After the launch of the Triumph Herald in 1959, Triumph Engineers discussed the possibility of entering the small sports car market. Engineers already had the Herald, with its separate chassis/body setup on which to develop with relative ease a small sports car, to compete with BMC's other products, the Sprite and Midget.
The Spitfire was born and over its 18 year life span was produced in five different versions. The earliest examples are now rare and becoming much sought after by the true enthusiast many of the later cars are still serving as an enjoyable alternative as everyday transport.
Spitfires are, essentially fun to drive. Ride comfort is good and handling is enjoyable providing that the car is driven sensibly. Cockpits are comfortable, if not luxurious, and certainly for two the car can make an ideal touring car. Examples with overdrive are worth finding, improving fuel consumption and saving engine wear.
Triumph Spitfire's can make ideal sports cars to buy restore and live with. The parts situation is good, with virtually all bodywork components being obtainable. Most mechanical spares needed to keep the car on the road are also relatively easy to come buy. All this makes the spitfire -especially later examples- an excellent candidate for everyday use.
The Spitfire can make an ideal change from the plentiful MG Midget. Designed to offer considerably more space than its rivals even the tallest people can still fit inside. When looking for a car generally what you see is what you get, but pay especially attention to areas likely to have been patched, sills and floorpans in particular. Remember that rot in a spitfire is its worst enemy. Mechanically they are very easy to work on, so this area, apart from the obvious engine knocks etc, is not really a problem
