1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Registration: WBC437S

Chassis:

FH110238 Odometer: 73,000

Transmission:

Manual MOT: Exempt

Subject to a substantial refresh in 2022 / 2023

Overdrive

Stainless steel exhaust

Unleaded head

Driven to our saleroom

The Triumph Spitfire 1500 arrived in 1974 as the final and most refined evolution of the iconic British roadster, serving as the bridge between the classic sports car era and the modern automotive landscape. Designed to meet increasingly stringent emissions and safety standards, particularly in the vital North American market, the 1500 replaced the earlier MK IV by introducing a larger 1493cc engine. While this powerplant provided more torque for a more relaxed cruising experience, its primary purpose was to maintain performance levels while choked by new ‘smog’ equipment. Visually, the 1500 remained largely true to the Giovanni Michelotti design, though it was distinguished by updated ‘Spitfire 1500’ decals, a matte black rear tail panel, and a slightly raised ride height to comply with US bumper height regulations. Despite facing stiff competition and the onset of the ‘British Leyland’ era's notorious quality control issues, the 1500 became the most prolific version of the Spitfire, with over 95,000 units produced by the time the factory doors in Canley closed in August 1980. Its decade-long production run saw the introduction of more ‘luxurious’ touches, such as reclining seats and wood-veneer dashboards, moving it away from its Spartan roots toward a more comfortable grand-touring feel.

We are pleased to offer this 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 in red with black vinyl interior. First registered in February 1978, it has had 7 previous owners. There isn’t much in the way of early history but it would seem the little Triumph had a substantial refresh, both cosmetically and mechanically, in 2022 / 2023 and there’s good bundle of invoices from this period to back up the extent of that work. Highlights include new water pump, new head gasket, tyres all round, fresh seat covers and carpet set but there’s tons more and we’d highly recommend viewing the paperwork yourself. In addition to this, there’s an eBay ad from 2022 indicating that the engine was overhauled sometime around 2015 with upgrades including enlarged centre bearing oil way, 1300 profile cam, high tensile bolts and studs, electronic ignition, unleaded head, larger capacity radiator and electric thermostatic fan. It also mentions new shocks all round, a reconditioned differential and an overhaul of the gearbox and overdrive, all done since the engine overhaul. Of course, we cannot warrant this description to be correct so encourage you to make your own mind up.

Originally supplied in brown, we have to applaud the decision to change the colour to the current vibrant red, which is the perfect shade for a fun roadster. The paint hasn’t been done to the highest standard but there is no obvious corrosion. The wheels present nicely and are wrapped in fresh Goodyear rubber all round. Smart, pressed-metal plates are a nice touch and slung underneath is a stainless steel exhaust that should last the Spitfire’s lifetime. The hood appears to be in good condition and the plastic rear windows are clear, with a tonneau included to keep everything neat. The cabin is a definite strongpoint, with the renewed seat covers and door cards being free of damage and the branded carpet set looking clean and fresh. The wood on the dash is nice with a spare panel for in front of the driver. It's pleasing to see a period radio / cassette and original three spoke wheel. Under the bonnet is lovely and clean, showing off the renewed rocker cover, twin carbs and polished K&N air filters.

The Spitfire comes with V5C, bundle of invoices, old eBay description and some old MOTs.

Summer is coming (we promise!) and, having benefitted from a lot of attention and expense in recent years, this little roadster makes a strong case for itself as your new sunshine companion.