Description
A WONDERFULLY ORIGINAL VITESSE MK2 IN REALLY GREAT CONDITION
Just 5 owners from new, low mileage and in remarkably original condition, I have enjoyed owning and driving the lovely “Ruby” for a few years now.
The unique feature setting her apart is that she is in almost entirely original condition and has not been restored. Of course; she has been correctly maintained and so obviously cared for over the years; but, apparently not rebuilt ... just kept in beautiful condition by her few owners.
The panels and bodywork still largely bear the original ‘Stanpart’ factory grey/ brown primer, the interior, too, is also original – and in very good condition indeed.
Mechanically she is excellent in every area and runs like a dream.
I can’t stress enough the originality of the car and the fact that it is rock solid and completely sound in every area.
She does not require any form of restoration or rebuilding whatsoever.
If you are looking for an original and unmolested Triumph Vitesse with bodywork, chassis and interior as it left the factory, then this may be the car.
“Ruby” drives and runs really well and has been 100% reliable in my ownership.
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO CHAT ABOUT HER IN MORE DETAIL WITH YOU, ALLOW ANY INSPECTION AND WILL CONSIDER SENSIBLE OFFERS. THE MECHANICS
Under the bonnet presents very well (it’s an oil-free zone!) with the engine, radiator and all ancillaries are original, clean and in good working order. New hoses have been fitted and what appears to be a reconditioned radiator.
The engine shows good oil pressure at all times, is quiet and pulls well. The car never overheats and maintains a steady temperature, even in heavy traffic. I haven’t noticed any leaks; either oil or water.
The carburettors have been rebuilt, balanced and correctly set up, new fuel lines have been fitted where required. What appears to be a new or reconditioned alternator has been fitted and some re-wiring carried out at some stage.
The clutch has been replaced and new (old-stock) master and slave cylinders fitted.
The gearbox is excellent with perfect synchromesh on all forward gears and it changes gear smoothly without baulking. It’s a pleasure to use; although with the torquey six-cylinder it doesn’t get that much use! There’s also overdrive fitted for third and fourth gears.
The brakes have been fully overhauled and the original green factory Stanpart callipers retained, as well as the rear drums and cylinders. All copper and flexible brake lines have been replaced and a new (old-stock) master cylinder fitted. The brakes have been professionally set up and work very well, pulling the car up progressively and smoothly.
Suspension and steering has been re-bushed where needed. There is evidently no play, no clonks, bangs or rattles with the car driving tightly and sure-footedly.
New radial tyres are fitted all round and, importantly, all of the hard to get hold of original wheel trims are present – and in very good order, too. The spare is also new.
THE INTERIOR
The door cards, interior panels, front seats and rear seat are completely original and in fantastic condition with the odd, well-executed, repair in a (very) few places. The original sun visors are in place and function properly, too.
It looks as though the carpets have been replaced fairly recently with good quality items and seemingly to the original pattern. These are black with trimmed edges and present well. I would imagine the original carpets may have been biscuit or, possibly, red.
There is a factory fitted Webasto sliding sunroof which has no damage and works faultlessly (rare!) and has the original wind deflector; adding to the airiness of the whole passenger area.
The wooden dashboard and door cappings are as supplied new and are in very good condition. The dashboard top is not cracked and presents well. All the instruments work properly and are clear to read, with lovely chrome bezels and traditional white on black faces. There is also a matching oil pressure gauge. All of the switches and controls are in place, as expected, and appear to function correctly.
What a great place to be in and to enjoy the car from!
THE BODYWORK AND CHASSIS
These are, reassuringly, the best features of the car.
First of all; there is not rot anywhere on either the chassis or the body panels. There is no evidence of any welding or major repairs that I can see. The body tub, floors and chassis are taught, and have integrity, as a result.
All of the major panels are seemingly original and as they left the factory. This is evidenced by the ‘hallmark’ of original Stanpart factory primer on all panels, inner wheel arches, inner body frame etc. that are readily visible. There’s lots of it!
The paintwork has been touched up in places, as one would expect over the years; but, there are no underlying rust to be seen anywhere on the car.
Much of the paintwork seems to be from when the car was new, with the consequent fading and discolouration and wear in places. Everything, the car’s history of life, is plain to see.
Inside the boot area is in exactly the same and is in great original condition and in the factory Stanpart primer the car was delivered with; the rear wheel arches, boot floor and spare wheel well are rust free.
“Ruby” is in a wonderful state of originality and patina, with nothing to hide.
I imagine that it would be difficult to find such an original car in such an incredibly well preserved state, with such integrity.
Please come and see for yourself.
