Description
When the Vitesse 6 was introduced in May 1962, Standard-Triumph created something of a stir, with the unusual combination of an existing compact car (the Triumph Herald) with a larger six-cylinder power plant to produce an up-market model with better performance from a smoother, more torquey engine, which made for a more pleasurable car to drive.
The 2-door Triumph Herald (introduced in 1959) had sharp looks styled by the Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, who also provided the revised front end for the Vitesse, which feature a slanted 4-headlamp design. The Vitesse also received a more luxurious interior in comparison to the Herald, with better seats, door trims and wooden door cappings to match the wooden dashboard. After 1963, a full range of Smith instruments was fitted to the Vitesse dashboard. The engine used is a 1596 cc version of the traditional straight-6 motor derived from the larger cars in the Standard-Triumph range, developing a claimed 70 bhp.
The new Vitesse 6 sold very well for Triumph, receiving praise for its performance, fuel economy, interior design and tight turning circle. With over 30, 000 manufactured by the time production ceased in September 1966, it was a better seller than the 2-litre Vitesse model introduced as its replacement.
This car was first registered, new in Jersey, in September 1964. It has remained in the island all its life with only a handful of owners, the car having been in the same family from 1988 to 2020. The recorded mileage – under 63, 000 – is genuine, supported by service history documents.
Mechanically, the Vitesse is in very good fettle and running well, with some minor works undertaken to the brakes and cooling system when we acquired the car.
Both separate chassis and bodywork are in a very good condition. All brightwork is present and correct and the pastel blue paintwork is in excellent condition. Largely original, some limited bodywork repairs and re-painting as required were undertaken in 1998.
The interior of the car is in particularly good condition – seats, front and rear, door cards, dashboard, door cappings and headlining - all excellent. The car does not have a sunroof fitted but does have a period radio.
This is a quite exceptional example of an early and very original model of Triumph’s luxury small saloon. In very good condition throughout, having been in the hands of caring owners for many years, who have put it to relatively little use.
The original owners handbook and service record log, together with a 1966 bill of sale are held for the vehicle.
The car is registered and located in Jersey. We can assist the buyer with importation into the U. K., duties and transport costs being additional to the price listed.
