SPOT.
Photo of a Triumph Spitfire

Triumph Spitfire

The dust-sheet prototype that became 314,342 Canley-built Spitfires.12

Researched November 1, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • BombThe Spitfire's development codename.2

At a glance

0100200
53–75 hpPower
01020
11.3–16.4 s0–60 mph
0100200
140–166 km/hTop speed
0150300
91–111 N·mTorque
05001,000
670–855 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.178913

Engine
1147 cc (Mk I/II), 1296 cc (Mk III/IV), 1493 cc (1500); OHV inline-fours1312
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive; 2 seats17
Gearbox
4-speed manual; Mk IV all-synchro; 1500 Marina unit; optional 3rd/4th overdrive38
Built at
Standard-Triumph Canley works, Coventry, United Kingdom1
Units built
314,342 built at Canley2

The story

1962: London debut for a dust-sheet survivor19621965: Mk II: 67 hp and a four-branch exhaust · Le Mans: 1st and 2nd in class19651967: Mk III grows to 1296 cc19671970: Mk IV: Michelotti restyle and swing spring19701973: North America gets the 150019731980: Canley signs off after 314,34219802025: Sargis takes his 10th Runoffs win2025 Standard Eight: 1953–Standard EightTriumph Herald: 1959–1971Triumph HeraldTriumph Spitfire 4 (Mark I): October 1962–December 1964Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark II (Mark II): December 1964–January 1967Triumph Spitfire Mark III (Mark III): January 1967–December 1970Triumph Spitfire Mark IV (Mark IV): November 1970–December 1974Triumph Spitfire 1500: 1973–1980 (US model years); 1974–1980 (UK) 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones14678192122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1953–Standard Eight
1959–1971Triumph Herald
October 1962–December 1964Triumph Spitfire 4 (Mark I)
December 1964–January 1967Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark II (Mark II)
January 1967–December 1970Triumph Spitfire Mark III (Mark III)
November 1970–December 1974Triumph Spitfire Mark IV (Mark IV)
1973–1980 (US model years); 1974–1980 (UK)Triumph Spitfire 1500
1962London debut for a dust-sheet survivor
1965Mk II: 67 hp and a four-branch exhaust
1965Le Mans: 1st and 2nd in class
1967Mk III grows to 1296 cc
1970Mk IV: Michelotti restyle and swing spring
1973North America gets the 1500
1980Canley signs off after 314,342
2025Sargis takes his 10th Runoffs win
  1. 1962

    London debut for a dust-sheet survivor

    Leyland revived the shelved Michelotti prototype after finding it under a dust sheet; the production Spitfire debuted at the London Motor Show.13

  2. 1965

    Mk II: 67 hp and a four-branch exhaust

    A revised camshaft and four-branch exhaust manifold lifted the Mk II to 67 hp. New badges and carpeting accompanied the engine changes.14

  3. 1965

    Le Mans: 1st and 2nd in class

    Works fastbacks secured the first two places in the 1.15-liter GT class, finishing 13th and 14th overall.5

  4. 1967

    Mk III grows to 1296 cc

    An eight-port cylinder head accompanied the bigger engine; a higher front bumper met crash rules, and a more practical soft top arrived.16

  5. 1970

    Mk IV: Michelotti restyle and swing spring

    The restyle brought swing-spring suspension and an all-synchro gearbox. The apparent fall from 75 hp SAE to 63 hp DIN reflected a rating change.78

  6. 1973

    North America gets the 1500

    The 1500 reached North America first. A rear track widened by 2 inches improved stability and further tamed the early cars' rear-wheel tuck-under.139

  7. 1980

    Canley signs off after 314,342

    The Spitfire's 18-year run ended in August 1980, after Canley had built 314,342 across the family.24

  8. 2025

    Sargis takes his 10th Runoffs win

    Steve Sargis won H Production at Road America in a Spitfire, adding a tenth Runoffs gold on his 41st appearance.1011

Every generation

  • Standard Eight
    Standard Eight
  • Triumph Herald
    Triumph Herald1959–1971
  • Triumph Spitfire 4
    Mark IOctober 1962–December 1964
  • Triumph Spitfire 4 Mark II
    Mark IIDecember 1964–January 1967
  • Triumph Spitfire Mark III
    Mark IIIJanuary 1967–December 1970
  • Triumph Spitfire Mark IV
    Mark IVNovember 1970–December 1974
  • Triumph Spitfire 1500
    Triumph Spitfire 15001973–1980 (US model years); 1974–1980 (UK)

Power over the years

From 63 hp to 75 hp in 5 years.

020406080 1965197019751980 hp 1962 · 63 hp · Spitfire 4 / Mk I (net)1965 · 67 hp · Mk II1967 · 75 hp · Mk III (SAE)1969 · 68 hp · Mk III US (8.5:1 compression)1970 · 63 hp · Mk IV (DIN re-rating of Mk III)1980 · 53 hp · 1500 US (DIN; 7.5:1, Zenith) 75 hp Mk III (SAE) 63 hp Spitfire 4 / Mk I (net)
1781314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
196263Spitfire 4 / Mk I (net)
196567Mk II
196775Mk III (SAE)
196968Mk III US (8.5:1 compression)
197063Mk IV (DIN re-rating of Mk III)
1980531500 US (DIN; 7.5:1, Zenith)

Versions

5 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Spitfire 4 (Mark I)

    1962–1964

    63 hp

  • Standard

    Spitfire 4 Mark II

    1965–1967

    67 hp

    37,409 built

  • Standard

    Spitfire Mark III

    1967–1970

    75 hp

    65,320 built

  • Standard

    Spitfire Mark IV

    1970–1974

    63 hp

    70,021 built

  • Standard

    Spitfire 1500

    1974–1980

    71 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • The waist drops at the doors, giving the cockpit an unusually open feel.13
  • The hood and both front fenders form one large panel that hinges forward.1
  • Early cars have rounded tails; the Mark IV and 1500 have a cut-off rear.1318

Year by year

  1. 1965

    The Mark II adopts horizontal grille slats and adds a model emblem to the trunk lid.415

  2. 1967

    The Mark III raises its front bumper across the grille and replaces the earlier roof with a folding design.14

  3. 1970

    The Mark IV gets a cut-off rear, a smoother hood and recessed door handles.13

  4. 1977

    UK 1500s gain reclining seats with checked center panels and headrests; column stalks replace several dashboard controls.1

  5. 1979–1980

    TF VINs replace commission plates in October 1979; earlier suffixes O/U/UC/L mean overdrive/US/California/left-hand drive.1719

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Triumph Spitfire
    Spitfire
    Photo of a Triumph GT6
    Triumph GT6

    Triumph GT6

    The GT6 has a fastback coupe roof; the Spitfire has a soft top or an optional factory hardtop.120

  • Photo of a Triumph Spitfire
    Spitfire
    Photo of a Early Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget
    Early Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget

    Early Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget

    Early versions use side curtains; the Spitfire has wind-up door glass.1

Against its rivals

  • Fiat X1/9 (1980)

    Spitfire vs Fiat X1/9 (1980)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Spitfire15.1 s
    Fiat X1/9 (1980)12.1 s
    13
  • MGB (1980)

    Spitfire vs MGB (1980)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Spitfire$7,944
    MGB (1980)$8,829
    13
  • Triumph TR7 (1980)

    Spitfire vs Triumph TR7 (1980)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Spitfire15.1 s
    Triumph TR7 (1980)11.8 s
    13

Prices

Value today $5.3K–$10.9K16242526

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$5K$10K$15K$20K 19801990200020102020 Value today: $5,300–$10,850 1980 · $7,365 · US base, 15001980 · $7,944 · US as tested, 1500 2024 · $10,850 · 1963 Mk I, 69k miles shown, BaT2025 · $8,250 · 1978 1500 overdrive, 57k miles shown, BaT2025 · $6,500 · 1977 1500, 53k miles shown, BaT2025 · $5,300 · 1964 Mk I, 61k miles shown, BaT2025 · $16,002 · 1972 GT6-powered Mark IV, 45k miles shown, TMU, BaT2025 · $8,500 · 1971 Mk IV, 56k miles shown, BaT2025 · $6,400 · 1978 1500, 93k km (~58k miles) shown, BaT2026 · $12,000 · 1966 Mk II, 18k miles shown, TMU, BaT2026 · $10,750 · 1970 Mk III, 71k miles shown, BaT $16.0K BaT, 2025
113162425262829313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1980Price when new$7,365US base, 1500
1980Price when new$7,944US as tested, 1500
2024Auction sale$10,8501963 Mk I, 69k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,2501978 1500 overdrive, 57k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,5001977 1500, 53k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$5,3001964 Mk I, 61k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$16,0021972 GT6-powered Mark IV, 45k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,5001971 Mk IV, 56k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,4001978 1500, 93k km (~58k miles) shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,0001966 Mk II, 18k miles shown, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,7501970 Mk III, 71k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$5,300–$10,850

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 5 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 11 stories from its legend
    • “Le Mans class first and second in 1965”
    • “40 km without brakes, yet a category win”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Triumph Spitfire - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Online Collections - Details Page britishmotormuseum.co.uk
  3. Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Triumph Spitfire - What You Need To Know myclassicuk.com
  4. Spitfire – Triumph Club – Vintage Triumph Register vintagetriumphregister.org
  5. Triumph Spitfire Racing: Le Mans, rallies | Triumph Spitfire triumphspitfire.org
  6. The Triumph Sports Six Club - Cars - Triumph Spitfire Mark III tssc.org.uk
  7. The Triumph Sports Six Club - Cars - Triumph Spitfire Mark IV tssc.org.uk
  8. Triumph Spitfire: Buying guide and review (1962-1980) | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  9. Road Impressions - The Triumph Spitfire 1500 March 1975 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  10. H Production Runoffs Victory 10th for Sargis - Sports Car Club of America scca.com
  11. Road Racing Media Guide - Sports Car Club of America scca.com
  12. Triumph Spitfire Buying Guide - Petrolicious petrolicious.com
  13. Tested: 1980 Fiat X1/9 vs MGB vs Triumph Spitfire vs Triumph TR7 caranddriver.com
  14. Sports cars under £700: the £641 Triumph Spitfire 4 April 1963 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  15. Spitfire Mk 2 Options and Changes – Triumph Spitfire & GT6 Information Warehouse triumphspitfire.com
  16. 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,000 on May 6, 2025 (Lot #190,443) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  17. Spitfire 1500 Options and Changes – Triumph Spitfire & GT6 Information Warehouse triumphspitfire.com
  18. Did You Know? – Triumph Spitfire & GT6 Information Warehouse triumphspitfire.com
  19. Spitfire VIN Decoder and Engine Numbers | Triumph Spitfire triumphspitfire.org
  20. Spitfire in Popular Culture: Film and TV | Triumph Spitfire triumphspitfire.org
  21. Road test: The Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV January 1971 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  22. Triumph Herald - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Gran Turismo 4 Official Car List (NORTH AMERICA) | GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  24. 1964 Triumph Spitfire Mk I for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,199 on September 9, 2025 (Lot #209,067) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. 1963 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,850 on August 13, 2024 (Lot #158,257) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  26. 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,250 on March 25, 2025 (Lot #185,015) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. Triumph Spitfire values: what the five marks sell for britishclassiccars.co.uk
  28. No Reserve: 30-Years-Owned 1966 Triumph Spitfire Mk II for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,000 on August 21, 2026 (Lot #258,972) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 1970 Triumph Spitfire Mk III for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,750 on April 13, 2026 (Lot #237,683) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 42-Years-Owned 1964 Triumph Spitfire Mk I for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on July 17, 2025 (Lot #200,761) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. GT6-Powered 1972 Triumph Spitfire Mark IV for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,002 on June 17, 2025 (Lot #196,452) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on June 13, 2025 (Lot #195,977) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,400 on April 26, 2025 (Lot #189,137) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • britishmotormuseum.co.uk
  • myclassicuk.com
  • vintagetriumphregister.org
  • triumphspitfire.org
  • tssc.org.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motorsportmagazine.com
  • scca.com
  • petrolicious.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • triumphspitfire.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • gtplanet.net

Photo credits

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