1. Frontline fighter plane for Great Britain during World
War II. Widely regarded throughout its
long and well-developed life as a masterpiece of the avionic arts; a graceful-yet-deadly dogfighter and a peerlessly beautiful design.
2. Small, affordable convertible roadster built by Triumph from 1962 until 1980. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, mechanically based on the Triumph Herald sedan. Named in honor of the
British fighter of the same name (see above). Early models suffered from a flawed rear suspension design; later cars had the life sucked out of them by the company's inadequate responses to US emissions and safety rules. Still a
popular club and vintage racer and "gateway drug" to the joys and pains of classic-
car ownership.
3. High-spirited, outspoken female; usually loud, lusty, lovely and pretty much untouchable. Often
red-haired.
1. A Spitfire overflew the pattern at Oshkosh to great applause and appreciation.
2. Call
Nigel at the garage; the Spitfire's ignition system is acting up again.
3. Damn, that
Cora is a spitfire. I'd tell her how much I want to get into her pants but she'd smack me silly.