1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Mk. IV
1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Mk. IV
Lot details
Year: 1979
Make: Triumph
Model: Spitfire Mk. IV
Registration: VTR 27T
Chassis No: FH1313570
Odometer: 38,375
• Manual with overdrive
• Comprehensively restored in 2012
The Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV was one of the final evolutions of the classic British roadster lineage that began in the early 1960s. Designed by the Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti and produced by British Leyland, the Mk. IV represented the Spitfire's maturity—combining the charming simplicity of earlier versions with more refinement and reliability. By 1979, the car featured the 1493cc inline-four engine, which produced around 71 horsepower, paired with a four-speed gearbox (with optional overdrive). Though modest by modern standards, the Spitfire's lightweight made it lively and engaging to drive. With its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, independent suspension, and low-slung seating position, it offered the pure, communicative driving experience that enthusiasts still celebrate. The Mk. IV benefitted from improved aerodynamics thanks to a redesigned tail and smoother bumpers. Its interior, while minimalistic, included practical updates like full carpeting and more functional instrumentation. Despite its small size, the Spitfire's long clamshell hood allowed easy access to the engine bay, a favourite feature among home mechanics. The Spitfire competed with cars like the MG Midget and Fiat X1/9, but it retained a distinctive character classic British charm with a hint of Italian style. Production of the Spitfire line ended in 1980, marking the close of an era for affordable open-top sports cars. Today, the Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV stands as a beloved symbol of analogue motoring: simple, fun, and irresistibly full of personality.
Originally registered on 24th May 1979 this Triumph presents very well in red with tan interior. In 2012 this Spitfire was painstakingly restored, with a colour change from its original colour of green to red. Throughout the restoration, a donor car was located and used, thus resulting in a very well sorted car, with the chassis, bodywork and mechanics all receiving significant time and investment. The engine was rebuilt, gearbox replaced, overdrive unit overhauled, a new bonnet fitted, all of this is confirmed by a comprehensive collection of invoices in the history file. Supplied with a V5 and an MoT test certificate valid until 2nd March 2027, today, the Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV stands as a beloved symbol of analogue motoring: simple, fun, and irresistibly full of personality. Consigned by Stewart Banks
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