Highlights
- More desirable 2.0 litre engine
- Resprayed and reupholstered
- Subject to extensive mechanical refurbishment
The Appeal
All the goodness of a Herald, with a beefier engine and revised styling. The Triumph Vitesse caused something of a stir upon its release in 1962. The British sports car market was very much in its golden era, but there wasn’t much in the way of small yet powerful roadsters until the Vitesse came along. Stylish, simple and with a thumping six cylinder powerhouse at the front, the Vitesse was a surprisingly unique entry into the sports car market at the time, and in recent years has finally started to garner the appreciation it deserves.
This early 1962 Vitesse is certainly a great example of the rapidly appreciating model. Resprayed, reupholstered and with the highly desirable 2 litre engine nestled under the bonnet, this red and white marvel ticks all the boxes one should be looking for in a Vitesse.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 12/12/1962
- Left the factory as a saloon model, which was fitted with a Tristan soft top kit in the 1990s. It has since been reinstated as a saloon car which has been inspected and approved by the DVLA, as denoted by the logbook
- Correct V5 registration document present with the vehicle
- Tax and MOT exempt due to vehicle’s historic status
- Accompanied by a large selection of invoices for parts bought for the car’s recommissioning
- Comprehensive set of owners literature and operating manuals
The Interior
- Subject to extensive reupholstery work
- Impeccably presented interior space
- Marvellous red leather upholstery throughout
- Good quality seating front and rear, exhibiting very little, if anything in the way of wear and blemishing
- Matching red door panels of a similarly high quality with decorative wood trim and chrome door furniture
- Three spoke Triumph steering wheel
- Wooden dash panel in good order
- Neat collection of switchgear and gauges which all present nicely
- Contrasting white headliner
- Fitted with replacement carpets throughout
- Clean and simple boot area with neat black carpet set
- Metal Triumph sill plates
The Exterior
- Brilliant two tone red and white paint scheme
- Resprayed in Triumph Red 3003 (Ruby Red) with White side stripes
- Great overall aesthetic order
- Excellent 1960s styling, with beautiful finned rear end
- Fresh from respray, the paint is of a high quality and presents very well
- Converted back into saloon form, which has been inspected and approved by the DVLA
- Excellent chrome trim throughout
- Wing mounted, chrome bullet style mirrors
- Iconic twin headlight front end
- Panel gaps appear concise and consistent throughout
- Four excellent wheels with decorative chrome trim and white wall tyres
The Mechanics
- Fitted with the ever desirable 2.0 litre straight six engine
- Converted to take unleaded fuel for added convenience
- Carburettors balanced and tuned
- Engine has been professionally detailed
- Glorious straight six soundtrack
- Engine is in great order and presents well with a chromed rocker cover
- Fires into life comfortably and is reported to drive well
Summary
Stylish, lightweight and with a front mounted six cylinder engine. Was the Triumph Vitesse the BMW M3 of its day? Certainly it possesses many of the same characteristics that make them so popular. The Vitesse is truly a great little roadster and those in the know are finally starting to appreciate them for what they are. Fun.
An early MK1 Vitesse fitted with the desirable 2.0 litre straight six engine, what we have here is a great example of the coveted model in truly fine form. Fresh from a respray, converted back to correct saloon form and reupholstered, this Vitesse is one that's ready to be enjoyed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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