Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 1500 Part 2

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 1500Picture Of Triumph Spitfire 1500 Classic CarsThe American market Spitfire 1500 is easily identified by the big plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings. The US specification models up to 1978 still had chrome bumpers, but on the 1979 and 1980 models these were replaced by black rubber bumpers with built-in over-riders. Chassis extensions were also fitted under the boot to support the bumpers.Picture Of Triumph Spitfire 1500 Classic CarsDetail improvements continued to be made throughout the life of the Mark IV, and included reclining seats with "chequered brushed...

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Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 1500 Part 1

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire 1500Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsIn 1973 in the United States & Canada and 1975 in the rest of the world, the 1500 engine was used to make the Spitfire 1500 though in this final incarnation the engine was rather rougher and more prone to failure than the earlier units, torque was greatly increased which made it much more drivable in traffic. The reason for the engine problems was due to continued use of three main bearings for the crank shaft.Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsWhile the rest of the world saw 1500s with the compression ratio reduced to 8.0:1, the American market model...

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Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark IV Part 2

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark IVPicture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsAn all-new hardtop was also available, with rear quarter-lights and a flatter rear screen.By far the most significant change, however, was to the rear suspension, which was de-cambered and redesigned to eliminate the unfortunate tendencies of the original swing-axle design. The Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse had already been modified, and the result on all these cars was safe and progressive handling even at the limit.Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsThe Mark IV went on sale in the UK at the end of 1970 with a base price of £735.Triumph Spitfire- A...

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Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark IV Part 1

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark IVPicture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsThe Mark IV brought the most comprehensive changes to the Spitfire. It featured a completely re-designed cut-off rear end, giving a strong family resemblance to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both of which were also Michelotti-designed. The front end was also cleaned up, with a new bonnet pressing losing the weld lines on top of the wings from the older models, and the doors were given recessed handles and squared-off glass in the top rear corner. The interior was much improved: a proper full-width dashboard was provided, putting the instruments...

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Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark III Part 2

Triumph Spitfire Classic Cars - Spitfire Mark IIIPicture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsOn 8 February 1968, Standard-Triumph General Manager George Turnbull personally drove the 100,000th Triumph Spitfire off the end of the Canley production line. More than 75% of the total production had been exported outside the UK including 45% to the USA and 25% to mainland European markets.Picture Of Triumph Spitfire Classic CarsStarting in 1969, however, US-bound models had to be changed to comply with new safety/emission regulations. It basically ended an era and you may hear models after 1969 be referred to as "federal" Spitfires. The changes included...

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