Triumph Spitfire

Small sports car from Triumph, developed on Herald chassis. As the Herald was of a separate chassis design, the Spitfire was developed reasonably cheaply, and shared many mechanical parts with the saloon. Originally conceived as a response to the Austin–Healey Sprite, but with more legroom and appointments (such as wind-up windows and a proper bootlid) and a higher price. Designed by Michelotti, but put into production only after Leyland Motors took over Standard–Triumph. The car outsold the Sprite, and was improved through much of its life to the Mk IV model. By then, Triumph was part of British Leyland, which starved the model line of real investment, though the Spitfire sold well through the 1970s. Unable to comply with California emissions’ regulations, the line was cancelled in 1980.

• Triumph Spitfire 4
• Triumph Spitfire Mk II
• Triumph Spitfire Mk III
• Triumph Spitfire Mk IV
• Triumph Spitfire 1500

Marque: Triumph

Off-site link

• Triumph Spitfire 1500 information pages