Triumph Spitfire 1500- 1980

The Triumph Spitfire was introduced at the 1962 London Motor Show.  The Spitfire was based on the Standard Triumph mechanicals, and the body was designed by Giovanni Michelotti.  Although the car was not very powerful, it was a great-handling automobile due to its low weight and low center of gravity.  Remaining in production for 18 years, with a total of 314,332 cars, meant the public embraced this simple yet fun sports car.  This car was donated to the museum by Garnett Davis.  He and his wife, Carol, grew up in the 1960s admiring British sports cars.  In 1986 Mr. Davis purchased this Spitfire for Carol while they were living in Indiana.  Carol and Garnett spent many hours enjoying the car, with Carol driving it every chance she got.  Sadly, Carol passed away in 2003, and Garnett decided to donate the Spitfire to the museum in Carol’s memory.  He hopes that people seeing Carol’s car will have good memories of the glory days of the 1960s-1970s.

 

Specifications:

 

Manufacturer:  B L Ltd.

Country of Origin:  England

Drivetrain Configuration:  Front engine, rear wheel drive

Engine:  1493cc, 4 cylinder, water-cooled, inline, 71 hp

Transmission:  4 speed

Top Speed:  100 mph

Years of Production:  1979-1981

Number Produced:  95,829

Original Cost:  $5,995.00