Triumph Vitesse Convertible - SOLD
Details
1967 Triumph Vitesse
- 2.0 litre straight six engine.
- 4 speed manual with optional overdrive.
- Genuine factory convertible.
- Last keeper 20 years.
- Subject to older body off restoration.
- Stainless exhaust system.
SOLD
Styled by Michelotti the Triumph Vitesse, available in either Convertible or Saloon body style was first introduced in 1962, with its basically design being fundamentally similar to the smaller, 998cc-1296cc 4 cylinder engined Herald. However with its twin-headlight arrangement being the biggest visual external difference those 'in-the-know' will appreciate the Vitesse as a much better car as it features a six cylinder engine, the original version being a 1600cc and then from 1966 the larger capacity 2000cc, which could also be found in the Triumph GT6. Over its 9 year production cycle just 48,000 Triumph Vitesse models were manufactured.
First registered in 1967, this genuine factory, Vitesse Convertible (1 of just 3502 built) has been lovingly owned by the same keeper for the last 20 years and features the larger capacity 2000cc, straight six engine, mated to the optional 4 speed overdrive gearbox.
The history file confirms in the 1990's the car was subject to a body-off restoration, with panels stripped back to bare metal (photographs to prove), any remedial work carried out and the car then painted in this lovely shade of dark red as we see her know. Walking around the car now, the bodywork is still in very good condition, the paint having a lovely deep shine and she shows relatively few imperfections (we're known for our hyper critical eye). The major bright work is all in good condition and its pleasing to see the car still wears her original steel wheels with factory beauty-rings and centre caps, which are all in very good order too. The car comes with her original tonneau, which covers the factory soft top / frame.
The interior remains largely original, the seats are in good condition, during her rebuild the carpet set was replaced and the replacement 3 spoked wood-rimmed steering wheel offers a nice period charm matching the wooden door cappings and veneer dash.
Mechanically the Vitesse is reported to have had a new engine fitted during the rebuild, the file states that at the time the speedo was reset and she now shows ~43k miles. She starts readily, the 2 litre is almost whisper quiet at idle and even when under acceleration the engine note never becomes load, just a lovely straight-six tone coming from the stainless exhaust system. Out on the local open roads we're happy to say that she performs well, the overdrive engages as it should in 3rd & 4th gear and for a classic that is nearly 60 year old this lovely Vitesse oozes a charm that some of the more common place open-top classic simply can't match.