Triumph

The Triumph Spitfire was introduced in 1962 as an affordable two-seat sports car and a direct rival to the Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, it was based on a shortened Triumph Herald chassis and shared much of its mechanical layout. The original Spitfire 4, later known as the Mk I, used a 1,147 cc four-cylinder engine with twin SU carburettors, producing 63 bhp. Front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and wind-down windows gave it a relatively sophisticated specification for its class. Its distinctive one-piece bonnet and front wings hinged forwards, providing excellent engine access. Performance was lively, while a hardtop, wire wheels and eventually overdrive were optional

Introduced in 1965, the Spitfire Mk II retained the 1,147 cc engine but received a revised camshaft, intake and exhaust system, raising output to 67 bhp. A new grille and badging distinguished it externally, while improved seats and carpeting made the interior more comfortable. Performance improved slightly, with a claimed 96 mph top speed. The Mk II remained available until early 1967, with overdrive and a hardtop among the options.

The Mk III arrived in 1967 with the larger 1,296 cc engine, producing 75 bhp and considerably improving performance. It also gained a raised front bumper, revised bonnet, wood-trimmed dashboard and a much simpler folding hood. With a top speed around 95 mph, it was the quickest Spitfire yet. Detail changes followed during production, particularly for American safety and emissions requirements. Production continued until 1970, with over 65,000 built.

The Mark 4 was introduced in 1970 and featured a redesigned rear, similar to the Triumph Stag and Triumph 2000 models, both also designed by Michelotti. The front end was revised with a new bonnet pressing, eliminating the weld lines on top of the wings. The interior was revised to include a full-width dashboard, with instruments ahead of the driver rather than over the centre console, initially finished in black plastic and then from 1973 finished in wood.

The final Spitfire evolution, the 1500, replaced the Mk IV in 1974–75 and remained in production until 1980. Its enlarged 1,493 cc four-cylinder engine provided substantially more torque, making the car more flexible and easier to drive. Producing 71 bhp, it could reach around 160 km/h. Suspension and gearbox improvements further refined the car, while equipment was gradually upgraded. Almost 96,000 examples were produced, making it the most successful Spitfire generation.