74) leather seats 

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

• Single Zenith Stromberg carburetor 

• Four-speed manual transmission  

• The chassis number (FM96188U) decodes as: 

  • FM – U.S. spec 1493cc model 

  • 96188 – Production number 

  • U – Complies with Federal U.S. Legislation

• Black soft top

• New tan leather upholstery in 2022 ($1,250)

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door roadster 

• Manufacture date: October 1978 

• Spitfire 1500 decals on hood 

• Black three-spoke steering wheel 

• Wooden shift knob

• Woodgrain dash 

• SCCA National Champion dash plate 

• Instrumentation: 

  • 120 mph speedometer and odometer 

  • Tachometer 

  • Coolant temperature 

  • Fuel level 

• Heater

• Manual windows 

• Driver's side exterior rearview mirror 

• Front disc brakes 

• Rear drum brakes 

• Sears Superguard P155/60R13 tires 

• 13-inch factory steel wheels with chrome trim rings 

• Black rubber bumpers 

• Rear antenna (but currently no radio installed) 

• Current Commonwealth of Massachusetts inspection sticker (issued 4 September 2024) 

Known Imperfections 

• Scratch on driver’s door  

• Paint chips on rocker panels 

• Wear on underside of wheel wells 

• Small rust spot at the top of the driver’s side windshield pillar 

• Paint chip near the bottom of the driver’s side windshield pillar 

• Wear on chrome trim around windshield 

• Wheels show typical wear 

• The door stop (which holds the door open) on the driver’s side no longer works 

Included 

• Spare tire with cover 

• Jack 

• Two tonneau covers 

• New MP3 player in box 

• New passenger side mirror in box 

• Service manual 

• Additional set of keys

• 6-inch model of a 1979 Spitfire

Ownership History 

This 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 has been garage kept and carefully maintained throughout its life. After spending 2014-21 on display at a sports car dealership, it was purchased by a sports car enthusiast who commissioned a Rhode Island specialist to make it as close to “new” as possible. However, after struggling to get in and out of the Spitfire (and tearing its vinyl and houndstooth seats in the process), he decided to part with it. The consignor bought the car in 2022 and had its seats reupholstered and repadded. He rarely drives it but starts and runs it on a regular basis.