1981 TRIUMPH SPITFIRE
Tracey has owned ‘Mavis’ since 1985. Chances of her selling it? Zero
‘Icelebrated hitting the grand old age of 23 in 1985 by buying a two-seater convertible. I wanted something that looked classic with chrome bumpers, which meant that the newer MGBs and Midgets were out. In fact, I was left with just one contender: a Triumph Spitfire 1500. I didn’t have to wait long or look too far to find the right car because a four-year old Vermillion Red Spitfire was waiting for me at the Slough Motor Company, not far from my home. ‘Mavis’, as she is affectionately known, would quickly become a big part of the family.
‘Dad and I collected her in the January snow; there wasn’t much space for the two of us when he climbed into the snug cabin in his sheepskin coat and that first drive was a bit of a shock because all I had driven before was a Mini.
The first thing I noticed was its long bonnet, which I couldn’t see over, while the low-slung seats were much closer to the ground than I was used to. Still, I drove Mavis with the roof down at every opportunity because I loved this new driving experience. In fact, I was hooked; what a fabulous feeling on a sunny day or a clear evening. What better way to drive?
‘I have now owned Mavis for 34 years and we have had lots of adventures together attending Triumph weekends all over Europe. She’s been to Spa in Belgium, the Standard Triumph European Rally and International Spitfire Weekend, both in Holland, plus the Le Mans Classic on several occasions. Most of those adventures have been with the Triumph Sports Six Club, which I joined in 1985, and through which I’ve made many wonderful friends. I’ve got a godson thanks to the TSSC and even met two husbands!
‘I moved to the Isle of Wight several years ago, somewhere that Mavis and I have been travelling to for 30 years. That’s how long the annual Triumph extravaganza has been taking place during the first Bank Holiday weekend in May, and I now run it because I took on the role of Isle of Wight area organiser for the TSSC with my great friend Elaine Hawkins a few years ago.
So, if you’re a fellow Triumph owner looking for something new to try, be sure to come and see us on the island on 8-10 May to join in the fun!’
I drove it with the roof down at every opportunity – I loved this new driving experience’