|
Past Times - Classic Car Triumph Spitfire 1500 - 1980
 This was my 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 with overdrive in 3rd
and 4th gears. This was one of the last to be made before the model ceased
production in late 1980.
This little car is a seriously understated classic
overshadowed by the TR and MG models. However, its sleek stylish design has to
be admired. It looks well in most of the colours of that era but white has makes
the model pretty timeless.
In 1981 I purchased a white Spitfire MK4 1972 model. This was
my first two seater sports car and ran it for 12 months before progressing to a
Triumph Stag followed by a number of other classics. The Spitfire was always my
favourite, a fun car, easy to drive, work on and maintain.
In November 2009 I spotted this one on EBay with 9 minutes to
bid. I was unable to bid to its reserve but it did not sell anyway. It was for
sale close to where I lived so it could not be easier to visit and view the car under no pressure
to buy. After a look over by mechanic Peter Yates it was confirmed that it was
an excellent restoration job with only a spot of TLC required on the carbs and
some electrics to get it through the MOT.
What a cracking example and a very lucky find. Over the winter
I serviced the carbs and starter motor and it passed the MOT no problem in the
Spring 2010.
Lots of polish and some improvements were added to bring it up
to showroom condition:-
 Chrome Wire Wheels
Chrome Mirrors
Retro Radio/Cassette
Mudflaps
I still have work to do under the bonnet. Mainly, a repaint or
clean-up of many of the engine parts to ensure the car becomes in show class
condition.
Saying all this the car has seen some good service in its
first summer having done 2500 miles and even had to raise the classic car insurance
mileage! Now I'm 50, it is as much fun to drive now as it was when I was 21! The
'colour coordinated border collie dog Cass enjoys the ride too!
Update - 2018
Sadly the car was not being used as much
as the earlier years as I bought a Motorhome in 2013 and most of my
leisure trips were in the motorhome. To make space in the garage for my
model railway the Spitfire had to go.It was sold to a gentleman from
Penrith who was going to take the car to his holiday home in France to
be used there. I hope the car continues to have a great life in France!
|
