1980 Triumph Spitfire Convertible 2-Door 1.5L

This Spitfire 1500 is one of the best we've seen and is an outstanding example for regular enjoyment or casual show. Turnkey and ready for fun!

Triumph’s Spitfire was introduced in the early 1960s in response to the entry-level Austin Healey Sprite. Triumph saw the success of the tiny Sprite and decided to cash in on the demand for a small bore, inexpensive sports car. The Spitfire utilized the backbone chassis and running gear of the Herald saloon, though was shortened for sports car duty. Standard-Triumph continued their long-running relationship with the Italian stylist Michelotti who had penned the TR4 as well as the Herald, to style the Spitfire. Michelotti returned with a fresh and stylish body, with graceful sweeps and excellent proportions for such a tiny car. While it was simple and basic, it had the upper hand on the Sprite thanks to roll up windows and four wheel independent suspension. While the Spitfire was never a fast car, it was always an absolute blast to drive, providing a pure, unfiltered driving experience that is the essence of a small sports car. The Spitfire proved its worth on track, where from 1965 through 1978 it dominated SCCA G-Production racing, winning the national championship 13 years on the fly. Few sports cars can boast such continuous success in motorsport – a fact proudly proclaimed on a dash plaque on this 1980 1500 model. Spitfires continue to be popular not only among vintage racers, but among sports car enthusiasts who want a simple, entertaining classic that’s easy to service and returns fizzy performance in a tiny package. Over the years, the car grew larger bumpers to keep up with safety regulations, and the engine grew from a tiny 1147cc to the final 1497cc. But the essence of the Spitfire remained through its ultra-direct unassisted steering and lively handling.
RB Collection is very pleased to offer this outstanding 1980 Spitfire 1500, from the final year of the Spit’s 18 year production run. This example is one of the finest late Spitfires we have ever encountered. It has been completely restored to a very high standard for the model, and is an absolute joy to drive. The burgundy paint is excellent, with straight and crisp body lines and good panel fit. We see no evidence of major repairs or previous corrosion issues. Even the large federal bumpers are in good condition and fit the car very well – something rarely seen on these late versions.
The quality of the restoration continues to the interior where the original seats have been restored with high quality tan leather covers with complementary burgundy piping. Black carpets are the correct original material and the dash and door cards are in excellent order. The wood dash panel is excellent as are the original instruments and a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel adds a touch of class. All switchgear works as it should, including the heater and an aftermarket Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit. The vinyl soft top was replaced during the restoration and it also includes a matching tan top boot and full-cockpit tonneau cover. The boot is occupied by the spare wheel, and the original jack and lug wrench are in the factory bag. Even the correct Hardura trunk liner remains.
More of the same quality and attention to detail is found under the clamshell bonnet where the engine is extremely clean and well detailed with many factory-correct labels, fittings and hardware. Sensible upgrades have been made, such as a downdraught Weber carburetor, exhaust header and ANSA exhaust system. The result is a car that runs strong with crisp response and a raspy, energetic exhaust note. A four-speed gearbox is backed by an optional factory overdrive, which functions flawlessly to make cruising much more enjoyable. Road manners are outstanding thanks to the fully sorted chassis. It pulls well and feels solid and planted with no excessive rattles or squeaks. The quality of the restoration is felt in the first moments you drive this great little Triumph. Whether you are looking for your first classic sports car or you’re a lifelong British sports car enthusiast, we’re confident you will not be disappointed in this excellent Spitfire 1500.

The Deposit:
Please be ready to place a deposit within 48 hours of auction's close. All transactions must be completed within 7 days of the end of auction. If the car is not as represented upon your personal inspection at our dealership location, you will be under no obligation to purchase.

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Seller reserves the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. Professional pre-purchase inspections are welcome but must be made before the auction ends. Please ask any question before bidding. We have described the above mentioned vehicle to the best of our ability. However, with all pre-owned automobiles, the condition is subjective, so we recommend that the potential buyer fly out to inspect as well as test drive any of the vehicles before finalizing purchase. If your personal inspection is not possible, we will be glad to help facilitate an inspection by your chosen local independent service center and will make arrangements to deliver the vehicle to them for this purpose.

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We reserve the right to end the auction at any time.

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