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| Lot number | 6 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £2,600 |
| Description | Triumph Vitesse MkII Convertible |
| Registration | FMH 373J |
| Year | 1970 |
| Colour | Green |
| Engine size | 1,998 cc |
| Chassis No. | 62084HCC |
| Engine No. | HC57268HE |
Produced between 1968 and 1971, the Triumph Vitesse MkII was the last and by far the best of the venerable Herald range which had first gone on sale in 1959.
Powered by the same 1,998cc OHV six-cylinder engine that was found in the contemporary GT6, mated to an overdrive box, it was good for a genuine 100+mph. Far more significant, however, was the long-overdue ditching of the Herald's notorious swing-axle rear in favour of a greatly superior reversed lower wishbone system. Particularly easy to maintain thanks to its hinged bonnet/front wing assembly, the Vitesse also retained the Herald's amazingly tight turning circle, making it a doddle to manoeuvre and park.
This 1970 example was purchased by the vendor as a partially completed restoration which commenced in 1995 when the car was last used on the road. He too has decided that he has too many projects and has reluctantly decided to part with it.
A large history file shows the extent of the work undertaken to date. The body was removed and the chassis stripped and painted body colour. It then had new suspension bushes, hoses and fuel lines added prior to the refitting of the body. The body itself has had two new lower front wings, sills and lower rear wings, prior to receiving a fresh coat of dark green paint.
Invoices show that Hereford Rebore modified the head to accept unleaded fuel and that Hereford Radiators fitted a new core to the radiator. A new twin stainless steel exhaust has also been fitted. Very recently the brakes have been overhauled including new calipers at the front and the clutch slave and master cylinders have been replaced, the vendor intending to have the engine back up and running by the time of the sale.
Sitting on red painted wire wheels, this nearly completed restoration is available at a fraction of the cost of the work already done and, being a late MkII Convertible, is the ultimate incarnation of this rapid, characterful four-seater rag-top.
