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While a respray, the new blue paint is the original colour and is reflective of the car’s period.  Four-bolt original style steel wheels are accented by chrome trim rings and shod in Motomaster tires sized P175/80R13.  Seller reports that the tires were recently installed and have travelled approximately 500 kilometres since.  Chrome bumpers – last year for these was ‘78, chrome functional trunk rack and chrome exhaust pipe make up the brightwork and provide effective contrast to the shiny blue paint.  Exterior mirrors, fuel cap and door handles are also finished in chrome.  Bumperettes also harken back to the period and a couple of Union Jack decals proudly speak to the car’s origin.  A further update to the exterior is the new top with vinyl windows offering good outward visibility.  Seller notes that there is a paint blemish by the back window.

On the inside, the seats are new and feature grey upholstery with black vinyl bolsters – another period-correct touch.  The Triumph-branded three-spoke steering wheel, manual shifter and wood dash add to the pure British sports car experience.  Also new on the inside are the carpets so this cockpit is well-presented from seats to dashboard and door cards.  A Kenwood AM/FM/CD can provide audio when the driver wants to supplement the sound of the engine and air flow from the open top.  Gauges include a 200 km/h speedometer, a 7500 RPM tachometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge.  There is an SCCA – Sports Club of America – National Champion plaque to recognize Triumph’s racing past; 1965, ’68, ’69, ’70, ’71, ’72 and ’73 are referenced and a quick web search can provide detail.  A nice bonus is that a tonneau cover is included with the sale, which covers the cabin without having to put the top up.

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As implied by the 1500 moniker in the model name, under the hood is found a 1.5 litre engine – 1493 cc’s to be precise – which is an inline-four, carbureted and runs on lower octane fuel.  With a curb weight of 1,750 lbs. and mated to a 4-speed manual sending 71 horsepower to the rear wheels, the set-up gives the car some get-up-and-go.  The fuel pump has been upgraded to electric, with other recent mechanical work including new air intake, new fuel lines, and a recent oil change – beyond the restoration completed five years back.  Spares on hand that will be included in the sale include a carburetor, steering wheel, exhaust manifold and fuses.  Some of the restorer’s working papers are included in the gallery to reflect the pedigree of work and care taken on the project.  Seller mentions that he has approximately $15,000 of receipts on hand relating to work on this Triumph and will hand these over to the new owner.

This 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 4-speed manual comes with an Owner’s Manual and Shop Repair Book.  It is available with restoration documentation and work orders from an extensive collection in Colborne, Ontario. 

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