Description
This is huge fun! Comprehensively uprated and modified to Vitesse 2-litre fast road specification by Totally Triumph in 2005, this properly and professionally sorted evocation of a Vitesse Estate comes with almost 25 years of history and doesn’t disappoint on any level. Fast and furious, the list of modifications in endless and the conversion undertaken on a rebuilt chassis incorporating GT6 differential, suspension and brakes. And it sounds glorious! Come and wrestle me for the keys.
Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and featuring a large glass area (93% all-round visibility) and razor-edged looks, the Herald was a compact 2-door car introduced by Triumph in 1959 and ultimately available as a saloon, convertible, coupe, estate and even a van. Built on a separate chassis, the main tub was 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. Initially fitted with a 948cc engine and 4-speed gearbox, rack and pinion steering afforded the car with an unbelievable 25ft turning circle making it easy to drive with notably light steering. Bigger engines with more power came in the early 1960`s with the final variant, the 13/ 60, being unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1967. With a 1296cc engine developing 61bhp, this final incarnation come with updated front end (similar to a Vitesse) and revised interiors. A rare sight today, only around 100 Herald Estates are believed still on the road.
Our car was registered in July 1968 in Truro, Cornwall as a 13/ 60 Estate in British Racing Green with Black trim. Sadly, we know very little of its early life but by the late 1990`s, it was residing in Manchester having been acquired by a long-term Triumph enthusiast living on a canal boat in Boothtown Marina. Evidently in need of substantial recommissioning and general refurbishment, the car was taken to marque specialists, Totally Triumph of Crowley, Cheshire, and so began a rolling 10-year relationship with this company that witnessed a transformation for the humble Triumph. Initially, bills and receipts reflect routine service work to include brakes, carburettor rebuild, rear over-riders, door and hatch seals, a replacement clutch and brake master cylinders, an overhaul of the cooling system with new radiator, replacement engine mountings, new out-riggers, fresh carpets and general paintwork. A new stainless-steel exhaust and replacement propshaft followed together with wheel-bearings, various hoses, a complete set of ignition parts and head-gasket replacement. In 2004, the original 1296cc engine was rebuilt with all new pistons and core plugs and cooling system uprated to Vitesse specification. No doubt this “taste” of what was possible ultimately provided the inspiration for what was to happen in early 2005 - that of a complete Vitesse Mk. 1 2000cc transplant with all ancillaries. Once again entrusted to Totally Triumph, the conversion was thorough and extended to the following:
Fitting of a Vitesse Mk. 1 1998cc 6-cylinder engine with unleaded head. Block rebored to +20. New ends and shells fitted. Carburettors replaced with twin 1 ¾ HS6 units with K&N filters. Uprated fuel pump. Electronic ignition fitted with sports coil and TR6 filter conversion.
Fitting of Vitesse 4-speed Overdrive gearbox with shortened prop-shaft to accommodate and new clutch. GT6 differential with 3. 37-1 ratio.
Fitting of 2” stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system.
All suspension replaced with GT6 units with lowering springs. Installation of GT6 braking system (front only) with calipers, discs and Ferodo competition pads. Rear brakes original but drums skimmed and re-shoed.
In addition, a complete check-over of chassis and body was undertaken with all front, rear and boot outriggers either replaced or rebuilt, both front and rear valances replaced, both driver and passenger doors replaced, windscreen removed and resealed and the car repainted in it`s original BRG.
Back on the road and sporting a set of period Wolfrace Slot alloys, our enthusiastic owner continued to improve the car with replacement brake and clutch master cylinders, a better GT6 differential with all new bushes and balanced prop-shaft and numerous tweaks to improve both fuel and cooling systems.
Enjoyed, used regularly and maintained properly, the car was ultimately sold around 10 years ago to another enthusiast who took it to the next level. These included fitting of a full roll-cage and bucket seats whilst mechanically, the engine was rebuilt with new piston rings and big end shells, front and rear brakes replaced, facet electric fuel pump and pressure regulator installed and rev limiter fitted and set at 5500RPM.
In 2019, the car returned to Cornwall where it first resided and was acquired by a classic Triumph collector near Bodmin. For the past 5 years, it has lived predominantly in a barn on a farm and used sparingly for Sunday afternoon jaunts. Some cosmetic changes have been made over this period but essentially it is still the same Vitesse evocation that was created back in 2005. The roll-cage and bucket seats have gone, replaced with original seats with new black covers and the car was repainted in 2023 with a fresh coat of BRG. Imminent loss of storage on the farm is the only reason why the Herald had to be sold, albeit with huge reluctance. Since acquiring the car, we have undertaken some detailing and are thoroughly enjoying it for what it is. With just 12 original Vitesse Estates ever built (by special order), finding an original is far from easy. Indeed, the last one known to sell made over £15, 000 in 2022. Yes, this is an evocation, but it has been built properly by a marque specialist and is about as well-sorted as it can be for what is still a modified classic.
The photographs hopefully tell the story. Overall panel-fit is generally very good and whilst paintwork is fresh and bright, it was undertaken last year by the owner himself and as such does have a few blemishes. That said, it polishes up very well and presents as well in the flesh as it does in the pictures. All external trim is good with evidently new mirrors and number plates whilst period Wolfrace alloys are shod with newly new tyres all `round. Inside, the cabin presents well with new black seat covers in the front, fresh black carpets with tidy door-cards and original headlining. Turn the key and the Vitesse lump fires immediately into life with a throaty bark emitting from the twin tailpipes. Once warm, the car soon settles off-choke to a gentle burble. Select 1st and the car moves away swiftly, changing up smoothly through the gears, sounding better and better as the revs climb. Ride is unsurprisingly firm whilst both roadholding and handling are a revelation - it feels so tight and positive aided no doubt by the GT6 set-up. Brakes too are excellent. Modified cars can be a complete handful but this one doesn`t disappoint on any level - it does demand to be driven but offers a truly rewarding experience with plenty of driver feedback. Overdrive clicks in instantly on 3rd and 4th and even after a spell sitting in traffic, there are no overheating issues thanks to an oversized radiator and secondary cooling fan. On a bright and breezy July morning, I piloted the Herald out across the West Dorset Downs towards Maiden Newton relishing the twisty S-bends and giving it full throttle on the straights. This car is all about one thing. Fun. It has the sound and feel of an evocative 1960`s sports car and of course, the practicality of a modern estate. What`s not to like. Come and sample it for yourself before it becomes a keeper!
The car comes with a comprehensive file of bills and receipts going back almost 25 years including details of all the conversion work undertaken by Totally Triumph, a quantity of spares and a current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
Possibly a unique opportunity to acquire a professionally built and well-sorted modified Herald at a sensible price.
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.
