1977 Triumph Spitfire 1.5L Petrol · ORV 538S
1977 Triumph Spitfire (1.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 1977. Recorded mileage 49,370 miles. MOT valid until 12 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- TRIUMPH SPITFIRE
- Year / Origin
- 1977 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 49,370 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
ORV 538S Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/04/2026
- 49,370 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ORV 538S MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1977 Triumph Spitfire (ORV 538S) between October 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
ORV 538S Mileage History
- 08/10/202447,132 mi
- 13/04/202649,311 mi+2,179 mi
- 14/04/202649,370 mi+59 mi
Average of roughly 1,478 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Triumph Triumph Spitfire
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Recommended for buyers seeking a low-mil
When inspecting this vehicle, prioritise the evidence of rust and corrosion, which is a common concern for 1970s British sports cars, although not specifically mentioned in the MOT records. Given the MOT failure on 2026-04-13 for excessive carbon monoxide, ask for evidence of recent carburettor tuning or exhaust system work to ensure the engine is running efficiently.
Review the service history to see how frequently the oil and fluids have been changed, as low-mileage classic cars can suffer if left stagnant. Negotiate based on the current state of the rubber components, as the most recent MOT still lists the steering rack gaiter and suspension arm ball joint dust cover as deteriorated advisories.
Running costs for this 1.5L classic will be higher than a modern equivalent due to lower fuel efficiency and the need for specialist maintenance. As a vehicle from 1977, it should qualify for historic vehicle tax exemption in the UK, significantly reducing annual fixed costs.
Insurance groups for the Spitfire are generally low, though premiums vary based on the driver's profile and the vehicle's agreed value. Expect higher annual maintenance costs to keep the mechanical components and rubber seals in roadworthy condition.
Pay close attention to the rubber seals and gaiters. The MOT history specifically identifies the nearside steering rack gaiter and the offside front upper suspension arm ball joint dust cover as deteriorated; check if these have been replaced or if they still require attention.
Inspect the exhaust system and check for any signs of fuel leaks or poor idling, referencing the carbon monoxide failure recorded in April 2026. General inspection should include a thorough check of the chassis and floor pans for corrosion, which is a known weak point for this model.
This 1977 Green Triumph Spitfire features a 1493cc petrol engine and has recorded 49,370 miles as of its last MOT in April 2026. The MOT history shows a clean pass in October 2024 and a successful test in April 2026 following a failure involving emissions and rubber components. It presents as a low-mileage example of this model.
No aggregate MOT data is available to provide a general reliability trend for the Triumph Spitfire.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1977 model year cars.
- Front suspension vertical-link trunnion seizure and breakageSerious
The front suspension uses threaded brass trunnions that screw onto the bottom of the vertical links. Triumph specified EP90 hypoid gear oil for lubrication. In practice, owners and fast-fit garages pumped standard chassis grease into the nipples; grease hardens, dries out, and allows road grit to wear the threads. The trunnion seizes solid, causing metal fatigue that snaps the vertical link kingpin under steering load.
- Crankshaft thrust washer wear and end-float damageSerious
On Standard-Triumph four-cylinder engines—most acutely on the long-stroke 1493cc unit fitted to the Spitfire 1500—the semicircular copper-lead crankshaft thrust washers wear excessively. Repeated clutch disengagement pushes the crankshaft forward. Once thrust washers wear down, they drop into the engine oil sump; the unguided crankshaft then machines directly into the cast-iron cylinder block web, destroying the engine casing.
- Chassis outrigger, floorpan and sill corrosionSerious
The Spitfire relies on a central double-backbone chassis with fabricated sheet-metal outriggers that support the outer sills and body tub. Road spray thrown from unshielded wheels rots the outriggers, floorpans, rear axle kick-ups and outer sills. Because the sill assemblies provide vital longitudinal stiffness to the open convertible body tub, severe rot causes structural flexing, scuttle shake, and sagging door gaps.
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