1967 Triumph Vitesse

Finished in a fetching two-tone colour scheme of Lichfield Green with a broad white stripe, ‘WUR 6E’ is a 1967 Triumph Vitesse that had been in its previous owner’s care since 2006.

The online MoT history shows it was last tested in 2018, and we understand it had been unused and in storage for a few years before the keeper lost his garage. The seller, who is a classic car dealer, recommissioned it before popping on a new MoT.

A set of Minilite-style alloy wheels and a folding white roof help make this the perfect convertible classic for summer runs to the beach or pub.

The two-tone colour scheme suits the Vitesse’s American-themed lines very well, showcasing the tailfins to particularly good effect; it’s the perfect choice of colour for a car like this, and we salute whoever chose to replace the red it was before.

Sitting on slightly scuffed 13-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, the 175/70R13 tyres are Blacklion Cilerro on all four corners, which is a reassuring sign. All have good tread too, although they are getting on a bit now, so it would be prudent to budget for replacements in the near future.

The quadruple headlamps, three Lucas and one non-brand, are free of chips and cracks, as indeed are all the lamp lenses. The glazing looks good too, as do the rubber seals that hold it in.

The folding white roof is in a good condition, and this assessment extends to the plastic windows. The roof also rises and falls as it should, and looks very smart indeed with no significant stains, rips, or other obvious flaws.

Other nice touches are pressed aluminium numberplates and a period-style AA badge on the radiator grille.

The exterior sports a few blemishes including chips to the edge of both doors, the front end, and most of its lower panels; small spots of corrosion on every panel; microblistering throughout that’s most noticeable on the boot and bonnet; cracks to the paintwork in the usual areas such as the wheelarches; and evidence of the paintwork having been touched-up.

The chromework is also scratched and patinated, both doors sit slightly proud when they are closed, and traces of its former colour can be seen on the nearside front quarterlight.

The wood ‘n’ vinyl interior looks very smart, and while there are a few minor issues for the new owner to deal with, none are pressing.

The front seats are still firm and comfortable, and static Britax seatbelts are fitted. The rear seat is a simple bench with Securon lap belts, and this is in an even better condition than the seats in front.

A fat-rimmed, leather-covered Moto-Lita steering wheel fits the hand perfectly, as does the simple round black gearknob. The pedals are small and tucked in the footwell, and the driving position feels nicely sporting.

The dashboard and door caps were too far gone to be saved, so the seller splashed out on new burr elm replacements. Nicely bookmarked, they clearly weren’t the budget option and being new there are no chips, cracks, or peeling lacquer to worry about.

The boot carpet is in decent shape and conceals a steel spare wheel and the cover for the roof. Lifting everything out does reveal a little surface rust on the floor.

As for the cosmetics, there is further rust to the hood frame and some of the interior trim, and the underside of the hood would benefit from being professionally cleaned.

The speedometer also has condensation in it, the rear-view mirror has desilvered, and the vinyl is showing its age by way of marks and few small tears on areas such as the front seat bases and the outer edge of the driver’s seat.

The engine starts very well and idles nicely. It also revs as smoothly as you’d expect of a perfectly balanced straight-six, and the exhaust noise through the stainless-steel exhaust system and twin upswept tailpipes is very appealing.

Part of the recommissioning involved replacing the dynamo with an alternator, which is a nice touch.

The front bodywork pivots away to give unparalleled access to the engine, front suspension, and brakes. A lot of these components, and the bulkhead, have surface rust on them, and we can envision the winning bidder spending a very pleasant winter tidying things up with the radio on and a glass of something reviving to hand.

Upon purchase the nearside front footwell was found to be rusty, so this has been replaced. The seller assures us this was all that was required before they treated it to a fresh coat of underseal – and lest alarm bells start ringing, the last mention of structural corrosion during an MoT was back in 2015 and it’s racked up four clear passes since then.

The Triumph’s MoT is valid until February 2027 and, impressively, the only advisory was for a worn antiroll bar bush, which would be an easy fix. As we mentioned above, the previous four MoTs between 2015 and 2018 were clear passes with no advisories.

The Vitesse has one of the old-style blue-and-green V5 registration certificates, which isn’t something we’ve seen for a while – but then it’s also got its original Ministry of Transport logbook too, which is even rarer.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar a marker for a change of colour from blue to red, which means both it and the V5C are lagging behind as the car is now clearly green and white.

The history file also contains invoices that span the years 1992 and 2022, plus some expired MoT certificates and tax discs.

The fact this delightful Triumph Vitesse is being offered with an estimate of between £8,000 and £12,000 would make it an appealing prospect anyway, but that it’s also being offered with no reserve, so will be going to a new home after the first bid has been placed, makes it irresistible.

(Freshly recommissioned, can we remind you that the only advisory it’s picked up since 2015 was for a worn antiroll bar bush?)

And yes, it does need a few bits and bobs tidying up but isn’t that half the fun of owning a classic?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) 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’.