Description
An outstanding example. The subject of a substantial recommissioning exercise in 2024 after some 25 years in storage, this stunning Vitesse presented in freshly painted Conifer Green with superb Red vinyl interior is quite frankly just astonishing. With just 54, 995 miles showing, this low-owner car has never required any welding nor restoration and this reflects in the almost-perfect panel-fit of both the bonnet panel and doors. It would be wrong to call it “time-warp condition” as we have very recently undertaken a partial repaint (owing to very minor blemishes and slight paint fade) but it is in all other ways totally original and after recent recommissioning, drives as good as it looks. A special car deserving of a good home.
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 first registered in Hampshire in May 1969 and we understand remained in the Lymington area for some 20 years before heading to Weymouth in Dorset in September 1988. Used as regular transport, our new lady owner and her enthusiastic husband doted on the car undertaking notable work to include a bonnet rebuild, much engine bay detailing and refurbishment and many hours adjusting the shut lines. The Vitesse was actively shown on several TSSC events winning 1st Prize for Best Vitesse at the Moonrakers Meet in 1992, the TSSC Wales Meet in 1992 and at Chedworth Meet in 1994. After 10 years of happy motoring, our lady keeper sadly lost interest in the car and it was duly laid-up in dry storage in the garage adjoining the house. In early 2024 it was offered as payment for restoration and repainting of the husband`s Sunbeam Rapier and subsequently became the property of by a local classic car restorer and enthusiast who undertook what became an extensive recommissioning exercise. The work included a complete overhaul of fuel and cooling systems with new radiator, water pump, top and bottom hoses, thermostat, fuel lines and carburettor rubbers, all new ignition parts including points, plugs, condenser and distributor cap, a complete braking system overhaul with all new lines, rear shoes and cylinders and front pads, clutch master and slave cylinder, replacement shock absorber bushes, steering track rod ends, gear lever bushes, 4 new tyres and a replacement battery. Back on the road again, the car was taken to a few local shows and was ultimately put up for sale. We acquired it and recognising just how good it was, didn`t want to rush getting it properly prepared for resale - hence took the decision to invest more time and money over the Winter improving some areas of tired paintwork. We finally collected it from the paint-shop last week and were pleased with the wait.
The Vitesse presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Panel-fit is second to none and the best I have ever witnessed on such a car with clean, even gaps and doors that open and close without effort. With the majority of the car now freshly painted in it`s original Conifer Green, it does look stunning and wouldn’t be out of place once again sporting a rosette on a local show-field. Under the bonnet tells the same story. It is quite astonishing. The cabin too is a fabulous place to be with the original Red vinyl seats in excellent condition. Turn the key and that glorious inline 6-cylinder fires immediately into life sounding smooth and purposeful. On the road, the car is a delight feeling tight and precise with an excellent gear change, reassuringly good brakes and plenty of peppy performance. The mileage showing of just under 55, 000 is believed genuine and whilst we can`t substantiate this, it would appear correct going on the feel of the car. On a sunny Easter weekend, I took the Vitesse on a blast across the West Dorset Downs and loved every second. That infectious exhaust note, superb road manners and excellent visibility make this a very enjoyable and useable classic experience - it`s little wonder they remain exceedingly popular in Club circles today.
Our car comes with sundry bills and receipts from it`s recommissioning in 2024 with a comprehensive schedule of work undertaken, MoT Certificates from 1983 to 1996, an original Handbook and current V5C. It is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt.
A glorious example of a sought-after sporting saloon.
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.
