1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 – Today’s Tempter
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Final variant with the biggest 1500cc engine: Multiple concours winner
Faced with the hugely successful Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget, Triumph quickly realised they needed their own low-cost sports car to compete.
Their small Herald Sedan of the 60s provided the chassis and mechanical underpinnings, but enlisted Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti to redesign the body.
While the Spitfire’s namesake was the fearsome British fighter plane, the car was initially underpowered thanks to a tiny 1.1lt twin-carb motor, and a primitive rear swing axle that made for hazardous handling characteristics at the limit.
The car underwent Mk II and Mk III updates; the latter of which further throttled back performance thanks to US pollution regulations.
The biggest update came with the Mk IV of 1970 – which saw a more refined design at the hands of Michelotti once more, and a completely redesigned rear end which finally ditched the perilous swing axle.
The final update arrived in 1973, with the Spitfire 1500. Along with the larger 1500cc four-cylinder engine, the car represented the amalgamation of all prior updates and improvements.
They remain a timelessly attractive classical sports car that’s easy to maintain, and hugely fun to drive for the dollar!
This ’77 Spitfire 1500 presents in great condition, and is reportedly a "multiple concours winner" according to the listing.
It’s said to have had just three owners from new and comes with original log books and workshop manual, along with a removable hardtop with the factory soft top in place beneath.
The car is based in Queensland and is listed for $18,990.
Check out the full listing here!
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