1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 review from UK and Ireland
"Cheap, fun, classic capable of modern day traffic"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
New roof.
Complete new interior.
New clutch.
New gearbox.
New differential.
New rear bearings.
New rear UJs.
General comments?
I got the car in good condition externally and mechanically, but with a worn out roof and interior so that I could make the car personal.
Other than the points listed above the car has performed great. I drive between Leicester, UK and Amsterdam, NL 4 or 5 times a year with no problems.
The car is not the roomiest, but not really uncomfortable, although packing for the above trip can be 'interesting'.
Running costs are amazingly cheap, excluding the interior and roof as they were going to be replaced whether they needed it or not the car has cost an average of about 30 per month + insurance and petrol over the 3 years I have owned it.
A few tweaks are required to get it running quick, although nothing expensive and it will cruse at 80 / 90 MPH.
You also get great looks from people, I have had crowds of people around the car at Harwich whilst waiting for the ferry to Holland, and these included drivers of much more expensive cars. It seems to bring the best out of people.
All in all I really recommend a Spitfire for anyone who wants cheap fun without looking like the idiot boy racer.
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| Best handling, most fun classic you can buy for the money! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 0 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota MR2 |
| Date of Entry | 26th November, 2001 |