Editing Triumph Spitfire (section)

==Spitfire 1500 (1974–1980)==
{{Infobox automobile |sp=uk
| name = Triumph Spitfire 1500
| image = File:JDV584V 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500.jpg
| production = 1974–1980<br />95,829 made
| engine = {{cvt|1493|cc|cuin|1}} Standard SC I4
| transmission = 4-speed manual with optional overdrive on top and third
| weight = {{cvt|1750|lb|kg}}(unladen U.K.-spec)
}}
In 1973 in the United States and Canada, and 1975 in the rest of the world, the 1500 engine was used on the MK IV body to make the Spitfire 1500. Although in this final incarnation the engine was rather rough and more prone to failure than the earlier units, torque was greatly increased by increasing the cylinder stroke to {{cvt|87.5|mm|inch}}, which made it much more drivable in traffic.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}}

[[File:1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500, London, 1977 (01).jpg|thumb|left|A 1976 Spitfire 1500 photographed in London the following year]]While the rest of the world saw 1500s with a [[compression ratio]] of 8.0:1, the American market model was fitted with a single [[Zenith Carburetters|Zenith-Stromberg carburettor]] and a compression ratio reduced to 7.5:1 to allow it to run on lower octane unleaded fuel.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}} With the addition of a [[catalytic converter]] and [[Exhaust gas recirculation|exhaust gas recirculating system]], the engine only delivered {{cvt|53|bhp|kW|0}} (DIN) with a slower 0–60&nbsp;mph time of 16.3 seconds.<ref>{{Cite journal
 | title = Triumph Spitfire: Still attractive after all these years
 | journal = Sports & GT Cars
 | year =1980
 }}</ref> The notable exception to this was the 1976 model year, where the compression ratio was raised to 9.1:1. This improvement was short-lived, however, as the ratio was again reduced to 7.5:1 for the remaining years of production.
[[File:2010-05-16-hoek-by-RalfR-20.jpg|thumb|right|Rear view of a 1978 Spitfire 1500]]
In the UK the 9:1 compression ratio, less restrictive emissions control equipment, and the Type HS2 SU carburettors now being replaced with larger Type HS4 models,{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}} led to the most powerful variant to date. The 1500 Spitfire now produced 71&nbsp;hp (DIN) at 5,500 rpm, and produced {{cvt|82|lbft|Nm|0}} of torque at 3,000 rpm.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}} Top speed was now at the {{cvt|100|mi/h|km/h}} mark, and 0 to {{cvt|60|mi/h|km/h}} was reached in 13.2 seconds.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}} Fuel economy was reduced to 29mpg.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}}

Further improvements to the suspension followed with the 1500 included longer swing axles and a lowered spring mounting point for more negative camber and a wider rear track. The wider, lower stance gave an impressive skid pad result of 0.87g average. The gearbox gained synchromesh on its bottom gear.[[File:1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.jpg|thumb|left|The final Triumph Spitfire to roll off the assembly line is this yellow 1980 hardtop example, pictured here at the [[British Motor Museum]]]]
The American market Spitfire 1500 is identified by large plastic over-riders and wing mounted reflectors on the front and back wings. US specification models up to 1978 featured chrome bumpers, and on the 1979 and 1980 models these were replaced by black rubber bumpers with built-in over-riders, using chassis extensions to support the bumpers.

Detail improvements continued to be made throughout the 1500's production run, including reclining seats with "chequered brushed nylon centre panels" and head restraints, introduced for domestic market cars early in 1977 along with a new set of column stalk operated minor controls (as fitted already in the [[Triumph TR7|TR7]]) replacing the old dashboard mounted knobs and switches.<ref name=Motor197703>{{Cite journal|title=Motorweek:New Models ... Spitfire|journal=Motor|pages=2|date=5 March 1977}}</ref> Also added for the model's final years were a wood dash, hazard flashers and an electric screen washer, in place of the previous manual pump operated ones.<ref name=Motor197703/> Options such as the hard top, tonneau cover, map light and overdrive continued to be popular, but wire wheels ceased to be available.

The 1980 model was the last and the heaviest Spitfire, weighing {{cvt|1875|lb|kg|1}}.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}} Base prices for the 1980 model year were $7,365 in the US and £3,631 in the UK.{{sfnp|Robson|1982|p=187}}

Assembled at [[Canley]] in August 1980 shortly before the factory closed, the last Spitfire was an ''Inca Yellow'' UK-model including the factory hardtop and overdrive options. Never sold to the public, it remains on display at the [[British Motor Museum]].
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