1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 |

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1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500

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

Sold Price

£6,360

Mileage~72,000
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationDereham

SOLD

1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jon Dixon

Professional Consigner

The last of the classic open-top Triumphs and arguably one of the best and most affordable - the Triumph Spitfire 1500.

The Triumph Spitfire was produced as a direct competitor of the Austin-Healey Sprite, and subsequently the MG Midget. Triumph found itself playing catch up, yet eventually ended up producing a quality sports car that rivaled the competition in many ways.

The Spitfire was underpinned by a Herald-style separate chassis and was powered by the same family of engines. Similar to the Herald, the Spitfire was a look created by Michelotti with a closely-cropped interior for two.

Production lasted until 1980, however still today the Triumph remains accessible and easy to keep on the road thanks to the near-total parts supply.

We really like this particular example, used and enjoyed by Roland for the past 8 years and finished in this bright yellow it looks great on the road - a proper little summer classic.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jon after meeting Roland the owner, and having visited and 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

After 8 years I'll be really sad to see this little car go - I've had some real fun in it but the time has come to find a new owner.

Roland has had a great time driving this car out and about on the open roads - dry storing it in his garage between times. The bright yellow paint really caught his eye, along with the clean mechanics of the car and he couldn't resist purchasing it back in 2013. He is the 5th owner and is now looking for a like-minded Spitfire fan to pass the car on to.

Roland will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

Roland

Vehicle Owner

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

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in a head-turning yellow with chrome trim - this is one great looking British classic.

Wheels and Tyres

These Triumph wheels look great, we love the silver outer rim with sporty centre. The wheels appear in undamaged and uncurbed condition, with the silver paint starting to show some minor marks in places.

The front tyres are Westlake Radial SP06 and the rear are Semperit Hi-Life, with a good amount of tread for this usable classic to drive away on.

Bodywork

The bodywork on the Spitfire looks to be in good condition, there appear to be no signs of corrosion to the panels; just what you'd look for in a lovely example.

The panels also appear to sit straight and fit flush. The shut lines around the bonnet, boot and doors likewise - Roland reports the doors hang well off their hinges.

Roland tells us that the body was refurbished in the past to bring it up to standard, this cost over £5000 inc most rubber grommets, joints, hoods and suspension.

Paint

This Spitfire is finished in a vibrant yellow that really makes it stand out from the classic crowd.

The paint is even in finish across all the panels and looks great across the whole car.

Please take a look at the exterior photos for a closer look at the finish photographed in bright sunlight.

Glass and Trim

The glass also looks in great condition throughout, the rubber seals look tight around the windows and are in excellent condition too.

The soft top is good too and the chrome also appears in good shape with just some minor marks in places, especially around the front bumper.

Please take a look at the exterior photographs for a closer view of the exterior.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Reclining seats, headrests and chequered brushed nylon seats, yes please - a new level of luxurious touches for the late Spitfire.

Seats and Carpets

These black vinyl seats with houndstooth centres look great and eye-catching along with the yellow exterior. They offer more comfort than the earlier Spitfires with a reclining feature and headrests.

The carpets and mats are in inline with the rest of the car, in good condition, with no immediate issues or damage to them. The boot carpet is also in good condition.

Dashboard

The wood-veneer dash looks in good condition and it's combined with various large black dials and gauges that give it a sporty appearance. When getting close to the dash we noticed a small crack in the wood on the driver's side.

Roland reports all the gauges and dials are fully working to his knowledge.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The silver steering wheel with a sporty leather covering looks great in this 1500, the hub of the steering wheels appears to have red-painted bolts too.

The gearstick and cover is good with little wear over the years, overall inline with the rest of the condition of the car.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

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

Engine and Gearbox

Featuring the last and best 1.5L engine mated to a 4-speed 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 you'll be doing

Roland mentions that the Spitfire pulls just as it should, please take a look at the mechanical video to see the 1500 starting from cold with no issues.

Suspension and Brakes

Roland has always given the brakes along with all the other mechanical parts the attention they require over his long 8 years of ownership.

The car's suspension to looks good, no issues with the springs, nor creaks when getting in and out or using the car, as reports Roland.

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

The Drive

A fun sports car, ready to get out and drive this summer, Roland says the Spitfire will not fail to put a smile on your face.

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

Electrics and Other

The electrics are reported to work as they should. This example has a Sharp stereo fitted which Roland says is working, just as it should, and sounds great too.

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History and Paperwork

A desirable little summer classic coming fresh from a long ownership - sure to give you a happy summer for not much money.

The car comes with its original manual and handbook.

The MOT history shows regular road worthiness and Roland reports doing the regular servicing himself - he's been meticulous in this work.

Roland will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

We've actioned our usual checks which include:
- We've seen / hold a copy of the registration document that is in name of seller and the address matches our visit.
- We've seen / hold a Photo ID of the seller with a name that matches the registration document.
- HPi check on the car for outstanding finance an / or insurance claim - all clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
30.03.2015	MOT	70,091
19.05.2014	MOT	49,460
21.05.2013	MOT	66,024
24.04.2012	MOT	63,641
21.04.2011	MOT	60,798
01.05.2010	MOT	60,764

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Key Details

ModelSpitfire 1500
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date07.02.1980
CC1493CC
Mileage~72,000
ColourYellow
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #FH125362
Engine #FM109533HE
MOTNo - Exempt
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers4
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned8 yrs
Key FeatureAffordable Classic

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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 : Roland L Sale Date 19.04.2021

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

8 Comments

jonnybluejeans

3 years ago

Does the hood fold down properly and not leak when up?

Liamie

3 years ago

Wow! Brilliant and interesting! Thanks.

Liamie

3 years ago

I mean exempt of course!

Liamie

3 years ago

Sorry,sorry I see it’s not exempt! What does that mean? Can it still be driven normally??

Liamie

3 years ago

Sorry to bother but has the car not been mot’d since 2015?

William Horner

3 years ago

Hi there. Have you any shots of the hood up by any chance?

martin lange

3 years ago

Hi Roland, there is mention that the car has overdrive, but in the absence of a switch in the gear lever, take it it has’nt.
Secondly, was the car resprayed in your ownership?
Regards
Martin

Roland Le Roy

martin lange

3 years ago

Sorry I missed that in the write up, well spotted but there is no overdrive.

Yes the car has had extensive renovation to the body and most of it is
photographed. This was completed 2 years ago by a professional classic car
restorer.

The overdrive thing I found it, I think it was describing the difference between overdrive and non overdrive gearboxes. Sorry for the confusion I will try to get it changed.

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Vehicle Location

Dereham

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