Classical Drives - Italian Style Graces British Sports Car - cars classic+cars classic+automobiles autos, old cars, collector cars, antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars, classic

Classical cars, including the history of the great classical automobiles

November 2nd, 2006

Italian Style Graces British Sports Car

With its sleek body by Michelotti, the Triumph Spitfire instantly made all other low price sports cars old-fashioned when it appeared in 1962. It featured wind-up windows, a fully-independent suspension, and a one-piece hood/fenders combination hinged at the front, just like the exotic Jaguar E-Type. This made working on the engine and other mechanical parts relatively easy, since everything was exposed. I remember testing a Triumph Spitfire for Canada Track & Traffic magazine when it was launched, and gave it a rave review. The Spitfire lasted until 1980, by which time it had been through several updates and the engine had grown to 1500 c.c’s. Unfortunately emission controls on later models wiped out most of the power increase. It had also sprouted the unloved “rubber” safety bumpers, though the Spitfire was one of the very few cars that still managed to look attractive. The Triumph Spitfire sold well and was sufficiently rugged that a large percentage still survive, which makes the International Triumph Spitfire Database (with over 11,000 members) exceptionally useful to current owners. Lots of links and other info, too. Thanks to Hemmings for this lead.