Description
Triumph Spitfire 1500 TC | 1978
Highlights:
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- 1.5-Litre four-cylinder engine and manual gearbox
- Restored condition with respray and maintained bodywork
- Features a custom dashboard with rally equipment including tripmaster, compass, and stopwatches
- Equipped with stainless steel luggage rack, driving lights, and chrome wheel covers
- Tonneau cover, spare parts, and workshop manuals included
The seller offers for sale this 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 TC, a classic British roadster that embodies open-top driving pleasure. This example presents as a well-maintained and visually appealing sports car.
Mechanically, the Spitfire is reported to be in very good condition. The car brakes, drives, and handles as it should. It holds a valid Dutch APK inspection certificate until May 2027 and received its latest maintenance service in May 2025, adding confidence in its mechanical integrity. The seller reports no rust issues and no record of accident damage.
The exterior of the car has been resprayed and is rated as very good overall. The paintwork displays a high-quality finish, with only a small paint chip on the bonnet next to the headlamp, caused by slight flexing of the bonnet when opened. Otherwise, there are minimal polish marks typical for a classic vehicle. The car features stainless steel wheel trim rings and chrome hubcaps, adding to its vintage charm, along with stainless steel driving lights, fog lamps, and a luggage rack complete with a suitcase.
Inside, the Triumph offers a good condition cabin. The black vinyl seats and matching black carpeting, including removable floor mats, are in solid shape, with typical wear consistent with the car’s age and usage. Notably, the car is fitted with a wooden sports steering wheel and a custom dashboard equipped with rally-specific accessories, such as a tripmaster, compass, and stopwatches. This adds a unique touch to the car’s personality, appealing to enthusiasts interested in classic rallying or vintage driving events. While the interior remains generally well-preserved, some minor refurbishment or replacements might be considered over time to achieve a higher standard of finish.
The Triumph Spitfire has a strong reputation as an affordable, engaging British sports car. Introduced in the early 1960s, it combined charming styling by Giovanni Michelotti with a lightweight chassis and accessible mechanicals. The 1500 TC variant, introduced in the mid-1970s, was the final evolution of the Spitfire series, featuring a larger 1.5-litre engine delivering more torque and improved drivability. While emissions regulations somewhat reduced power compared to earlier models, the 1500 still offered an enjoyable and authentic classic sports car experience, ideal for leisurely drives and classic car gatherings.
Over the years, the Spitfire has maintained popularity among enthusiasts thanks to its simplicity, affordability, and abundant spare parts availability. It remains one of the most accessible and satisfying ways to enjoy vintage open-top motoring. This particular example, with its rally-inspired equipment and attractive condition, offers an exciting opportunity for those seeking a classic British roadster with added character and usability.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
3. Good: Shows typical wear; may require some repairs or part replacements.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Netherlands registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
