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This is amazing value. A genuine CV-code Vitesse factory Convertible presented in it`s original Wedgewood Blue with Black Trim and the subject of almost £3000 investment in the past 3 years. Not only that, but it comes with extensive recent history and drives superbly. With just 81, 170 miles recorded, this cracking little Vitesse would make a fantastic starter classic and offers 4-seater fun at a great price. Come and see for yourself.
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 car was registered in April 1966 making it one of the last to be fitted with the super-sweet 1596cc inline-6-cylinder engine. Finished in it`s original Wedgewood Blue (Code 26) with Black Stripe and Black interior, early history is sadly unknown but we do know that in June 2012, it was acquired by a lady in Catford for the sum of £3900. Mileage at this point was recorded as 77, 890. She immediately set about doing work on the car with the assistance of marque specialists, Quiller, to include a replacement gearbox, renewed gear linkage and clutch as well as replacement wishbones and 4 new Avon tyres. Between 2014-2018, notable work included a full brake overhaul to include master cylinder and new shoes and full replacement of the ignition system with new coil, distributor cap, rotor arm, HT leads and fuse-holder. During 2019, wheel bearings were replaced and valve clearance adjusted whilst a small patch of welding was required to a seat belt mounting. The car was evidently used and enjoyed over this period with annual MoT Certificates (the last in 2018 with no Advisory Notes) suggesting around 300 miles a year covered. In June 2020, the Vitesse was sold for £4000 to an enthusiast in Weymouth who evidently paid off the car through stage payments over a 6-month timeframe! The car, however, was collected by him at the end of June and he straightaway starting ordering bits from the Club shop. Mainly this was detail elements such as chrome trims, badges, boot and bonnet rubbers, a set of mirrors and new gear knob and gator. In February 2021, the Vitesse now fully paid for, he commissioned a floor pan repair whilst the big investment came a year later with the acquisition and subsequent rebuilding of another replacement gearbox, new starter motor, spin-off oil filter conversion, new hood, replacement bumper over-riders and new oil pressure and water temperature gauges. Whilst his ownership was short (less than 2 years) he spent almost £3000 improving and upgrading the car. In May 2022, he sold the Vitesse to a local couple who had dreams of enjoying high days and holidays in the car but sadly it wasn`t to be with gentleman sadly falling ill and passing away at the end of the year. Since then, the Vitesse has sat on the driveway rather neglected and it was obvious that when we collected it last week, it hadn`t turned a wheel for almost a year. That said, it started easily and drove home surprisingly well, feeling smoother and sweeter with every mile. In addition to spending almost a whole day cleaning (a full bottle of T-Cut for starters), we have now checked over the car and would now drive it anywhere with confidence.
The Vitesse presents just as seen in the photos. The original Wedgewood Blue paintwork polishes up well and whilst there are a few bubbles largely under the paint at the door bottoms, it is remarkably solid with no evidence of poor repair work. Panel fit is generally good too. It is genuinely very honest with nothing to hide. Evidently, the original steel wheels have been replaced historically with 13? Minator alloys, shod with newly new Avon tyres, whilst trim and bumpers present well. The hood too is excellent and fits well, taking just seconds to put up and down. Money has clearly been spent on the cabin although unfortunately, this isn`t documented. Front and rear seat covers in Black vinyl edged Blue are in superb condition as are matching Black carpets, whilst coordinated Blue seatbelts are fitted both front and rear. Turn the key and the diminutive 6-pot fires immediately into life settling down quickly off choke to a gentle but purposeful tickover. On the road, the little car is an absolute joy with eager acceleration and smooth gearchanges, whilst pin-sharp steering and balance handling encourage spirited driving. On an unseasonably warm October afternoon, I took the Vitesse along the Abbotsbury coast road towards Bridport and enjoyed every second. Whilst not having quite the power of a 2000 model, many enthusiasts actually prefer the earlier 1596cc, believing it to be smoother and sweeter. Certainly, I was convinced of this from the 25 miles or so covered and would have happily carried on towards Devon had timed allowed.
The Vitesse comes with a large history file documenting all work done over the past 10 years to include hand-written notes, bills and receipts, 2 Owners Handbooks, a copy of Olyslagers`s Handbook for the Triumph Vitesse, various magazine articles, MoT Certificates from 2007-2018, a car cover and 2 sets of keys. The car is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A rather pretty and very genuine example benefitting from much recent investment. Great value 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.
