1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Launched in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire’s final iteration was introduced in December 1974 and continued until August 1980. Known as the Spitfire 1500 — a numerical designation based on its engine size — the British roadster’s four-cylinder power plant was actually slightly smaller than 1,500 cc. Officially 1,493 cc, it was the Spitfire’s largest engine ever. This increase in power transformed the driving experience, endowing the 1500 with a more spirited performance, which resonated well with buyers.
Designed by acclaimed Italian automotive designer Giovanni Michelotti, the Spitfire 1500 showcased captivating body lines and modern features such as roll-up windows, setting it apart from competitors that still relied on side curtains. Renowned for its racing prowess, the Spitfire clinched numerous SCCA championships and excelled in rallies across Europe.
The Spitfire was the final Triumph automobile to be sold in the United States, leaving behind a lasting legacy that exemplified America’s infatuation with British sports cars. This 1979 model, one of more than 10,000 sold in the U.S., is one of the final Spitfires built during its 19-year run.
This 1979 Spitfire 1500 was completely sorted in 2021. Its owner wanted the car to be worry free, so it received all new fluids, gaskets, valves, and bulbs, and had any non-working items fixed or replaced.
Highlights
This 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 23,775 miles at the time of listing, believed to be original
Turnkey car was sorted in 2021 by Kane Motor Car Company, Inc., in North Kingstown, Rhode Island (at a cost of $4,254.51); any non-working items were fixed or replaced and the Spitfire received new fluids, gaskets, valves, and bulbs
Second-to-the-last model year of the iconic Triumph Spitfire
Finished in Carmine Red (82) paint over tan/black interior and Tan (C74) leather seats
Powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 53 horsepower
Single Zenith Stromberg carburetor
Four-speed manual transmission
The chassis number (FM96188U) decodes as:
FM – U.S. spec 1493cc model
96188 – Production number
U – Complies with Federal U.S. Legislation
Black soft top
New tan leather upholstery in 2022 ($1,250)
Features
Rear-wheel-drive, two-door roadster
Manufacture date: October 1978
Spitfire 1500 decals on hood
Black three-spoke steering wheel
Wooden shift knob
Woodgrain dash
SCCA National Champion dash plate
Instrumentation:
120 mph speedometer and odometer
Tachometer
Coolant temperature
Fuel level
Heater
Manual windows
Driver's side exterior rearview mirror
Front disc brakes
Rear drum brakes
Sears Superguard P155/60R13 tires
13-inch factory steel wheels with chrome trim rings
Black rubber bumpers
Rear antenna (but currently no radio installed)
Current Commonwealth of Massachusetts inspection sticker (issued 4 September 2024)
Known Imperfections
Scratch on driver’s door
Paint chips on rocker panels
Wear on underside of wheel wells
Small rust spot at the top of the driver’s side windshield pillar
Paint chip near the bottom of the driver’s side windshield pillar
Wear on chrome trim around windshield
Wheels show typical wear
The door stop (which holds the door open) on the driver’s side no longer works
Included
Spare tire with cover
Jack
Two tonneau covers
New MP3 player in box
New passenger side mirror in box
Service manual
Additional set of keys
6-inch model of a 1979 Spitfire
Ownership History
This 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 has been garage kept and carefully maintained throughout its life. After spending 2014-21 on display at a sports car dealership, it was purchased by a sports car enthusiast who commissioned a Rhode Island specialist to make it as close to “new” as possible. However, after struggling to get in and out of the Spitfire (and tearing its vinyl and houndstooth seats in the process), he decided to part with it. The consignor bought the car in 2022 and had its seats reupholstered and repadded. He rarely drives it but starts and runs it on a regular basis.
