Description
1967 1600 Triumph Vitesse saloon, with overdrive. One of the very last 1600s. In conifer Green with red interior. This is a very original Vitesse and we are the 4th owners and have owned and cared for it for 22 years (with the first 2 owners being father and son and the 3rd being a friend of their family). It has always been garaged. It is excellent condition all round and has been very well maintained with any maintenance being done when needed. All the correct original trim is present, the interior is in excellent time-warp condition with unblemished red seats, perfect wooden dashboard, neat fitted carpets and flawless headlining. Sitting inside feels like the car is still in a 1960’s showroom. The engine and running gear are strong and smooth and the chassis is solid. The Gearbox and overdrive were refurbished a few of years ago and the differential was replaced late last year (with a higher 2L unit to provide easy cruising at lower RPM). It has Electronic ignition fitted for reliable starting and driving and has a recent new high-torque starter motor.
We have driven long distances in this car without concern, including to Europe. It has a smooth power from the 6-cylinder engine and the overdrive gearbox and the uprated differential make cruising at motorway speeds comfortable. This is a very usable classic car.
The car is not concourse and being honest there is a little corrosion starting to appear in some small areas of the lower front wheel arches and an area of the paint on the bonnet that is crazed, but these do not stop the car looking very good indeed.
Vitesse’s in this good and original condition are rare. The 1600 'Vitesse 6' was the first of Triumphs new 6-cylinder replacement of the Triumph Herald and so this car is the original Triumph Vitesse mode which are increasingly rare. This car was first registered in 1967, which is the first year that the replacement 2 litre model was launched which makes this car one of the last of the 1600 models to be sold. We imagine that it remained in a Triumph dealer’s showroom for a while. The original owner gave this car to his sone, who then subsequently sold it to a family friend, an auto engineer, who we bought it from 22 years ago. We were amazed at its condition and originality, and you will be also.
We have always kept it garaged and have attended to any issues as they have arisen, including a reconditioned overdrive gearbox, an uprated differential, a brake overhaul with all new parts a few years ago. Electronic ignition and a high torque starter motor make starting and running reliable. This is a reliable and usable car in amazing original condition.
