1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500

They were cited by motoring journalists as an example of the thrills to be found in driving slow cars quickly

by Gary Anderson

The Triumph Spitfire 1500, according to the original brochure, is a true sports car whose classic lines express “the harmony of power and grace which is the car’s hallmark.” The brochure boasted that the 1,493-cc engine is strict on fuel but generous on power. Developing 71 bhp at 5,500 rpm, “the sharp, confident acceleration can take you up to the 100-mph mark,” while the optional overdrive is reported to allow 50 mpg. There’s no question about it, any car that only shows 35 original miles on the odometer can be considered brand new. On top of this, it’s also the last of its kind, as Triumph ceased production of the Spitfire in 1980. This car stayed in the hands of a Triumph dealer for many years. Finished in white with a black-and-white interior, this car is equipped with factory overdrive, a luggage rack, and is complete with its original Certificate of Origin, invoice from Triumph to the selling dealer, and a letter to the dealer (dated 1985) with regard...