The Triumph Herald, introduced in 1959, had a backbone chassis, independent suspension on all four wheels and swing axles at the back. The Herald's layout of separate chassis and body allowed the introduction of other models based on the car, including the Vitesse, GT6 and the Spitfire, a 4-cylinder open two-seater.

Code-named 'Bomb' the Michelotti designed Spitfire was introduced in 1962 with a 1147 cc engine. The Mark II came out in 1965 followed by the Mark III of 1967 with 1296 cc. The body was re-styled for the Mark IV of 1970, then finally the 1500, manufactured from 1975 to 1980.

Canley built 314,342 Spitfires and this car is the last one from 1980.