Highlights
- Older restoration in original Pimento Red
- Current keeper since 2013 as part of a private collection
- Recent front suspension rebuild, new steering rack and new stainless steel exhaust
- Large history file including service book and early invoices
- New hood, wire wheels and Firestone tyres
- New seat covers and carpets replaced
- Voluntary MOT in April 2025 with no advisories
- Desirable optional electronic overdrive fitted
The Appeal
In typical British Leyland fashion, Triumph saved the best until last. The final 1500 got the larger, torquier engine, making it far better on long, high-speed journeys, and crucially the rear suspension was revised to reduce the ‘wheel tuck’ so typical of the earlier cars. A larger, more comfortable and better-trimmed cabin also makes these cars more appealing.
Finished in popular Pimento Red, this much-loved 1975 Spitfire has been in the current keeper’s collection since 2013. He tells us that it was restored a few years before he bought it, this work and his care and careful storage contributing to the well-kept car you see in the photos. During his ownership, he has added the eye-catching chrome wire wheels, shod with new Firestone rubber, and replaced the hood. Other work includes a front suspension rebuild, a new steering rack, and a new stainless-steel exhaust. We’re told that the seats have been recovered and the carpets replaced. The underside has been cleaned, rust treated and resealed. It is typical of the vendor’s approach that the car has been MOT’d recently, even though this is not mandatory. The last test ran to April 2026 with no advisories.
An added bonus with this pretty little car is that it is fitted with the optional factory overdrive unit. As owners know, that makes these cars considerably more usable by lowering noise and engine revs at higher speeds. The vendor reports that the car starts easily, drives well and is equally happy on short blasts or longer journeys. A fine and very usable example of these perennially popular roadsters.
The vendor says:
“A great little car which has provided endless hours of fun, the car responds well to being driven on short or long trips and turns heads with its striking red colour and wire wheels.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 65,846 miles indicated (partly supported by MOT history and understood by seller to be genuine)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- MOT status: exempt; last MOT valid until April 2026 with no advisories
- Technical specs: 1,493cc 4cyl petrol, 4spd manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: Large history file, early invoices, factory handbooks, service book
The Detail
- Restored prior to 2011 and reported to remain in good condition inside and out
- Painted in original Pimento Red (code 72) which remains in good order
- Some light paint chips to note including to bonnet and nearside rear arch
- Slight bubbling to note to some areas such as offside rear wing
- Car sits well with upright rear wheels and level across front and rear axles
- Hood replaced and in good condition
- Inner side of bonnet in very good condition we are told
- New chrome wire wheels and new Firestone tyres fitted
- Underside cleaned, rust treated and resealed with no corrosion
- Vendor states that underside has had some welding carried out in the past
- Interior trimmed in black with red piping
- Vendor states the recovered seats present very well
- New carpets also fitted since vendor acquired car
- Fitted with classic radio and three spoke leather rimmed triumph steering wheel
- All switches and instruments reported in working order
- Engine believed to be original, never rebuilt or replaced
- Gearbox changes well according to seller
- We are told that the electronic overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears is working correctly
- Top of the front bulkhead would benefit from some paint or Waxoyl
- Vendor reports that brakes feel strong and have been refurbished in the past
Work advised by seller:
- Recent stainless steel exhaust fitted
- New front shock absorbers, springs and ball joints
- New steering rack including track rod ends
- New radiator
- Replacement seat covers
- New carpets
- Replacement hood
- New wire wheels and tyres
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