Yeah, Spitfire handling is quite nimble and entertaining, if not exactly always "good".
If the engine were readily available in the US, I wanted to put a Toyota 1.4 liter diesel into my Spitfire. It's an option in the European Yaris, makes 140 ft/lbs of torque and gets over 50 mpg in a 2300 pound car. Would easily deliver 70 mpg in a Spitfire, AND be pretty quick.