For Sale: 1976 Triumph Spitfire in Saugatuck, Michigan

1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500 - Original Metal Hardtop & Complete Weather Gear - Factory Specified Survivor

Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club - 312-420-3696

PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO! Visit our website for even more high-resolution photos, including full engine and underbody photos as well!

This 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500 is a highly complete, delightfully honest example of classic British open-top motoring. Configured right from the factory for the American market, this late-summer production Spitfire strikes the perfect balance between vintage sports car charm and incredible versatility. Cherished by its prior owner for over 25 years, this car has been seldom driven over the last 5 years since the owner relocated. This car shows quite well and can be easily enjoyed exactly as it sits, or taken to the next level with some straightforward, minor weekend tinkering throughout. Rare for these models, this car comes exceptionally well-equipped with a full suite of weather protection gear-including its coveted original factory metal hardtop, a soft convertible top, a full tonneau cockpit cover, and a matching convertible boot cover.

Factory Commission Plate Decoding
The original factory identification plate remains cleanly affixed to the driver's door jamb and decodes with the following factory build specifications:

Manufactured By: Triumph Motors British Leyland UK Ltd. in Coventry, England

Manufactured Date: August 1976 (08/76)

Commission Number (FM49992U): Genuine US-market (U) Spitfire 1500 (FM Series)

Paint Code (19): White (The classic, factory-correct shade that complements the car's iconic lines beautifully)

Trim Code (74): Beige / Tan interior upholstery

Emission Control Info: U.S.E.P.A. and California-compliant 1976 model specification (Non-Catalyst designation)

Body, Paint & Structural Condition
The car's White finish shows nicely against its vintage chrome trim and period-correct rubber bumper overriders. The body panels are remarkably straight, and the car presents as a highly consistent vehicle from front to back with no signs of past major repairs. Because it is an honest survivor, there are some small, typical areas of rust present on the exterior body. We do note that the right rear tow hook area exhibits some rust and looks to have been structurally compromised at some point, likely from being strapped down too tightly at that location. Fortunately, because it is located cleanly behind the rear axle, a localized repair here would be very straightforward. The vehicle sits proudly on factory-style steel wheels with proper center caps.

Mechanical Condition & Drivability
Under the forward-flipping bonnet sits what is believed to be the car's original engine, carrying engine number FM59497ue. The mechanicals have been refreshed with a freshly rebuilt carburetor, and the car runs quite well. It fires up easily, holds a nice steady idle, revs freely, and runs completely smoke-free. Power is delivered through a crisp gearbox with good shifting characteristics and positive, healthy clutch engagement. All of the exterior lights work exactly as they should. On the braking side, the system appears to be fully sealed and does stop the vehicle, but the pedal currently feels soft; the system would certainly benefit from a fresh brake fluid flush and being bled throughout. With just a tiny bit of minor brake sorting, this Spitfire is ready to be a fantastic local driver.

Interior & Cabin Layout
Inside, the factory-specified Beige interior features comfortable tan bucket seats with matching door panels, complete with integrated headrests typical of the late-70s safety standards. The classic wood-grain dashboard fascia houses the proper Smiths instrumentation, keeping the layout perfectly authentic to how it rolled off the assembly line in Coventry.

Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club - 312-420-3696

PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO! Visit our website for even more high-resolution photos, including full engine and underbody photos as well!