1935 Triumph Gloria Vitesse 6

‘WP 8966’, a 1935 Gloria Vitesse 6, is finished in Garnet over Maroon, a colour scheme that makes the most of its design. 

Because, the Vitesse features a lower roofline, which makes for a sportier profile, and as a ‘6’ it hosts the six-cylinder engine in the longer chassis, which makes it both fast and sure-footed.

The 1935-models were also the last cars to feature the elegant one-piece cycle wings and the earlier style of radiator. As a result, many consider the 1935 Vitesse 6 to be one of the most desirable in the Gloria range. 

And this is also an unusually nice example – but then it took Paul and his brother Phil decades rather than years to restore; having started it in 1973 they went on to invest £30,000 over the next 42 years, never rushing and taking care to get everything just so.

It was a genuine labour of love that spanned several house moves, but the pair finally completed it in 2011 with an MoT providing third-party vindication that they’d got it right. 

As did the award for the Nicest Saloon of the Day they scooped up at the National Triumph Day the following year.

Sadly, Phil died in 2017 and much as his family would like to keep it, the logistics of doing so are simply too difficult and it is with great reluctance that his widow Judy and his brother Phil are offering it for sale. 

Paul tells us that the Gloria hasn’t been out in the rain since they finished it, which goes some way to explaining its stunning condition.

Of course, most of the credit belongs to the two brothers for assembling it so neatly as well as Ken Rance, the chap who painted it in 2006. The final tweaks and applying the paint took him 334 hours in all, which makes the final bill of just over £5,300 seem very reasonable. 

(Which is easy for us to say and given that sum represents the equivalent of more than £9,000 today, it probably didn’t feel that reasonable at the time.)

I bet they didn’t regret it though because look how good it still looks, even two decades later. Note especially the quality of the panel alignment and the shutlines; neither would have been easy to achieve and its testament to the quality and accuracy of the underlying woodwork that everything lines up so well.

The windscreen opens for additional ventilation, and the front doors are hinged at their trailing edge, which make for more elegant access. 

Mind you, this is an elegant car in every respect with its sweeping cycle wings, commanding headlamps and radiator grille, long louvred bonnet, and enclosed spare wheel.

Speaking of which, the 17-inch spoked wheels were powdercoated in a gloss finish to match the coachwork before being fitted with Waymaster tyres. 

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

Derby Plating Services rechromed much of the exterior brightwork in 2009-10, running up a bill for around £3,500 in the process. It still looks absolutely stunning and is a real highlight with no significant pitting, tarnishing, or corrosion evident.

The lamps, badges, and glazing are all good too with no obvious flaws, damage, or defects. 

Flashing rear indicators have been fitted, which seems like a sensible modification, and the front sidelights feature twin-filament bulbs, so flash in unison. Never fear though, as the trafficators still work, so you and your loved ones with be safe and stylish. 

Oh, and if you want to fit auxiliary driving lamps to the supplement the (halogen) headlamps then the wiring is in place.

There is a little work to do as the paint on the nearside bonnet is damaged following a small underbonnet fire. There is also a mark to the nearside rear quarter-bumper.

The Gloria’s interior is an absolutely wonderful place to be, and serves to also remind us that Triumph competed at the highest levels in pre-war years, and we can’t imagine many folk feeling shortchanged when they were inside.

As for its condition, the front leather seat and rear seats have relaxed over the years, and it would be a shame to remove such a charming and light patina because they still look great and are very comfortable.

The rear-hinged front doors allow you to step into the car and sit down naturally; if you’ve never tried this arrangement, you’ll be amazed at how natural and fluid it is – and will curse the health and safety legislation that banned them.

The instruments in the comprehensive wooden dashboard were overhauled and calibrated by Vintage Restorations of Tunbridge Wells.

The steering wheel and gear selectors are both elegant and a celebration of engineering; isn’t it lovely to see a firm celebrating how well its products were designed and built rather than hiding its cost-cutting behind sheets of easily-scratched plastic?

Other lovely touches include braided pulls for the rear-seat passengers to hold on to, door-mounted armrests that are adjustable for height and rake, and a nicely presented and carpeted boot. 

While the engine started and ran well enough for us to take it on a short test drive, not all the cylinders were firing, so that’ll need looking at.

As will any damage the small fire might have caused. For what it is worth, it was a small fire and quickly extinguished, but we haven’t risked restarting the engine, so can’t be sure what the cause was or whether there is any collateral damage. 

A Kenlowe electric cooling fan has been fitted, along with a neatly-integrated switch in the cabin. 

The underside looks clean and solid, with all the major components being easily accessible, something you’ll appreciate every time you grease or service it. 

Tools include a starting handle, a CTEK battery conditioner/charger, a wooden spinner removal tool that incorporates a small torch, and a tyre pressure gauge. 

The Triumph’s history file runs to 110 pages of photographs, so why not sit back with something refreshing within easy reach and admire the expense and effort that Paul and Phil went to in restoring their beloved Gloria.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

The Triumph doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 

Pricing pre-war cars is always hard, not least because so few are left – and no car proves this better than this Gloria, which is believed to be one of just six left in existence.

A fact that would make this a very desirable car all by itself; factor in the car’s history and meticulous restoration and we think our guide price of between £12,000 and £16,000 represents strong value.

Better yet, the seller is confident enough in the quality of his car that he’s happy to offer it with no reserve, so it is going to sell from the very first bid.

Pre-war motoring has never been more accessible, especially as it should be eligible under the VSCC post-vintage thoroughbred (PVT) rules, something that would open up a whole world of competitive and social events. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.