Kabongo Tshimanga scored twice in the second-half, his eighth and ninth goals of the season, to put the Spireites in control.
But the Gulls pinched a point with two late strikes from Armani Little and Tom Lapslie.
The draw means the Blues stay unbeaten after eight matches but drop a place to second in the National League table.
Here are Liam Norcliffe’s player ratings from the game...
1. Scott Loach 7
He was well on course to record his sixth clean sheet in eight games before the two late goals. He didn't have much to do in the first-half but he made a crucial double save before half-time to keep the scoreline 0-0 at half-time. There was a couple more routine stops after the break. He deserved another clean sheet but it wasn't to be. Photo: Tina Jenner
2. Fraser Kerr 6
He was put under a lot of pressure at times from Torquay's forwards, forcing him to go long from the back, particularly in the first-half. Defensively he didn't do a lot wrong. Photo: Tina Jenner
3. Gavin Gunning 6
Similar to Kerr in that he might have done better in possession at times in the first-half but defensively he was okay. Photo: Tina Jenner
4. Laurence Maguire 6
Returned to the side after two games out with an ankle injury. Stepped out from the back with the ball a few times and Town got some joy with it. He had a couple of shots from distance, one blocked and another over the bar. A decent return. Photo: Tina Jenner