Autocar road test number 1901 in 16 November 1962 began with words that have a special resonance today: “For a long time the available range of inexpensive two-seater sports cars has been limited to too few makes, so any newcomer in the field is especially welcome.” The newcomer in this case was the Triumph Spitfire, with its Heraldbased 1147cc engine, uprated to dispense 63bhp and “brisk acceleration” (0-50mph in 10.9sec but 0-60mph in 17.3sec). Top speed was 92mph, creditable for a 1.1-litre. And it was very affordable: £640, the equivalent of £10,700 today.