Triumph Vitesse 6: Unpacking Its Original Cost

The Triumph Vitesse, a name resurrected from the pre-Second World War era, burst onto the automotive scene on 25th May 1962. Conceived as a more sporting evolution of the popular Triumph Herald small saloon, the Vitesse quickly carved its niche as a stylish and capable performer. Its distinctive appearance, penned by the renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, cleverly integrated much of the Herald's bodywork with a striking new front end featuring a slanted four-headlamp design. This blend of practicality and panache, coupled with a more potent six-cylinder engine, set the stage for a car that would become a beloved British classic. But what was the initial outlay for one of these automotive gems?

The Genesis of the Vitesse 6

The Vitesse 6, as it was initially known, was more than just a Herald with a bigger engine; it was a carefully engineered upgrade designed to offer a more exhilarating driving experience. At its heart was a 1596 cc inline six-cylinder engine, a performance-tuned derivative of the unit found in the Standard Vanguard Six. This engine, featuring a smaller bore diameter than its Vanguard counterpart, initially utilised twin Solex B32PIH semi-downdraught carburettors, which were soon superseded by B321H units to resolve accelerator pump issues. This power plant delivered a commendable 70 bhp (52 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 92.5 lb⋅ft (125 N⋅m) of torque, providing a significant boost over the Herald.

Beyond the engine, the Vitesse 6 received a host of enhancements. The gearbox was strengthened and given closer, more sporting gear ratios. For those seeking even more relaxed and economical cruising, an optional Laycock De Normanville 'D-type' overdrive system was available, offering a 20% higher ratio for top gear. Braking performance was improved with standard front disc brakes and larger rear drums. The fuel tank was also enlarged, retaining the Herald's clever reserve feature.

Underneath, the chassis, while outwardly similar to early Heralds, was substantially re-designed and strengthened, particularly around the differential mountings. These improvements were also subsequently integrated into Herald production, showcasing Triumph's commitment to continuous enhancement. The front suspension featured uprated springs to manage the increased weight of the new engine, while the rear suspension, a swing-axle transverse-leaf system, largely carried over from the Herald.

Interior and Exterior Refinements

The Vitesse offered a more luxurious cabin than its Herald sibling. Wooden door cappings were added to complement the wooden dashboard, and the car boasted improved seats and door trims. Early models shared the Herald's dashboard and instrument panel, featuring a single speedometer dial with integrated fuel and temperature gauges. However, a facelift in September 1963 saw the dashboard revised to include a full suite of Smith instruments, comprising a large speedometer, a cable-driven tachometer, and smaller fuel and temperature gauges. Exterior trim also saw upgrades, with an elongated stainless steel trim piece extending further down the body, a Vitesse-specific trim piece rearward of the petrol filler cap, and satin-silver anodised alloy bumper cappings replacing the Herald's white rubber items.

From September 1965, a significant engine update occurred at commission number HB27986, when the twin Solex carburettors were replaced by twin Stromberg CD 150 carburettors. This change boosted power output, with claims of a 13–14 bhp increase, pushing the top speed to a tested 91 mph (146 km/h) and significantly reducing the 0–80 mph (0–129 km/h) acceleration time from 46.6 seconds to 33.6 seconds. This enhancement further cemented the Vitesse 6's reputation for spirited performance.

The Elusive Original Cost of a Triumph Vitesse 6

When it comes to the original retail price of a Triumph Vitesse 6 in the UK, the provided information does not offer specific figures. However, it does shed light on the export market, particularly for the United States.

The American 'Sports 6' Price Tag

The Vitesse 6 convertible was exported to the US between 1962 and 1964 as the left-hand drive Triumph Sports 6. For American buyers, the original US price (POE East Coast) for this model was $2,499. It was available in a choice of White, Signal Red, or Black. The Vitesse Saloon, interestingly, was never officially imported to the US.

Despite its appealing features, the Sports 6 faced stiff competition, particularly from the likes of Ford's new Mustang, which offered a compelling package at a competitive price. As a result, only 679 units of the Sports 6 were sold in the US before it was withdrawn from that market. This high retail price in the US, relative to its competitors, undoubtedly contributed to its limited sales figures there.

While we lack the precise initial UK retail prices, it's safe to assume that the Vitesse 6 would have been positioned as a premium offering within Triumph's lineup, reflecting its superior engine, enhanced features, and more luxurious appointments compared to the standard Herald. Today, the value of a classic car like the Triumph Vitesse 6 is determined by factors such as condition, originality, rarity, and market demand, rather than its initial purchase price.

Evolution of the Vitesse: 2-Litre and Mk II

The success of the Vitesse 6 paved the way for further development, leading to even more potent versions.

The Vitesse 2-Litre (1966-1968)

In September 1966, Triumph upgraded the engine to 1998cc, aligning it with the new Triumph GT6 coupé. Relaunched as the Vitesse 2-Litre, this model saw power increase to 95 bhp (71 kW). This translated to a claimed 0–60 mph time of just under 12 seconds and a top speed of 104 mph (167 km/h), earning it the advertising slogan, "The Two Seater Beater." Other modifications included a stronger clutch, an all-synchromesh gearbox, larger front brakes, and a stronger differential with a slightly higher 3.89:1 ratio. Wider and stronger 4.5-inch wheel rims were fitted, though radial-ply tyres remained an optional extra.

The Vitesse Mk II (1968-1971)

The final iteration of the Vitesse range, the Mark 2, was launched in October 1968. This model focused on significant improvements to the rear suspension, a common area for criticism on earlier swing-axle Triumphs. The Mk II featured new lower wishbones and Rotoflex half-shaft couplings, a system shared with the GT6 MkII. This design drastically reduced the camber changes inherent in the earlier solid swing axles, greatly improving higher-speed handling and roadholding. The engine was further tweaked to produce 104 bhp (78 kW), cutting the 0–60 mph time to just over 11 seconds and pushing the top speed beyond 100 mph (160 km/h). External changes included a new grille, Rostyle wheel trims, and a distinctive silver-painted steel rear panel. The interior was also updated, sharing parts with the new Herald 13/60, but retaining a tachometer and a larger ashtray.

Production Figures

The Triumph Vitesse proved to be a popular model throughout its production run. Here's a breakdown of the production figures:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Triumph Vitesse

What is a Triumph Vitesse?

The Triumph Vitesse is a compact six-cylinder sports saloon and convertible produced by the Triumph Motor Company in the United Kingdom between 1962 and 1971. It was based on the Triumph Herald chassis and bodywork but featured a more powerful inline six-cylinder engine and distinctive styling cues.

What made the Triumph Vitesse 6 unique?

The Vitesse 6 was unique for its combination of a relatively compact body (derived from the Herald) with a smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine. Its distinctive slanted four-headlamp front end designed by Giovanni Michelotti also set it apart. It offered a blend of sporty performance, comfortable touring, and practicality, with options like overdrive for enhanced cruising.

Was the Vitesse available as a convertible?

Yes, the Triumph Vitesse was available in both saloon (sedan) and convertible forms from its introduction. The separate chassis construction meant that minimal additional strengthening was required for the convertible, making it a robust open-top option.

Why was the Vitesse 6 convertible called 'Sports 6' in the US?

The Vitesse 6 convertible was exported to the US market as the Triumph Sports 6. This name change was likely a marketing decision to appeal to American buyers, emphasising its sporty nature. It was sold in the US from 1962 to 1964.

What were the main differences between the Vitesse 6, 2-Litre, and Mk II?

• Vitesse 6 (1600): Initial model with a 1596cc engine, 70-74 bhp, Solex then Stromberg carburettors, and the original swing-axle rear suspension.
• Vitesse 2-Litre: Introduced in 1966, featuring a larger 1998cc engine producing 95 bhp, an all-synchromesh gearbox, and stronger brakes.
• Vitesse Mk II: Launched in 1968, it retained the 1998cc engine (now 104 bhp) but featured significant rear suspension improvements with lower wishbones and Rotoflex couplings, greatly enhancing handling. It also had updated styling and interior refinements.

What is the significance of the Rotoflex suspension in the Vitesse Mk II?

The Rotoflex suspension system, introduced on the Vitesse Mk II, was a crucial upgrade. It replaced the problematic solid swing axles of earlier models with a design that incorporated lower wishbones and flexible rubber couplings (Rotoflex donuts) in the half-shafts. This significantly reduced camber changes during suspension travel, leading to much improved high-speed handling, stability, and roadholding, addressing one of the main criticisms of the Herald-derived chassis.

How well did the Vitesse sell?

The Vitesse 6 was the most popular Vitesse sold during the model's lifetime, receiving initial praise for its performance, fuel economy, interior, and remarkably tight turning circle. The Vitesse continued to sell well throughout its various iterations until its discontinuation in July 1971, shortly before being succeeded by the Triumph Dolomite.

A Lasting Legacy

While the exact original UK price of a Triumph Vitesse 6 may remain a detail lost to time within the provided records, its legacy as a charming and capable British sports saloon is undeniable. From its elegant Michelotti styling to its progressively more powerful six-cylinder engines and crucial suspension improvements, the Vitesse evolved into a refined and enjoyable car. Its combination of performance, practicality, and undeniable character ensured its popularity during its production run and continues to make it a cherished classic among enthusiasts today. Whether in saloon or convertible form, the Vitesse represents a quintessential piece of British motoring heritage, a testament to Triumph's ability to create cars that were both engaging to drive and delightful to behold.

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