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Curated Auction

1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500

At a Glance

Beautifully Restored | Matching Hard-Top | ~7 Year Ownership

  • Mileage~81,635 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationHalifax

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The ideal British classic – small, lively, and always ready to dart through twisty roads!

The Spitfire enjoyed a long production run of approximately 18 years and was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, with sculpted hips and wide arches giving it some Italian flair.

Over the years, the Spitfire received various updates across five variants. This particular car is a Mk4 1500, the last of the variants, and features a nippy 1.5L engine producing approximately 73bhp.

This lovely Triumph Spitfire has been a labour of love with a complete restoration being actioned on the car – from the bodywork and paint through to the interior, as well as the engine, gearbox, and differential rebuild. It comes to market from ~7 years ownership and is road tax and MOT exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Dale the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I wanted to do a full extensive restoration, making the Spitfire as close to period correct as possible.

Since the age of 17, when he saw a friend rebuild a Spitfire and then take it on a trip to the Lake District, Dale has wanted to carry out his own full restoration. Purchased in 2017, Dale fancied a project he could get stuck into and hone his full range of skills on the Triumph Spitfire. The car was an already-started project that had only gotten as far as the strip-down stage. This didn’t put Dale off, as the grand plan was to completely strip the car back to the chassis and start again – which, as you will see from the photographs, he did exactly that, leaving nothing uncovered.

Seven years on, and the Spitfire is now complete. Dale and his wife have completed a ~1,000-mile road trip (with camping gear), during which the rebuilt Triumph didn’t miss a beat! With his dream of fully restoring classics completed, Dale has decided to part with the Spitfire to make way for his next passion – classic motorcycles. He will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Dale
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

It may look like a mischievous British roadster that shrank in the wash – but it certainly kept all its swagger!

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original steel wheels, these have been refurbished and refinished in silver and are in excellent condition.

The Riken Allstar 2 tyres are in great condition, having only covered just over ~3,000 miles. Please see the image gallery for more detailed images.

Bodywork

Dale completely removed the body from the chassis and addressed any issues. The result is an excellent body with no dings or dents, and the panel fit is as you would expect. The Spitfire comes with a hard top fitted, which is in excellent condition. Dale also has a refurbished frame for the convertible roof should you wish to revert it back to a soft top.

We've provided high-resolution images and videos detailing our observations, so please take the time to review all media files for a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.

Paint

Dale reports that the colour is the only part of the car that isn’t to the original spec, as he preferred the more vibrant "Ferrari Red". He repainted this by turning his garage into a sealed spray booth and applying the paint himself, which, as you can see, has a great finish.

Images have been taken from various angles to present the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion on the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

The car's windows have a few minor age-related scratches but nothing excessive. All of the seals are in good condition, and the chrome work is superb, thanks to a full re-chrome. The front and rear lights are in excellent condition, and the headlights have been upgraded to P700 units.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Plenty of wood, vinyl, and just enough charm to make you forgive the occasional classic rattle!

Seats and Carpets

The original seats have been retrimmed in vinyl and are in excellent condition, with no damage.

The carpets have also been replaced throughout and are in like-new condition, as pictured.

Although no in the car there is a spare wheel included.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition. The vinyl top is free from damage, and the wood fascia has been refinished to an excellent standard.

The instruments are all working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of ~81,635 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A polished three-spoke steering wheel with a wooden rim is ideal for navigating the Spitfire down the road and is in great condition.

The gear knob has a built-in overdrive switch, which works correctly. Please see the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Fitted with the 1.5-litre engine – eager to turn every country lane into a charming adventure!

Engine and Gearbox

The 1500cc engine has been fully rebuilt by Dale and runs like a charm. With just over ~3,000 miles covered since completion, the car runs with no issues reported.

Dale has upgraded the gearbox on the Spitfire to the stonger J type, which now operates with overdrive via the gear knob switch. This kicks in and out as it should and makes for more economical motoring. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the suspension was firm, as you would expect from a British sports car, but no knocks or bangs came from either corner of the car during our test drive.

As part of the restoration, the entire braking system has been refreshed and works as expected, bringing this classic to a stop in a straight line.

The Drive

The Triumph Spitfire delivers a classic British roadster experience with a lively, engaging drive. Like many classics, the Spitfire isn't about outright speed but rather about the joy of motoring. The low-slung seating position and direct, unassisted steering provide a raw, connected feel to the road, making even a leisurely drive feel engaging.

While not the most refined ride, the Spitfire’s charm lies in its simplicity, offering a pure experience reminiscent of a bygone era.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear in the Spitfire is there for a reason, with no need for any complications – and this is all working correctly.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~7 year ownership, with the car fully restored in that time and ~3,000 trouble free miles covered since, the history is extensive.

The paperwork file is extensive, with invoices totaling around ~£9,000 showing all the parts Dale has purchased for the car over the past four years. It also contains a collection of photographs taken throughout the various stages of the restoration. For anyone looking to own a British classic that is ready to jump in and enjoy, this 1977 Triumph Spitfire is the one!

Coming to market after ~7 years ownership with Dale it had been his ambition to carry out a full restoration, which he completed with flying colours. All that is left is for someone to reap the rewards of Dale’s hard work and enjoy this classic.

We’ve conducted our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5, and have also actioned a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional check by HPI that highlights whether the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our view of the car based on information from the seller above. As you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail – this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. Please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to assess the vehicle's condition.

Viewings are also welcomed for all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time – we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can’t be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car – just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
Full restoration carried out
01.08.2007 MOT 79,244
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Key Details
  • Model Spitfire 1500
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 21.02.1977
  • CC 1,493
  • Mileage ~81,635 on the clock
  • Colour "Ferrari Red"
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # FH87797
  • Engine # FM59100HE
  • Restored Yes
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 8
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~7 Years
  • Key Feature Fully restored example
  • Auction ID 2505
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Halifax

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £1,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 27th Mar at 8.20pm
    Bidding History
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    5 Comments
    CStodd02
    CStodd02
    2 days ago

    Hi Dale, would you be interested in an outright purchase. If so, how much would you be looking for?

    DaleG
    DaleG
    Seller
      CStodd02
    1 day ago

    I’m going to let the Auction run it so keeo an eye on it just bid your best price. Many thanks Dale ?

    Rob2007
    Rob2007
    2 days ago

    Hi Dale, would it be possible to view the car before bidding? Thanks Rob

    DaleG
    DaleG
    Seller
      Rob2007
    2 days ago

    Yes of course Rob when would work for you ?

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      Rob2007
    1 day ago

    Hi,

    We can help arrange a viewing, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com first as there are a few checks we need to do first.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Spitfire like this is £153 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Halifax

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