Triumph Spitfire

Triumph Spitfire

The 1981 Triumph Spitfire is a part of the final generation of the Spitfire series, which was produced by the British car manufacturer Triumph from 1962 to 1980.

The Triumph Spitfire was introduced in 1962 as a small, affordable, and fun-to-drive sports car. The 1981 model belongs to the last generation, known as the Spitfire 1500, which was produced from 1974 to 1980. By this time, the car had evolved significantly from its original design, featuring numerous improvements and updates.

The design of the Spitfire 1500, including the 1981 model, retained the classic roadster styling with a long hood, short rear deck, and low-slung body. It had a distinctive look with pop-up headlamps and a clean, uncluttered design that emphasized simplicity and sportiness. The convertible top could be easily folded down for open-air driving.

The 1981 Triumph Spitfire was powered by a 1.5-liter (1493cc) inline-four engine. This engine produced around 71 horsepower, which, combined with the car's lightweight design, provided a spirited driving experience. The engine featured a single carburetor and was known for its reliability and ease of maintenance.

The car came equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. In later models of the Spitfire 1500, including the 1981 model, an optional overdrive unit was available for the third and fourth gears, enhancing fuel efficiency and providing more relaxed highway cruising.

The 1981 Spitfire could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 13 seconds and had a top speed of around 160 km/h. While not a high-performance sports car by today's standards, its lightweight construction and responsive handling made it enjoyable to drive.

The Spitfire featured a backbone chassis with independent suspension at all four corners. The front suspension used coil springs and wishbones, while the rear employed a swing axle design. This setup provided nimble handling and a comfortable ride, making it well-suited for both city driving and spirited runs on winding roads.

The interior of the 1981 Spitfire was simple and functional, with a focus on the driving experience. It featured bucket seats, a basic dashboard with clear instrumentation, and minimalistic controls. Despite its compact size, the cockpit was designed to be comfortable for the driver and passenger.

By 1981, the Triumph Spitfire was nearing the end of its production run, with the final models produced in 1980 for the 1981 model year. It had built a loyal following due to its affordability, fun driving dynamics, and classic British sports car charm. Today, the Spitfire is a beloved classic car, appreciated by enthusiasts for its design, history, and driving pleasure.


This Spitfire is in an original state. It drives and runs very good. It has some minor traces of use. It is a second owners car and was bought new in Luxembourg. The seats and armrest will be redone. The car owns still its original Hardtop.

The 1981 Triumph Spitfire, being one of the last produced, holds a special place among collectors and classic car enthusiasts. Its relatively low production numbers, combined with its iconic status, make it a desirable addition to vintage car collections.

Overall, the 1981 Triumph Spitfire represents the culmination of nearly two decades of development and refinement. It remains an iconic symbol of affordable British sports cars, cherished for its timeless design and enjoyable driving experience.

The indicated mileage has been taken from the odometer.
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