One criticism leveled against classic British Sports Cars is that while they are engaging, their engines typically produce modest power. However, this 1978 Triumph Spitfire breaks the mold because its four-cylinder engine has gone the way of the dodo. In its place is a Mazda rotary, delivering over triple the power of the original four. It is a solid classic that runs and drives, awaiting a new owner to add the finishing touches. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Spitfire listed here on Craigslist in Portland, Oregon. The seller set their price for this beauty at an extremely affordable $3,500.
Introduced in 1962, the Triumph Spitfire remained in production until 1980. It spanned five generations, with the “1500” gracing showrooms from 1974 until the company retired the badge. This 1500 left the line in 1978, ordered by its first owner in subtle White. Its presentation is tidy, with no major cosmetic issues beyond what the seller describes as a “shabby” hardtop. The soft-top is in good condition, and the seller believes a previous owner restored this classic at some point. It is rust-free, and the frame appears to have fresh paint. The trim and glass are excellent, and the aftermarket wheels are a sign that this Triumph is more than a pretty face.
As the model designation suggests, this Spitfire left the factory with a 1,500cc (actually 1,493cc) Standard four, backed by a four-speed manual transmission. However, much has changed, and many readers will believe that the upgrades are positive. A previous owner removed the original drivetrain combination and replaced it with a professionally installed Mazda 13B rotary and five-speed from an RX-7. The four-cylinder delivers only around 53hp, but the 13B is believed to put 175 hp at the driver’s disposal. The car sat for a while after the transformation, but the seller carried out a revival process. The engine has been rebuilt, and the wiring and battery are new. A few minor tasks are awaiting the buyer, including fitting the seller’s supplied ignition switch. Otherwise, the Spitfire is a turnkey proposition, described as a road-going Go-Kart.
The interior features a couple of more modern touches. The recovered seats are from a Miata, and their heating systems will make cold days more pleasant. There is also a modern Bluetooth stereo, but the rest of the interior is pure 1978 Spitfire fare. The timber dash fascia has deteriorated during storage and may not be salvageable. That isn’t the end of the world, with walnut replacement kits retailing for under $700. It would also benefit from a new carpet set, but with those items installed, it would be right on the money.
All I can say about this 1978 Triumph Spitfire is that it appears the buyer will get a lot for their money. You would struggle to find a rust-free example that is this clean for the price. However, the engine upgrade promises an enormous performance gain. A few details need attention, and I would probably consider upgrading the brakes to handle the extra power. Those issues are relatively minor, which is why I believe the Spitfire will find a new home fairly quickly.
Had a ‘74 BRG with black interior and later a ‘76. A blast to drive with the 1500 though the constant replacement of the rubber axle boot was annoying though replacing the needle bearings because the boot was replaced soon enough was more so.
But even a stock 13B motor this thing must be a riot to drive! Street legal go-kart is a very apropos description and the 5 spd would be icing on the cake. Great price with a lot of GPM’s (Grins Per Mile) and terrific conversion, the challenge would be what to do about suddenly developing a constantly heavy right foot.
What a cool swap!
The biggest issue with a rotary swap is the exhaust manifold… Apparently this was done nicely. If it runs good, it’s a bargain at that price!!
Wow, for not a ton of effort, that thing is going to be one really hot little car. I hope someone gets it and does it right. It deserves to have the new dash, carpet, tops and really cleaned up. Possibly even new paint. But it’s a good deal overall and worth it.
Interesting, but many other easier to work on four cylinders would have worked. A Miata engine comes to mind. For what the Spitfire was used for, the stock engine was just fine, BTW.
Sounds like fun. Next step is a turbo?
Apparently, it is “Ruin a British Car Day” on BF. First, the Jag, then this. Sorry. Makes zero sense to me.
Just walked past the local tennis courts this afternoon. Splendid S2 E type on display, parked among the mini vans. Sadly, still had it’s straight six engine and that annoying sound that they make. Just waiting for a crate SBC engine to arrive, I suppose……
:)
bt
I believe the British car manufacturers created the issues and the aftermarket / builders corrected them …
British sportscars were never meant to compete in straight line drag races; they simply were not designed for that. I think the rotary conversion is cool from an engineering project and design standpoint, and this is a bargain at $3.5K, even if there are some issues to work out to make it a reliable driver. I tend to lean toward the purist side of things though, and would rather have the car as designed. I would never want my beautiful E Type to sound like a hot rod Lincoln or Corvette. Again, going fast in a straight line is not the point. To each his own though.
I had a 1979 Spitfire and a someone mentioned that you could put a SBC in it and it would go over 100mph. My immediate comment was,”Not with ME in it”! I did 85mph in it with the 1500 and it was really scary.
Had a friend back in the day that did a similar rotary swap into a ’67 Sprite. I can attest that this will be a rocket!
I think it’s a great swap! The federalized engines were anemic at best.
If it was on east coast,I would have it.
Someone is going to get a sweet little sleeper.
Best
For a running and driving car, this seems like a major bargain. With all of the hard work done, how could someone go wrong by continuing to finish it out?
The Spitfire has never been high on my list of desirable British 2-seaters, but this one would change that if I was closer and in the market for a toy.
I’ll bet that it moves out pretty well with the added power. The exhaust note would be confusing to most people, LOL.
Love those wheels – P/S GT’s
I had a MK II Spitfire that I wished I had kept. But I seem to remember that the rear differential, suspension and half shafts were weak. I think a sturdier center section would be in order. (GT6?) There was a rotary powered Spitfire that autocrossed at Reno SCCA events and was very fast. On the entry form the brand name was ROTOSPIT.
Wrap it in Ferrari Red w/side graphics of your choice
Rear of the RX-7 5spd I’d upgrade it with the Mazda Rally 323 4×4 Rear Suspension cut to fit or maybe Wide body the Rear Wheel Arches it’ll handle the 13b power easily.
Upgrade the springs & shocks on front & bigger sway bar Monoco bars linking front end where you can fit them.
While most wouldn’t like it – it’d add 2 Thick Chrome Roll Hoops for passenger protection running a half cage forward triangulated to Fire Wall & Double Bars behind Dash boxing passengers.
Little car like this – if hit by Some College chick on her phone driving an SUV your done….gotta box it up commonsense reality
Great swap and must be more fun than the proverbial Barrel of Monkeys. Rotary power is such a joy to drive and with a car this light it would be a hoot.