Spitfire
The Triumph Spitfire 4 was introduced as an inexpensive sports car in October 1962. The Herald chassis, with its backbone frame and all-independent suspension, formed an ideal platform for the design of an attractive small sports car. Giovanni Michelotti was once again given the responsibility for the design of the bodywork which differs from the Herald in that it is a one-piece welded construction as opposed to the bolted type of the Herald. The engine is basically the same as the Herald 1200 but up-rated to produce 63 bhp (47,25 kW) and the use of twin SU carburettors.
The car evolved over the years up to the Spitfire Mk 4 and on to the 1500. Changes were made to the appearance of the Spitfire as well as to the engine, body construction and suspension, resulting in increased power and better performance, handling and safety. Overdrive was optional on all models. The Mk 1, 2 and 3 were also assembled in South Africa between 1964 and 1972.
A summary of the range of Spitfires is as follows:-
Spitfire 4 (Mk 1)
Produced from October 1962 to December 1964 with total of 45573 built.
Engine – 4 in line – 69.3 mm x 76 mm – 1147 cc
Power – 63 bhp (47,25 kW) @ 5750 rpm
Spitfire 4 Mk2
Produced from March 1965 to February 1967, with total of 37409 built.
Engine – 4 in line – 69.3 mm x 76 mm – 1147 cc
Power – 67 bhp (50,25 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Spitfire Mk3
Produced from March 1967 to December 1970, with total of 65320 built.
Engine – 4 in line – 73,7 mm x 76 mm – 1296 cc
Power – 75 bhp (56,25 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Spitfire Mk4
Produced from November 1970 to December 1974, with total of 70021 built.
Re-designed body, interior and rear suspension with optional steel hard top. Engine power recalibrated to DIN specs.
Engine – 4 in line – 73,7 mm x 76 mm – 1296 cc
Power – 51 kW (DIN) @ 6000 rpm
Spitfire 1500
Produced from December 1974 to August 1980, with total of 95 829 built.
Body, interior and interior design remained the same as the Mk 4, but the engine capacity was enlarged to 1500 cc.
Engine – 4 in line – 73,7 mm x 87,5 mm – 1493 cc
Power – 53,25 kW (DIN) @ 5500 rpm
