This 1980 Triumph Spitfire, now offered here on eBay, has been with the same family since new. The seller’s father purchased it in 1980, and it has remained in their care for 45 years. Showing just 45,000 miles, the British-built roadster wears green paint over a tan interior and features a 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual transmission. It’s drivable, but with a missing rear window, some oil burning, and a few minor issues, it’s best suited as a project or occasional weekend car rather than a daily driver. The clean title is in the seller’s name, and the removable hardtop shown in the photos is included.
The Spitfire’s compact proportions, long hood, and classic sports car stance make it a standout among late-’70s and early-’80s roadsters. The seller notes some paint work is needed, and the body shows wear consistent with age. The passenger-side external door handle is non-functional, but replacement parts remain available for these cars.
Fitted with a removable hardtop, this Spitfire can be enjoyed year-round in milder climates. While the rear window is missing, the rest of the glass appears intact, and the trim looks complete. The car’s low stance and light weight help explain why these models remain popular for spirited weekend drives.
Inside, the tan interior appears original, retaining the period gauges and trim. The seller advises that it’s a 45-year-old car without modern safety systems, so it’s best suited for hobby use. As with many older British sports cars, ongoing maintenance will be part of ownership.
Under the hood is Triumph’s 4-cylinder engine, which the seller reports still runs but may have a slight fluid leak and burns some oil. The manual transmission adds to the engagement factor, and while it’s currently unregistered, the car can be driven short distances. For anything longer, the seller recommends bringing a trailer.
For a collector or enthusiast looking for a single-family, low-mileage Spitfire, this example offers a solid starting point. With some attention to the cosmetics, mechanicals, and missing pieces, it could be transformed into a fun weekend toy or even a local show car. Would you restore it to factory-fresh condition or keep it as a patina-rich survivor?
Haven’t seen this one in Ft Myers yet. Wonder if the convertible top is still there as it isn’t in any pics nor the narrative. If it stays cheap (at purchase)…
Also wonder if the electric overdrive is working. Had a ‘74 identical to this one sans hardtop years ago. Easy to work on plus it always keeps you entertained with driving and under the hood (oops-“bonnet”).
The overdrive is electrically switched only. A solenoid operates a valve allowing high pressure oil to operate the overdrive hydraulically. Good things they are.
Located in FT Myers,Florida.
Judging by the almost vertical handle seen in the interior shots, adjustment of the parking brake should definitely be on the “do list”
Easy to work on engine, door handle from Moss, piece of plexiglass from Home Depot and you are good to go. Changed the rod and main bearings in my step son’s ’80 without taking the engine out. Fun cars.
Here we go again, what I consider a SMOKIN” deal, yet,,,bupkis. The 1500 Spit was a much improved car over the previous ones. It’s always a shame to see the kid doesn’t know squat about the car, never mentioning the O/D,( button on shift knob) a HUGE plus of a feature, working or not. I knew a guy with a car just like this, and it was a neat car. For $3grand, even I’d go for it, and is disturbing that not a lot of people want this anymore. Some maintenance required? Yeah, with my homeowners tool kit, pass. Looks like dad loved his Spit, and you would too. $3grand and not sold, for shame,,,
Funny, it was on Craigslist for 1000, then they raised the price to 3500 in a few days, now it’s on eBay.
Sold on 8/16/2025 for a high bid of $4,050, there were 14 bidders, 31 bids.
Steve R
I’ve owned more that a few of these. Every one from a person who didn’t know how to take care of it.
Somebody got a decent deal on that little fella. I hope the new owner takes good care of it.
I always like these as a teenager / early college part of life. Opted for a 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 (Pininfarina). Owned her for 30 years. Ran some autocross against Triumphs, Alfas, Miatas, 240z, and Sprites. Fun cars for sure! I see this one sold. Hope she’s got a good new buyer.