1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 1.5 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Best handling, most fun classic you can buy for the money!
Faults:
Head gasket blew at 102,000 miles.
Clutch spring let go at 100,000 miles.
Chassis has bad rust which I had to get welded, which was not cheap.
Universal joints needed replacing at 96,000 miles.
Window wiper motor failed.
Drivers door handle broke twice.
Front trunnioins needed replacing at first MOT.
General Comments:
Despite the faults listed above, this is the best car I have ever owned. I use it every day, which I can't say I'd recommend, it is 25 years old. It's not the most reliable car, but it just looks and handles so well that I can forgive it for its short comings. Actually it handles so well it'll give most modern "sports cars" a run for their money down a country lane. However it could do with a bit more poke from under the bonnet, but the speed it carries through the turns makes up for it.
It is a very small car. Every car I park it next to dwarfs it, but that's not really a problem because you can get in and out of any parking space with ease. I'm 6ft4 and although a little cramped it is surprisingly comfortable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th August, 2002
26th Jul 2006, 13:00
Yes, I agree with everything you said about the Spitfire. I have just bought a 1977 Spitfire and it is a real fun drive. I am 6ft 2inches, but once inside it is quite comfy, and don't you just love the looks and comments that you get?
20th Jul 2008, 07:03
I am 6'6", with slight mods to the slides I fit in the 78 spit 1500 very well, with or without the top up... barely use the top really, I love the small light and nimble feel of the car and put it through its paces through many of BC's windy mountain roads... it may be thirty now, but I wouldn't sell it for anything. Have made many repairs during road trips and during the off season... all part of the joy of the small Brits, either behind the tool or behind the wrench its well worth the effort you put in, of course it helps that I am an electrical tech, there is always work with Lucas parts.
21st Nov 2013, 19:30
I had a 1977 Spitfire 1500, and it was, to this day, my favorite car I've ever owned.
I now have a brand new 2013 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) that is a hard top that converts to a convertible in seconds and it's maxed out... BUT I'll never forget the Spitfire 1500.
I bought when it was two years old in 1979. I had so much fun in it... although the hydraulic clutch kept going out all the time and it had other mechanic problems. I would give up my new Miata for a new Spitfire 1500. I was 19 years old when I bought it, and there's just something about being a young woman driving that car around and having so much fun!
19th Sep 2005, 12:56
Wow! I thought I was the only tall spitfire driver! I agree with all your comments, it's a great car, even if I had to get a smaller steering wheel just so I could get into it!