Hawkus

Love those wheels. No overdrive badge on Dad's one. That was also an add on 🙂

I don't know the full history of the car as Dad bought it more than 10 years before I was born! I do know that when the 2L engine was fitted in the 70's he also upgraded all of the trim / headlight surrounds etc to make it look like a mark 2. These were all put back to standard again some years ago but not sure if any remnants (badges?) remain on the car. One interesting point is that the chrome badges between the rear windows and the back windscreen say 'Vitesse'. I believe models from 63 say 'Triumph' but may be wrong about this. I also have to correct some inaccuracies written by myself earlier in this thread - as stated, this car was bought by my Father many years before I was born and with him not being here to ask, I had relied on my poor memory and scraps of paper available for reference. He actually bought the car in 1964 when it was 2 years old so it's a 2 owner vehicle. I also made an error with the chassis number, it's actually No. 122 but have found a document from English Motoring Heritage confirming this is the earliest surviving saloon and the build date was May 1962 (which is strange as the information I had says they weren't in production until June 1962??) Apologies for the errors! Hope the above clarifies more on the cars history and thank you for all who have helped / commented. All the best Paul

Pete, it says SIMPLON Drafting machines! He had one of these of every set of keys. I'll check the others 😉

Colin, yes I think it is. The servo would have been added before I was even born... I'm 46!

Hi Clive Yes it is Ron! He'd been a member of this club for more years than I can remember so probably a few more who will remember him. It was my Brother Gary who went to the Dutch Triumph meet in the 90's and one of the reasons he wants to keep the car. I would regularly go along to the local meets and classic car shows where the Spit and Vitesse would stand side by side. All the best, Paul.

I intend to get it on a ramp and find someone to give it a good once over before I drive the 10 miles to the burial ground so will have a chance to check. Yes, it does have overdrive. Dad had made a number of additions over the years (extra dials on the dashboard, tow bar, different seat) so would imagine this will lower the value as not totally original. Paul

Thank you for the replies. Much appreciated. My brother and I managed to get both cars started and have brought them to my home this afternoon. I intend cleaning them tomorrow and making as presentable as possible as we plan to drive them to the funeral service on 19th February before deciding their fate. I had mistakenly described the Vitesse as a Coupe when it's actually a saloon. (I'd never been too involved with my fathers hobby so sadly don't know much about these cars at all - I do know that at some point in the past it had a 2L straight six engine installed in place of it's original 1.6). I've no idea why there is such a discrepancy with the mileage / mot's but will look in to this. After speaking with my Mother today (who technically now owns the cars) I'm fairly sure that we'd like these to go to an enthusiast rather than sitting in a museum. Will join up next month and advertise it on the website if that's ok? Would appreciate opinions on price point. Thanks again Paul

My Father sadly passed away this week leaving behind his much loved cars - a 1971 Spitfire (that my Brother wants to keep) and a powder blue and white Triumph Vitesse. The Vitesse is fairly special as he had owned it from brand new and is also confirmed as the old surviving coupe model with a registration date of 02/06/1962 and chassis number 91. The Reg number is 503 ACD Sadly, due to a long illness leading up to his death, both cars had become a bit neglected for the past couple of years. The Vitesse still starts, runs and drives nicely and generally in ok condition (no rust), the paintwork is very faded though and needs a re-spray, various cosmetic bits need doing (chrome very pitted, rubbers perished etc). Will get some photos later to upload. So. Questions... As I've known this car my whole life, but don't have the room or time to keep it, would you think a museum such as Beauliea or similar would be interested in it as a donation? Failing that, any idea on value (including the reg number)? Any ideas / advice appreciated Paul