Description
Vitesse Mk2 (Overdrive): Family owned 45 years
The Triumph Herald was launched in 1959 and, like the Spitfire, was designed by Giovanni Michelotti. The Vitesse was introduced in May 1962 and the Mk2 followed in 1968 featuring an enlarged 1998cc engine giving sub twelve second 0 to 60mph performance and a top speed in excess of 100mph – with overdrive it is the ultimate Vitesse that has sports car performance (it is faster than the Sunbeam Alpine) with four seats.
Our Damson Red/ Biscuit trim interior Triumph was purchased by Mr Frederick Cooper, the second owner in 1972 when she was 2 years old. Having been made redundant by the local Milk Marketing Board Mr Cooper spent his redundancy payment (plus a part exchange against his Ford Popular) on the Vitesse. Fred and his son maintained, serviced and wax-oiled the car for the next 45 years.
Milestone Classics sold her around 5 years ago and were delighted when the owner contacted us two weeks ago to buy her back – an easy decision as we always buy our cars back because we know how good they are.
It is the most original Vitesse we have seen with just one out-rigger replaced and original paint, chrome & interior – she is utterly remarkable having covered a warranted 42k miles and is a testament to the love and affection that Fred and his family bestowed on her.
The car drives as good as she looks – unrestored cars often do as they have never been pulled apart and put back together - and benefits from a factory option overdrive gearbox that keeps up with modern traffic conditions.
The interior and paint work has a lovely patina that is impossible to replicate with original factory seats, door cards, carpets etc.
The history file contains copies of the original (1972) sales invoice, warranty, every MOT since 1979, driver’s handbook, contemporary sales brochure, V5, pictures of the car with Fred, invoices etc.
Original, unrestored Vitesse in this condition with low owners/ warranted low mileage are almost impossible to find – they have all been restored and most have non-original specifications.
We expect Fred's pride and joy to find a new custodian who will appreciate her qualities very quickly.
