Very reliable racer, never had a mechanical retirement
Car never involved in an accident
The Appeal
Visit any historic racing event and there are a number of cars that will always feature. The Mini Cooper, Lotus Cortina and Porsche 911 are all popular classic racers. But for those that want to stand out and go fast doing it, this Triumph Vitesse may well be the best options around.
Having been fully prepared at great expense by the current owner in the late-1990’s, this car has great pedigree behind it. Several race wins and an FFSA French championship to its name, the car is a proven racer.
After a sizeable overhaul in 2010, it has rarely raced over the past decade. However, it has clearly been well cared for and, after the replacement of the expired onboard safety elements, will be once again ready to compete. Great handling and agile prowess, this car will certainly put a smile on its new owner’s face, all whilst captivating crowds.DSC08242 frederic STOESSER.JPG4 MB
History and Paperwork
First manufactured in 1966
Raced by previous owner to moderate success
Purchased by the current owner in 1997
Lots of preparation working completed by a number of specialists
Engine tuned by CES, car prepared by Paul Julien
Competed in the French FFSA Saloon Cars series
Won the 2001 FFSA Saloon Cars 1960’s championship
Historic Sports Car Club win at Silverstone
Raced full-time until 2004, and continued part-time until 2012
Revamp work done in 2010
Full overhaul completed in 2014
Runs regularly but has only been raced a few times in the last decade
Stripped out for weight saving purposes, very light model
Converted to LHD, original RHD rack and pinion with the car
As one would expect from a fully homologated race car, the cabin of this Triumph Vitesse follows all FFSA regulations for interior safety. Indeed, the full roll cage and pair of Momo Corse bucket seats with racing harnesses ensure the driver remains safe at all times, although they will need replacing before the car is to compete again. Due to this car’s main series’ particular ruleset, it features a passenger seat, akin to the driver’s position.
Following the race car trend, the cabin is extensively stripped out. Reducing the weight of this feather weight model is a lack of carpets, aluminium panels throughout the floor and door cards and a minimalist dashboard featuring the Smiths tachometer. Despite its many years of competition, the cabin presents very nicely, attesting to the care its owner has put in.
In its current form, the car presents as a left-hand drive model. However, as a UK registered car, it originally left the factory as a right-hand drive model. In fact, the conversion was completed soon after the current owner purchased the car. But having kept all the original steering system parts, a return to its original state is certainly manageable.DSC08377 frederic STOESSER.JPG2.5 MB
The Exterior
Lightweight body panels
Very clean throughout
Resprayed in 2010
Aluminium rear hub holders
From the outside, this racing Triumph looks to be very good condition. The bodywork is all very straight and there is little damage to note, despite having competed for several years.
Many elements of said bodywork have been replaced with fibreglass units. These include the bonnet and boot lid, which serve to reduce weight and lower the centre of gravity. This is also why the windows have been replaced by polycarbonate equivalents. The result is a lightweight car that handles very well according to the vendor.
The car sits on a set of magnesium Revolution wheels that look to be in good shape. They are fitted with a full set of Yokohama semi slick tyres. The vendor reports that, having sat for almost a decade, they will need replacing. The car also comes with an additional set of wheels complete with wet weather tyres.
In 2010, the car was given an extensive overhaul. During this time, the car received a full respray. Previously presenting in a green and white livery, that was replaced with a black main coat with red accents that looks great on the car.DSC08361 frederic STOESSER.JPG4.31 MB
The Mechanics
CES-prepared dry sump 2-litre straight-six, 185hp
Quaiffe 4-speed right-hand gearbox CRABOTS and TR 3 aluminium housing
Driveshaft with anti-giroscopic effect and rear cardan shafts manufactured by the great British specialist JIGSAW
Car weight balance 70/30 front/rear
Fully reconditioned, run very little since
The sound of the 6-cylinder engine is exceptional
With an impressive history of racing success behind this car, it is clear that it was properly prepared. Upon buying the car, the current owner went about totally overhauling the model from an engine rebuild to a full chassis remodel.
The original straight-six was sent to British specialist CES. It now presents as a 185hp monster thanks to a dry sump setup, triple WEBER 45 carburettors and a lot of tuning. Meanwhile, the chassis itself was totally revamped by Paul Julien with many aluminium parts replacing suspension elements like the rear arms, front Koni shocks, unique springs, AP Racing four-pot brakes with ventilated discs and much more.
The car features an aluminium short-throw four-speed Quaife transmission as well as an aluminium limited-slip differential, also from Quaife. The Borg & Beck clutch is reinforced and is operated by hydraulic release.
The owner informs us they spent a great deal of time and money preparing this car for competition, and it shows. Not only in its championship success, but also its reliability. The vendor claims it has not had a mechanical retirement since the work. Furthermore, the car was overhauled in 2010 and once again fully reconditioned after it had completed its last few races in 2014. It has run very little since.
Some serviceable items will need changing by the next owner, but it is sure to perform brilliantly. Indeed, the vendor describes it as a front-heavy car that makes for great fun behind the wheel.DSC08279 frederic STOESSER.JPG2.63 MB
Summary
Despite a slow start to its racing life, this 1966 Triumph Vitesse has become very successful since joining its current owner. Indeed, fully prepared for racing in the FFSA Saloon Cars 1960’s series, it won the 2001 season and has many wins to its name across Europe. Very fun handling and great competitive potential, this is a car that will send its new owner over the moon.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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