Triumph Spitfire 1500
By admin | June 26, 2008
In 1973 Triumph updated the Spitfire Mark IV to the Triumph Spitfire 1500. The new revision updated the engine from 1147cc in the Triumph Spitfire Mark IV to 1493 CCs in the Spitfire 1500. It was a marked improvement over the previous models with more torque in the low and mid RPM range. Even at up to 4000 RPM the engine felt like it had more in it to give. The drive train was much improved which handled the increase in torque smoothly.
Rear suspension was widened by roughly 2 inches which actually effected the handling with the “swing-spring”, which was held over from the improved suspension on the Spitfire Mark IV. the “Jacking” of previous models seemed to be finally fixed with the Spitfire 1500. The widened wheel span and wider tires allowed for much better handling and attracted many more buyers of the vehicle.
The car responded well to throttle and steering inputs in a very predictable fashion, and trailing throttle results in oversteer that comes on evenly and in controllable amounts.
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the interior was updated slightly with adjustable seats and head rests. The seats were comfortable except some taller drivers complained of right leg discomfort due to the lack of good thigh support. The dashboard was finished in polished wood and nicely presented the tach and speedometer in easily viewable fashion. the steering wheel was made a bit smaller in the Triumph 1500, which was actually a welcome change for drivers as it seemed to pick up more response from the rack and pinion steering. The ventilation and heater flow was improved to provide fast and better heat and air.
An optional hard top was offered with the Spitfire 1500, and are quite the collectors items these days. It rattled a bit over bumps, but added a welcome change for winter driving.
The Triumph Spitfire 1500 was a reasonably price, modern styled car. It sold well in the U.K. and the U.S. until 1976 when the project was killed at British Leyland due to strikes and other politically related issues.
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