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The car was largely based on the Triumph Herald small saloon. ModelsFive separate Spitfire models were sold during the production run: 4 (or Mk.1): 1962–1964; Mk 2: 1965–1967; Mk 3: 1967–1971; Mk IV: 1971–1974/5; 1500: 1974–1981;
Spitfire 4The Triumph Spitfire was originally devised by Standard-Triumph to compete in the small sports car market which had opened up with the introduction of the Austin-Healey Sprite. The Sprite had used the basic drivetrain of the Austin A30/35 in a light body to make up a fun, budget sports car; Triumph's idea was to use the mechanics from their small saloon, the Triumph Herald, to underpin the new project. Triumph had one advantage, however; where the Austin A30 range was of unitary construction, the Herald featured a separate chassis; it was Triumph's intention therefore to cut that chassis down and clothe it in a sports body, saving the costs of developing a completely new chassis/body unit. The Italian designer Michelotti—who had already penned the Herald—was commissioned for the new project, and came up with a traditional, swooping body. Wind-up windows were provided (in contrast to the Sprite/Midget, which still featured sidescreens at that time), as well as a single-piece front end which tilted forwards to offer unrivalled access to the mechanics. At the dawn of the 1960s, however, Standard-Triumph were in deep financial trouble, and unable to put the new car into production; it was not until the company was taken over by the Leyland organisation that funds became available and the car was launched. The mechanics were basically stock Herald components: The engine was a 4-cylinder of 1147 cc, mildly tuned for the Spitfire with twin SU carburettors. Also from the Herald came the rack and pinion steering and coil-and-wishbone front suspension up front, and at the rear a single transverse-leaf swing-axle arrangement. This ended up being the most controversial part of the car: it was known to "tuck in" and cause violent oversteer if pushed too hard, even in the staid Herald. In the sportier Spitfire (and later the 6-cylinder Triumph GT6 and Triumph Vitesse) it led to severe criticism. The body was bolted to a much-modified Herald chassis, the outer rails and the rear outriggers having been removed; little of the original Herald chassis design was left, and the Spitfire used structural outer sills to stiffen its body tub. The Spitfire was an inexpensive small sports car and as such had very basic trim, including rubber mats and a large plastic steering wheel. These early cars were badged as "Spitfire 4", not to be confused with the later Spitfire Mark IV.
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