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Triumph Vitesse 2-Litre

Triumph Vitesse 2-Litre

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Triumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-Litre
Triumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-Litre
Triumph Vitesse 2-LitreTriumph Vitesse 2-Litre
Lot number 32
Hammer value £3,600
Description Triumph Vitesse 2-Litre
Registration UGT 720F
Year 1968
Colour Red/Cream
Engine size 1,998 cc
Chassis No. HC8832DL
Engine No. HC9204E
Documents V5C; MOT March 2016; restoration invoices

Produced between 1966 and 1968, the Triumph Vitesse 2-Litre was a beefed-up version of the smooth Vitesse 6 which had first gone on sale in 1962.

Powered by a silky 1,596cc 6-cylinder engine developed from the Standard Vanguard Six, the Vitesse 6 was lovely to drive but lacked oomph. Its replacement rectified this by upping power to 95bhp thanks to an increase in capacity to 1,998cc, sharing its powerplant with the contemporary GT6 and 2000 saloon. Mated to an optional overdrive gearbox, it was good for a genuine 100mph and was advertised by Triumph as ‘The Two Seater Beater’.

Particularly easy to maintain thanks to its hinged bonnet/front wing assembly, the Vitesse retained the Herald's amazingly tight turning circle, making it a doddle to manoeuvre and park.

This March 1968 Vitesse 2-Litre was purchased a couple of years ago from marque specialist Triumph Nuts. Prior to this it had received significant attention to the bodywork, with replacement doors, later Mk2 bonnet and boot lid and a respray in two-tone red and cream.

Since purchase the car has been subject to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul. The engine was removed and passed to Bill Car Engineering of Shrewsbury for reconditioning at a cost of over £2,200 (invoice on file). They bored and sleeved the block, built it up with new pistons, ground the crankshaft fitting new mains and big ends, installed a new oil pump, timing chain and water pump, and fitted the head with valve seat inserts to allow for the use of unleaded petrol.

While the engine was out, an exchange gearbox and overdrive unit were also fitted at a cost of £500. Other expenditure included a stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system (very fruity!), full hose set, new battery, a CD player with four speakers and halogen bulbs for the headlights.

The vendor confirms that the chassis is in good condition including the vulnerable out-riggers and that the interior is nice and tidy, the headlining having also been replaced. Since completion the car has only covered a little over 2,000 miles and has been granted an insurance valuation of £6,000.

Said to drive well with a good turn of speed when desired, this thoroughly sorted car has an MOT until 30th March 2016 and is said to turn heads wherever it goes.

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