Earlier today I'd noted that:
> ...By 1979, those chrome bumpers were about
> the only "bright" trim left on the Spitfires.
On Mon, 17 May 1999, Simmons, Reid W replied:
> Er, umm, The '79s also had those BIG, BLACK, RUBBER, BABY-BUGGY BUMPERS.
Er, umm, we're both right. As near as I can tell from various sources,
U.S.-bound 1979 model year Spitfires were numbered beginning around
FM90001U. TRF's Spitfire 1500 cataloge notes the change to the rubber or
plastics bumpers was made at FM95001[U]. They also (incorrectly, I
believe) note that the 1979 model year began with FM95001. Again, at that
same dealer where I spent so much time way back when, I remember seeing
lots of new 1979 model year Spitfires before seeing the black bumpers.
Definitely a mid-year change as I recall.
--Andy
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