THE PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP WINNER; JAKE CLAPPISON’S TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500

One of the 2021 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show’s highlights was Jake Clappison’s 1979 Inca Yellow Triumph Spitfire 1500 taking first place in the Pride of Ownership. “I started shaking in shock when I heard my name mentioned; I had hoped for third place but never thought that I would win,” he said.

Jake came by his Triumph in 2019: “I only knew about it two weeks before purchase”. He heard about it from his father, Paul, whose MGB GT was Lancaster’s Car of The Month for April of that year. It was originally painted white, and another owner subsequently added the yellow finish. The Triumph also underwent extensive restoration, and today it still possesses its original ‘Passport to Service’ book. JBJ 921 V is a very late example of Spitfire 1500, as the final model left the Canley plant in August of 1980.

BL introduced the 1500 version in 1974 as the car to “the fun back into your travels”. Autocar thought it “a topping little sports car” with “a lot to offer which no other car quite matches”. Canley hoped it would remain in production until 1982 but changing legislation in their principal Californian export territory meant this became economically unviable.

Compared with the earlier Spitfires, one significant sales advantage of the 1500 was the more comfortable cabin; cloth trimmed seats with head restraints and TR7 style switchgear. In addition, Jake tends to drive with the hood lowered in most weather in true post-war British sports car fashion, as he is 6ft. 6 ins tall. His 1500 is also somewhat unusual as one of the few not fitted with the optional overdrive.

The Spitfire is Jake’s first ‘traditional’ sports car and is a marked contrast to his previous experience of driving a Ford Fiesta. He much enjoys JBJ’s handing, road holding and famous turning circle, while the reaction of visitors to the NEC was of admiration. Mr. Clappison points out that his winning the Pride was also down to the help he received from his father and girlfriend, for his Triumph is now virtually part of the family.

And in Jake’s words, “Everyone who voted for the car has either had one or knew someone who did, so there was an emotional connection I could feel from people. It put smiles on many faces”.

With thanks to Jake Clappison