1976 Triumph Spitfire

Well, the 1976 Spitfire was a special year in that it had a higher compression motor; first ever offered in the 1500 series (and the last unfortunately). A well maintained 1976 model or any Spitfire model can be quite enjoyable, while not very fast by modern standards it feels quick being so close to the road. Spitfires have a very lively nature to them and with the improved rear suspension (offered after the MKIIIs) makes corners alot of fun!. This year model had very few changes to it from 1975, the first of which I mentioned already with the 9:1 compression; gave the car a little more off the line. It also had a new improved brake master reservoir that did not leak as much as the previous ones and it had new rims, offered only for 1976, with little squares in the wheel vs the round holes standard on all the other 1500 models. In some respects the 1976 model is considered by some to be the Bicentennial model for the few -one time changes that were never done on any other model, (IE wheels and 9:1 compression head). There is not really any difference in handling or performance in any of the 1500 models offered between 1973 and 1980, just cosmetic and safety changes made with some more emissions added over the years. With regular and I do mean REGULAR maintenance these automobiles have never left me stranded on the side of the road. Triumphs are definately for the guys and gals that like to tinker with cars and spitfires themselves are very simple with no sensors, no computers required to do any diagnostics. The newest Spitfire is over 28 years old now so do not expect too much from any of them, they were never designed to last this long anyway. Are you still going to be driving your new car 28-35 years from now? If you are, get ready to restore it top to bottom as you go. I have personally enjoyed driving and restoring 11 Spitfires and I still drive a 1974 1500 all the time. I can not wait to restore another one soon, I love them all!!

I like the vehicle but after having it for awhile and seeing just what kind of shape the vehicle is in it was disappointing. If in knowing now what i know about the vehicle I probly would not have bought the vehicle. A few things were misrepresented live and learn I guess.