This is a fully restored 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that has been a rust-free California car since new.  This fun and proper sports car has enjoyed 70,000 original miles. This local Southern California car was stored for the past 18 years before being restored and re-commissioned over the past year.

This car has recently benefitted from a correct new paint, interior and convertible top in the correct and original factory colors.  The quality of the work is excellent for car shows but this is not a concours winner.  It is a very nice car to enjoy for daily or weekend use or for the occasional touring and car show exhibitions.

The 1,493cc engine is strict on fuel but generous on power.  Developing 71 HP at 5,500 RPM, the car was quite capable of exceeding 100 mph!  All while offering the ability to move this 1,800 lbs (816 kg) motorcar to achieve up to 50 mpg (with the optional electric overdrive as fitted in this example).   This example does not leak oil and everything is well sorted.  It also comes with optional locking bonnet and fuel cap as well as new adjustable gas shocks.

This is a great running motorcar with rare full syncro-mesh four speed transmission with the factory electric over-drive option.  All the original smog equipment is attached to the car.  The rack-and-pinion steering is strong and confident.  The cost when new was nearly $4,000!

Throughout its production life, many detail changes were made to the Spitfire 1500. The 1978 was one of the more desirable years since it still had the sleek and sexy chrome bumpers.

The 1500’s were considered the best of the Spitfire family.  The main visual upgrade occurred in 1976, when – in keeping with the fashion of the time – the bright stainless steel windscreen wipers, chromed door handles and door mirrors were replaced with matte black items. In 1977 the old steering column switchgear, which still stemmed from the days of the Triumph Herald, was upgraded to more modern TR7 column stalks.

This is a British classic that will appreciate in value every year. The car runs and drives as good as it looks, this car needs nothing except a new home. A great investment for a fast appreciating English sports car.  There were a mere 16,447 Spitfires made in 1978.  Of these, how many are low mileage rust free California cars?  This is an affordable and fun collector car!

The NADA Collector Car Value Guide suggests that this car should be valued at approximately $10,650.  See the link to the NADA Site: http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1978&m=1338&d=5710&c=13&o=31338&vi=87871&z=92591&da=-1