Lot 038: Triumph Spitfire 1500

By 1971 the Triumph Spitfire was getting a bit long in the tooth so a major revamp was ordered. The new Mk4 featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both of which were also Michelotti-designed. The front end was also cleaned up, and the doors were given recessed handles. The interior was much improved: a proper full-width dashboard was provided, putting the instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console. The engine continued at 1,296cc, but was modified with larger big-end bearings (which somewhat decreased its revvy nature) and the gearbox gained synchromesh on its bottom gear.By far the most significant change, however, was to the rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design. The Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse had already been modified, and the result on all these cars was safe and progressive handling even at the limit.In 1974 the engine was enlarged yet again to 1,493cc and the name changed to the Spitfire 1500. Torque was greatly increased and the new engine at last made the Spitfire capable of the magic ton. Other detail improvements included reclining seats with head restraints, wood-veneer dash, hazard flashers and electric washers. The last Spitfire 1500, an Inca Yellow specimen with hardtop and overdrive, rolled off the assembly line in August 1980.First registered in September 1979 and supplied new to Triumph dealer Bryants of Bromsgrove, this amazing liitle 1500 had just one lady owner from October 1980 right up until April this year when it was acquired by the current vendor. It is understood that the car was taken off the road in 1989 and put into dry storage, hence the excellent state of preservation and the remarkably low mileage of just 24,520. Freshly recommissioned a couple of months ago with a new radiator, full brake overhaul and four new tyres, the car is said to drive like new. Supplied with its original hardtop, tonneau cover and Unipart radio, it also comes with all its original handbooks and literature. It must surely be one of the finest, most original models left in existence.