Oh, this is hard. I've had a '63 Mark I and '78 Spitfire 1500 and used both for daily driver in nothern New England for years. Now I have a TR-7 in the same region for the same reasons.
My Spitfire 1500 was purchased in the late 80's and run for about 50,000 miles before terminal rust set in. In its lifetime, it spun a bearing at around 75,000 miles that necessitated an engine rebuild. Once rebuilt well, and once nurtured with 3,000 oil/filer changes religously, it ran fine for the rest of its life. It's still in regular use by another owner in Massachusetts. Other than starters and alternators, it did not need any electrical repairs. Oh, when the Lucas electonic ignition failed, I swapped out the distributor with an old one with points. Once adjusted, I rarely had starting problems, even when well below zero.
The transmission defied reputation by being bulletproof. The rear end was another story. While the differential never gave me a problem other than noise, the rear axles were something else. Twice the U-joints on the rear suspension broke and disabled the car - always hundreds of miles from home. The rear spring also weakened; replacing it really improved the handling. The suspension was the weak point for daily driving in terms of longevity. Just plan on having them replaced at 30,000-40,000 miles and you'll avoid problems.
The car was buzzy on the highway [no overdrive on mine] but would run on long trips with great mileage. The heater was challenged, though, when the temperature dropped below 20 F. Still, I ran it daily from 1988 - 1998.
After a spell with an MGB, I looked for another daily driver sports car and found both a late 1500 in superb body shape and 80,000 miles on the odometer. For another $1,000, I found an '80 TR-7 Spider with 48,000 miles, also in great body shape. Both ran very well. The Spit was huge fun and rekindled my fascination with the model.
Staring at the wedge, though, I found it surprisingly appealing - something that never happened in the '70's. And driving it proved to me that a car with power, room and a real trunk [you can barely get a sandwich in the trunk of the Spitifre - you'll need a luggage rack for certain] make a lot of sense. I've put 18,000 miles during the past year, in bitter cold, snow and ice, as well as lovely summer weather, and I couldn't be happier.
The Spitfire is definitely a more "flingable" car; the laws of physics work well for light cars. But the TR-7 cruises at 3,000 at 70 mph in 5th [the Spit will need 4,500] and will do so with a real heater, superb seats and fine handling. If it's bigger, it's still very responsive and not at all soft. It handles very well at much higher speeds when the Spitfire is essentially tapped out.
My TR-7 has needed some clutch work [bent clutch fork], brake pads, a starter and new wheel bearings [not a strong point on the 7]. I don't regret my choice of the TR-7 as my only car; as a second car, a Spitfire would be delightful.
Good luck with your choice!
Jeff Aronson
Vinalhaven Island, ME
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