1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500

Highlights

• Converted to hill climb/sprint specification in 2010 by Ben Marshall Classic Vehicles
• Uprated engine, suspension, and braking components
• Fuel pump, filter and spark plugs replaced by Perfect Touch in October 2024 at an indicated 13,281 miles
• Serviced by Vito's Motors in October 2023 at an indicated 12,785 miles; carburettors stripped, cleaned and balanced; engine oil, oil filter, cam cover gasket, coolant and fuel filter replaced
• MOT-exempt; last MOT in May 2019 was a first-time pass with no advisories
• Several track days and hill climbs completed since the build

The Appeal

The Triumph Spitfire 1500 has long been a favourite among club-level motorsport competitors, its lightweight construction and eager four-cylinder engine making it a natural candidate for hill climbs and sprints. This example was restored and converted to competition specification in 2010 by Ben Marshall Classic Vehicles, with extensive work carried out to the engine, suspension, brakes, and interior.

The 1.5-litre engine has been thoroughly reworked with performance internals, twin 40 Weber carburettors, and a TH5 camshaft among the modifications. The chassis benefits from adjustable dampers, lowered springs, uprated brakes and polybushes, while safety is addressed by a roll cage, bucket seats, harnesses, and a firewall behind the seats. Lightweight fibreglass body panels and Revolution wheels further reduce weight.

Since the rebuild, the car has covered 13,395 indicated miles, including several track days and hill climbs. Benefiting from a recent fuel pump replacement and service, this Spitfire is ready for its next outing, whether on the road, at a track day, or on a hill climb course.

Key Information

• Mileage: 13,395 miles (indicated, since rebuild)
• Country of registration: UK
• Technical inspection status: exempt; last MOT in May 2019 at 12,483 miles was a first-time pass with no advisories
• Technical specs: 1.5-litre inline-four petrol, four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• Paperwork: V5C, restoration photographs, invoices, MOT certificates and dynamometer reading (92hp and 98lb-ft of torque)

The Detail

• Fuel pump, filter and spark plugs replaced by Perfect Touch in October 2024 at an indicated 13,281 miles
• Serviced by Vito's Motors in October 2023 at an indicated 12,785 miles; carburettors stripped, cleaned and balanced; engine oil, oil filter, cam cover gasket, coolant and fuel filter replaced
• Invoice on file for clutch replacement, including master and slave cylinders
• Engine head ported, polished, and skimmed to a 10.1 compression ratio
• Block bored +20 thou; crankshaft lightened and balanced with Cosworth bolts
• Rods, crankshaft, and flywheel balanced
• Fitted with twin 40 Weber carburettors, four-branch manifold, and performance exhaust
• TH5 camshaft, competition head gasket, heavy-duty oil pump, and baffled sump installed
• Larger radiator, oil cooler, and Kenlowe fan fitted
• Facet fuel pump and regulator, uprated rocker shaft, and updated valve springs
• Lightweight battery and high-torque starter motor
• Lowered rear springs, adjustable AVO shock absorbers, and thicker anti-roll bar
• Larger front brake discs and wheel bearings, braided hoses, and polybushes
• Lightweight fibreglass bonnet and boot lid
• Jigsaw Racing roll cage, firewall behind seats, and battery master switch
• Cobra Monaco Pro bucket seats and Willans harnesses
• Front and rear tow hooks
• Black 13-inch Revolution lightweight four-spoke wheels with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres
• Finished in white with motorsport decals from Weber, Castrol, NGK, Toyo, and others
• Run on Castrol R racing oil since the conversion

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