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FAQBarn find with original paint, houndstooth seats, hardtop, & overdrive!
| Condition: | Used |
| Make: | Triumph |
| Model: | Spitfire |
| SubModel: | 1500 |
| Type: | Convertible |
| Trim: | Spitfire Convertible |
| Year: | 1978 |
| Mileage: | 44,925 |
| VIN: | FM78002U0 |
| Color: | White |
| Engine: | 1500 cc |
| Cylinders: | 4 |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Drive type: | RWD |
| Interior color: | Black |
| Vehicle Title: | Clear |
| Item location: | Boise, Idaho, United States |
| Extras |
|
Convertible |
| Listed by | Private seller |
 Enquire |
Description of 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 |
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I bought this Spitfire out of a large collection of cars here in Boise, Idaho. It had been parked for 20+ years and wasn’t running at the time. The original engine was seized, so I found a replacement and got it running again. Sadly, the engine blew the head gasket and I’ve had a hard time getting it running quite right ever since. I’ve replaced the gasket and it runs, but it seems to still be getting coolant in the oil. I’ve got too many other projects going on right now and would rather see it go to a good home with someone who can get it back on the road rather than just let it sit in my driveway. I’ve already replaced the brake lines, installed a new master brake cylinder and clutch slave cylinder. I also installed a new starter, alternator, speedometer cable and NOS seat covers. The body is in amazing shape, with a few small dents and a couple of paint chips, but it is rust-free and solid! The paint is original and in great shape. I haven’t polished the car, but just giving it a good cleaning made it shine like new! The original hardtop hasn’t been removed from the car since I purchased it and it looks great. It is showing some surface rust at the corners so you may want to address that before it becomes a problem. It could also use some new window gaskets, as they are starting to crack from age. The interior isn’t perfect, but still very nice. There are two cracks in the dash and the carpets are starting to show their age, especially the driver’s side. The floors underneath looks amazing though! All the gauges work, but sometimes the tach will stick at startup and the fuel gauge is about a quarter of a tank off. All the lights work, the horn works, and the heater comes on and blows hot. Overall, the interior is a nice place to be! Other than the motor, the rest of the mechanical systems are sound. The overdrive works great and keeps the engine's rpm nice and low for cruising. The transmission is a dream to shift, brakes work beautifully, and the clutch feels great. There is a click coming from the rear axle, I believe it’s the driver’s side u-joint so I have a replacement that comes with the car. I’m also including the original, but stuck engine, and a set of original Spitfire steel rims with lugs and center caps (just in case you don’t like the snowflake wheels). I don't have any documentation to prove the mileage. I would love to keep this car as there cant be many original Spitfires with bodies this good still left out there. Sadly, I just don’t have the time for it, so I need to let it go. You can read more about its story and what all I’ve done to it at the link below to Barn Finds and more photos can be seen in my photo gallery. Thanks and good luck! Barn Finds Story: http://barnfinds.com/my-spitfire-needs-a-new-home/ Photo Gallery: https://drive.google.com/a/barnfinds.com/folderview?id=0B-bI3i6_UTcTejJSS0JJSnFHbWc&usp=sharing |
