1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Convertible Coupe

This 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 was the last incarnation of the much-loved line of Spitfires. The Spitfire model began life in 1962 by the Standard-Triumph Company. Originally code-named 'bomb, it was in part a response to Austin Healey, who had just launched the Sprite.

Italian designer Michelotti was tasked with coming up with the body design for the original Spitfire, and he also penned the last version seen here, the Spitfire 1500. Only days after the Spitfire 1500 was introduced, the British Leyland Company ran to the British Government for financial help, and in 1975 the company was nationalized. The last Spitfire rolled off the assembly line in 1980.

The Spitfire 1500 has an inline four engine rated at 71 horsepower. It does 0-60 mph in 15 seconds.

This car was purchased from a performance-oriented fellow who made several go-fast upgrades, including the installation of a Weber carburetor, performance exhaust header and muffler, lowered suspension, and alloy wheels. The current owner has prepared the car for SCCA events by installing a roll bar, and 5-point racing harnesses. The 1977 U.S. specification front bumper has been replaced.