1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 |

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1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,890

Mileage~1,381 (on the clock)
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationSutton Bridge

SOLD

1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

The Triumph Spitfire 1500, a true British sports car. Offering wind-in-the-hair motoring and outright fun to drive.

The Triumph Spitfire was first introduced to the world in 1957 as a small 2-seater sports car.

Throughout its 18 years of production, it's design and performance was continuously tweaked to keep it fresh and able to compete with other British sports cars. Which leads us to this fine example, being the last generation.

This is the Spitfire you want, the refined 5th generation of the model with a greatly improved 1.5L engine and improved interior - truly desirable.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after liaising Martin the owner, having photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I'll be sad to see it go. It's been a real pleasure to restore and drive. I'm sure the new owner will enjoy it an awful lot!

Martin has had the pleasure of owning this Spitfire 1500 for the previous 4 years.

With a strong background in restoring cars and having this model in his head and heart, he sourced the perfect example to do a full nut and bolt restoration. Blood, sweat, tears and money have gone into making sure it is a top-notch example.

"I'll be sad to let the car go" says Martin - the car is ready for the new owner to drive and enjoy, show at various events and treasure for many years to come, it looks a real treat.

Martin

Vehicle Owner

Martin saved £1,080* when they
sold their Triumph with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

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We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Forget rusty examples, this example is the one to have. One fine, show-ready car ready to be enjoyed.

Wheels and Tyres

The car has its original sporty 13" sporty wheels that are wrapped in Goodyear tyres - we love the wide and low stance of the Spitfire.

The wheels are in excellent condition - please take a look at the photos to see for yourself.

Bodywork

This is one well-restored example - all the bodywork is in excellent condition.

The shut lines across all the panels are tight and even as you'd expect, and no dents etc observed.

Please watch the videos to see just how good this car is - it's obviously been meticulously owned and cared for.

Paint

Finished in an original "Russet Brown" colour. Across the car, the paint is even in finish and colour. The only points that Martin wanted to point out was some slight rippling in paint on the doors and bonnet, only visible at certain angles when you are inspecting the car.

After reviewing the images, we noticed wear on the luggage rack arms - overall the paint looked really good.

Please have a look at the images to see the condition of the paint in more detail.

Glass and Trim

All in great condition, new parts installed where needed. The windscreen was replaced, and the repair man didn't quite get the seal in correctly on the bottom right corner. Also, when the car was transported on a low loader, the windscreen has been chipped in transit, really unfortunate.

Please view the photos and videos for a more detailed view.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A Spitfire interior makeover for the '70s - introducing upgraded reclining seats, headrests, chequered brushed nylon on the seats.

Seats and Carpets

Martin hasn't missed anything on his full refurbishment, he's had the seats fully reupholstered.

A very smart tan/brown interior finish on this example. Upon inspection, the seat and carpets are in excellent condition. The door cards still have their original packaging, unopened - new condition.

Ready for the owner to enjoy a near factory fresh show car.

Dashboard

A simple dashboard, just a few dials. The dashboard is wrapped in matching wood veneer and looks in excellent condition.

Martin has informed us that all the dials etc work as they should do.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original Triumph steering wheel is a delight to see. The car has an upgraded gearstick with overdrive fitted giving you lower fuel consumption, lower noise, perfect for the longer drives.

Both the steering wheel and gear stick look in good condition, we can imagine the steering wheel would give you a lot of control and driving pleasure when out and about.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

That all-important upgraded 1.5L engine means 19mph faster than the predecessor. Every Spitfire lovers dream set-up.

Engine and Gearbox

Featuring the Triumph 1.5L engine mated to a 4-speed marina gearbox.

The engine provided a useful increase in torque from 75lb ft to 82lb ft – Delivered at only 3000rpm instead of 4000rpm with overdrive fitted as well, perfect for those long roof-down road trips to car shows you'll be doing.

Martin mentions that the engine pulls just as it should, and he rebuilt the engine back in 2016 including a new timing chain and tensioner. Please look at the images and videos for a closer look, and the videos taken to show exhaust output etc.

Suspension and Brakes

During the rebuild process, Martin has fitted new springs, shock absorbers, bushes, trunnions, and control arms. He has really gone the extra mile in restoring this British classic.

Any Spitfire enthusiast will be impressed with the work carried out. - Please view the images to see this in more detail.

Martin assures us that the car handles as you'd expect and stops just as it should do too.

The Drive

A fun sports car to drive, Martin says "This car will certainly put a smile on your face the moment you get out on the road."

Martin assures us the car drives beautifully and fault-free.

Electrics and Other

In the rebuild process, Martin has replaced the fuse box and repaired the loom. He has also fitted an updated radio, but this does require some wiring/service to get it working correctly.

Martin reports that all other electrics are working as expected to his knowledge.

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History and Paperwork

A meticulous restoration that has taken this stunning Triumph Spitfire 1500 back to its glory days.

Martin has completed a total nut and bolt restoration on this Triumph Spitfire 1500 and has a whole folder of invoices. He is more than happy to answer any questions involving the care and maintenance of the car, as we were unable to capture this content upon our visit. Martin has taken a couple of sample photos of the most important documents.

Works completed by Martin include; Powder-coated chassis - all engine external gaskets, walsh plugs and o-rings replaced - timing chain and tensioner replaced - new floorboards and sills - mudguards - rear boot panel valance - boot lid - fuel tank - sender unit and gauge - suspension parts including springs - shocks - bushes - trunnions - control arms - internal door parts - fuse box - repaired loom - rebuilt carburettors - new S/S exhaust - complete reupholstery - brakes - pipes - shoes - adjusters - wheel cylinder - L/S drive shafts - bearings - universal joints.

Martin also has all the old/spare parts that will be sold with the car.

Checks carried out by us:
- Photo ID of seller.
- V5 checked against seller's photo ID.
- HPi checked - Cat D Damage Repairable.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
25.10.2018	MOT	1,346
09.11.2017	MOT	1,267
27.11.2015	MOT	1,260
07.08.2014	MOT	1,168
29.08.2012	MOT	1,127
31.08.2011	MOT	755
01.08.2009	MOT	402

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Key Details

ModelSpitfire 1500
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date17.05.1978
CC1493cc
Mileage~1,381 (on the clock)
HistoryPartial
ColourRusset Brown
Interior ColourTan
Interior TrimMix
Chassis #FH1116520
Engine #FMHE
RestoredYes
MOTExempt
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearCat D
Tyre TreadGood
Tyre BrandGoodyear
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedNo - Self Consignment
Sale TypePrivate
Owned4 years
Key FeatureNut & Bolt Restored

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All Images

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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This vehicle has now been sold - click 'I Want One' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

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Ask Questions

Seller : Martin V Sale Date 16.10.2020

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

7 Comments

steve

4 years ago

can the spitfire still be purchased , if so can it be viewed

Thanks

Steve Elwis

Kulraj Salh

Admin

steve

4 years ago

Yes and yes, give us a call on our office number tomorrow and we can discuss further. Best, Kulraj 01926 426 635

Mark

4 years ago

Is there a scratch to right of bonnet latch (3’34” of exterior video) or is it trick of light?
Mileage confirmation would be great too.
Thanks

Martin V

Seller

Mark

4 years ago

No scratch in this location Mark. With regards the mileage, the previous owner changed the clock and told me that it read 81,000 before they did this.

AutoInn

Martin V

4 years ago

Great, thanks Martin.

M Rose

4 years ago

Any idea what the true mileage is?

Martin V

Seller

M Rose

4 years ago

Hi, the previous owner told me that it was 81,000 before they changed the clock. I don’t have any paperwork to substantiate this though.

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Vehicle Location

Sutton Bridge

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