Triumph Spitfire – The British Export Success Story

When you mention Spitfire, most people would envision the powerful World War II fighter aircraft taking to the skies such as during the Battle of Britain. But another Spitfire comes to the hearts and minds of Triumph lovers, a two-seater British sports car. The Triumph Spitfire was a huge export success story for Triumph with a production life running over the course of 18 years. During this time over 317,000 Spitfires were sold — 75% exported to the world market and 45% sold to the US market alone.

The ‘Bomb’ — Prototype to Triumph Spitfire

The Triumph Spitfire story began when the Standard Motor Company that owned Triumph were looking at producing a sports car that could compete against the Austin Healey Sprite — a cheap and fun two-seater that the everyday person could afford and drive.