Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 (1962-1980) reliability
Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 built before 2000: about average at the MOT
Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 models built before 2000 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
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Key figure
18% of MOT tests on Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.
Based on 537 tests of Spitfire models registered 1962-1980.
About 1 in 10 Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 MOTs (9.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 537 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 7.1% and 12.1%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 20 Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 MOTs (4.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 537 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.3% and 7.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 compares
At each age below, see how the Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 3,350 tests across 4 Triumph models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Brakes
Worth checkingInspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other convertibles to compare
Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500.
- 1
TVR Chimaera
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 6.3%
- Dangerous
- 2.1%
Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 18.1% for the Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500, both built before 2000.
2,536 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Morgan 4/4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 6%
- Dangerous
- 1.9%
Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 18.1% for the Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500, both built before 2000.
1,071 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
MG B
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.5%
Lower fail rate: 15.5%, against 18.1% for the Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500, both built before 2000.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,865 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Lotus Elise
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.8%
Lower fail rate: 14.8%, against 18.1% for the Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500, both built before 2000.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,026 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Triumph Spitfire name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 588 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 26% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 variants compared
Most common issues on Triumph Spitfires of this age
This list covers every Triumph Spitfire built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.3%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 26.7%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 35.0%Major
Brakes uneven from one side to the other
- 44.5%Major
Exhaust emissions above the limit
- 54.0%Advisory
Brake binding slightly
Based on 583 tests
Looking at a Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Triumph Spitfire Mk1–Mk4 / 1500 (1962-1980) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 537 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.