1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500 review from UK and Ireland

Not much wrong with it really, all the things I have fixed have just made it look better or drive more smoothly.

Drivers seat was torn through wear and tear, but adequately repaired, the replacement repair kits are quite expensive and replacement seats are about the only item difficult to source from breakers.

The dash board was a bit tired, but again quite easily cleaned, re-varnished and repaired where necessary.

Water ingress through top of windscreen on extremely wet days can be solved with 'duck tape' or else by delaying the journey!

It will need a respray (about £1500 if done properly) before long to look really good, but is perfectly usable meanwhile.

The car has proved very reliable and usable and above all a cheap and fun car.

It qualifies for cheap Road Tax, with a classic insurance of less than £100 per year fully comp, good petrol comsumption and cheap readily available parts it is an ideal toy.

The engine has perfect access and it is easy to work out what all the bits do, unlike most modern cars and hence is a good car on which to learn some mechanics - a vital, but fun part of ownership.

To get the most out of ownership join a Car Club, the Triumph Sports Six Club have proved invaluable for advice, cheap parts and a cheery chat.