Lot 005: 1980 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500

A riposte to the diminutive BMC Spridget duo, the Triumph Spitfire was launched in 1962. Based around a truncated Herald chassis, it was equipped with all-round independent suspension (double wishbone front / swing-axle rear), disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering. Styled by Michelotti, its wonderfully sleek two-door roadster bodyshell featured a clam-shell bonnet and decent boot. Evolving through five guises over the course of an eighteen-year production run, the final 1500 variant arrived in 1974. With a reputed 71bhp and 82lbft of torque on tap from its 1493cc OHV four-cylinder engine, the newcomer boasted genuine 100mph performance. Visually indistinguishable from its MKIV forebear save for some minor trim differences, the Spitfire 1500 could be had with options such as a steel hardtop, overdrive transmission and 'luxury' interior (the latter essentially entailing better seat padding). A decent seller on both sides of the Atlantic, the model remained in production until August 1980. Finished in red with black cloth upholstery, this particular example is said to have had "two lady owners from new" and to have been the subject of a "body off / chassis up restoration" between 2005 and 2006 that cost some £8,000. Riding on correct-type steel wheels and boasting overdrive transmission, 'MBU 114W' is further understood to have covered just 52,000 miles. An appealing prospect, this nicely presented Spitfire 1500 is offered for sale with soft-top (on frame in boot), assorted bills and MOT certificate valid until December 20th 2008.