Description
This is very pretty. Another fabulous Vitesse has just arrived at Shore Classics and this fully restored and freshly repainted example is an absolute stunner. Presented in Old English White with Pale Blue stripe and all-new Pale Blue interior, this stunning Mk. II Convertible with Overdrive was the subject of a comprehensive, long-term restoration and is now show-ready for the season ahead. Sitting on freshly painted banded steel wheels and with new White hood and Blue hood cover, this 4-seater Convertible needs for nothing other than for the sun to continue to shine!
Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and featuring a large glass area (93% all-round visibility) and razor-edged looks, the Vitesse was a compact 2-door sporting saloon introduced by Triumph in May 1962 ultimately based upon the Herald saloon launched some 3 years previous. As with the Herald, the Vitesse was built on a separate chassis, the main tub being bolted on allowing the entire front end to hinge forward allowing easy engine access. Indeed, every panel could be unbolted from the car allowing the different body styles to be constructed. With the Vitesse this meant either a 2-door saloon often with a large sliding sunroof or full convertible and indeed, many saloons have been converted post-production to offer the full fresh-air experience. Initially fitted with a 1596cc inline-6-cylinder engine and 4-speed gearbox with optional overdrive, the Vitesse 6 retained the same swing-axle suspension as the Herald albeit set within a redesigned chassis with bigger brakes. In September 1966, the Vitesse Mk. I 2-litre was introduced featuring an all-new 1998cc engine as seen in the GT6 coupe increasing power to 95BHP and providing a top speed of 104MPH. A stronger clutch and differential, larger brakes and an all-synchromesh gearbox now came as part of the package together with more luxurious interiors. In October 1968 came the final incarnation, the Mk. II 2-litre with tweaked performance (up to 104BHP) and most noticeably improved rear suspension rack with new lower wishbones and Rotoflex half-shaft couplings. This dramatically improved higher speed handling and roadholding providing the car with a true sporting edge and not just in a straight line. Externally, a new grille with 3 sets of horizontal elements helped to distinguish the car from its earlier cousin further enhanced by Rostyle wheel trims, new badges and a silver painted rear panel (Triumph called it ceramic!). The final examples rolled off the production line in July 1971, ultimately to be replaced in early 1972 by the Dolomite.
Our Vitesse was registered on the Isle of Wight in April 1969 and would appear to have remained on the Island until today. Sadly, we know very little of the car`s history but understand that it was off the road for many years before being acquired as a complete project around 10 years ago. Whilst the Vitesse comes without much by way of paperwork, it is evident from the overall presentation that the rebuild would have been body-off from the ground up. The underside clearly has been restored whilst all panels are straight and rust-free. Suspension, braking systems and mechanical components have most definitely been overhauled although once again, without paperwork we cannot confirm the full extent of this work. The cabin has also benefitted from a full makeover with new seats and matching new door cards in Pale Blue and new Dark Blue carpets throughout. The car went back on the road in May 2022 and was MoT`d for the first time in years, passing with no Advisory Notes. It was sold almost immediately to a gentleman and classic car collector in Ventnor who subsequently used and enjoyed the Vitesse over the summer months covering a few hundred miles including picking up a creditable 3rd prize at the Vectis Historic Vehicle Show in July. Only a need to downscale his collection has meant now parting with the car. Since acquiring the Vitesse, we have done very little apart from a tune up in our workshops, replace some ignition parts including plugs and leads and attend to a couple of minor electrical niggles.
The car presents just as seen in the photographs. Both bodywork and paintwork are excellent with just a couple of stone chips whilst the new White hood and freshly painted steel wheels are as new. The same story continues both under bonnet and inside the cabin. It really is difficult to fault. Brand new Pale Blue seats and door cards are complimented by new Dark Blue carpets, whilst all wood, including door cappings and dashboard are excellent. Turn the key and the inline 6-cylinder fires immediately into life sounding purposeful through the original single-pipe exhaust system. On the road, eager acceleration and typically notchy gearchanges allow swift progress with Overdrive on 3rd and 4th gear allowing relaxed cruising at speed. Brakes are reassuringly firm and general road manners balanced with nice neutral handling. I have just come back from taking the Vitesse to a local show and loved every minute. The car was very well received despite sitting alongside much more expensive exotica - I`m somewhat surprised it didn`t sell on the evening!
The Vitesse comes with a Pale Blue hood cover, Black tonneau cover, a current V5C and 3rd Prize Rosette from the Vectis Historic Vehicle Show in July 2022. It is naturally both MoT exempt and road-tax exempt.
A fully restored Vitesse Convertible ready for the summer months ahead. Very pretty too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
