TRIUMPH SPITFIRE - 1977
Specifications
Make: Triumph
Model: Spitfire
Body type: Roadster
Year: 1977
Engine: Inline-4
Cylinder capacity: 1493 cc
Power: 78 HP @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 82 lb ft (111Nm) @ 3000 rpm
Weight: 794 kg
Top speed: 160 km/h (100 mph)
0-100 Km/h (0-60 mph): 13.2 secs
Fuel: petrol
Color: Red
Seats: 2
Association: R.I.T.S.
The Spitfire was designed by Giovanni Michelotti based upon the Triumph Herald frame, drive train and suspension. First introduced in October, 1962, as Triumph's entry into the small British Sports Car market, the car competed very favorably against the MG Midget and other inexpensive sports cars. What was particularly attractive was the independent suspension and the roll-up windows, giving the Spitfire very nice handling characteristics and the comfort of much higher priced English Sports Cars.
The original design survived through three series and was updated by Michelotti with the MkIV for the 1971 model year. The Spitfirès design remained basically the same but was modernized in appearance and some modifications were made to the rear suspension for cornering stability.
Additional changes were made through the years in the form of upgraded engines. Originally the Spitfire employed a 1147cc 4 cylinder upgrade of the Herald engine. With the Mk3, the engine grew to 1296cc and employed a re-designed head with 4 intake ports. After the MkIV series ended, the basic 1296cc engine was increased to 1493 cc's by lengthening the stroke with some additional head modifications. Unfortunately, emissions controls on later model engines (particularly US models) offset much of the performance gains that came with the improvements.