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Triumph Vitesse MK11 Convertible.
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
Posts: 1435

PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:44 pm    Post subject: Triumph Vitesse MK11 Convertible. Reply with quote

An acquaintance popped round last Saturday to purchase some spares for his Sunbeam Rapier.

Just before he departed he mentioned he was thinking of selling his Triumph Vitesse MK11 Convertible.
When he told me it was finished in red, and had just passed its Mot my ears pricked up.

I just had to see the car.

Thursday morning I was hot footing it over to his house to view the car.

Over the last 30 years I have restored or worked on more vehicles I can remember, so can spot a good car across a rally field from 100yds.

As you approach a car you are observing key points that tell if the car is a good one or not.


When I first approached this car it gave out good vibes.

The more I examined it the better it got.

Previous to the seller purchasing the car 6 years ago, it had been stored away for 15 years.

The chassis is totally rust free. A good point to start with.

The rear body tub was next to be given the once over, this passed with an A+.

The floors were the same.

The doors were like new.

Upon opening the bonnet a close examination revealed the same quality, no repairs just totally original.

A good test drive showed the engine, gearbox and suspension to be spot on.

If I walked away to give it further thought the car would not be there the next day, only a fool would not purchase it.

Luckily I had my trailer with me, it was soon loaded up and the payment made.

I have never owned a Triumph before, but now I do.

Must think of something to clear out of the toy box to make room for this.

G.F




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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote


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kevin2306



Joined: 01 Jul 2013
Posts: 1359
Location: nr Llangollen, north wales

PostPosted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That is absolutely lovely!!

Good find

Kev
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
Posts: 1435

PostPosted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 12:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I went for a drive around the country lanes this evening. The sun was shining, and the car was driving great.

You notice the difference with that 2 ltr straight six engine, if you have driven other sportscars around the 1600cc / 1800cc range.

This later model they built handles very well.

G.F
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Jim.Walker



Joined: 27 Dec 2008
Posts: 1229
Location: Chesterfield

PostPosted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 12:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a beautiful car. I am rather jealous. My Gentry in my avatar is really a Mkll Vitesse.
What makes it even better is that Canley Classics keep a huge stock of genuine and re-manufactured spares. Almost everything you may ever need.
Keep a close eye on the Roto-flex couplings. My most frightening driving experience was when one failed on me at about 50mph. Allowing the drive shaft to flail everything wthin reach.
Jim.
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kevin2306



Joined: 01 Jul 2013
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Location: nr Llangollen, north wales

PostPosted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

whats the mileage and history on it GF?


Kev
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Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jim.Walker wrote:
...
Keep a close eye on the Roto-flex couplings. My most frightening driving experience was when one failed on me at about 50mph. Allowing the drive shaft to flail everything wthin reach.
Jim.


Smile I had the same when the coupling on my (much modified) Spitfire/GT6 2.5 let go at about 50 mph.

RJ
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is one of those rare vehicles that has been very well maintained, everything is in tip top order.

All rubber hoses are like new. Service items are in very good condition.

An examination to the underside shows everything in very good condition.

The gearbox is silky smooth, the engine sounds great.
The body panels are spot on.

Not a lot of history regards invoices as the previous owner to the person I purchased the car from passed away and the car sat in his garage for 15 years. The family perhaps threw stuff away...it happens.

You just know when looking at a vehicle if it is good...even without lots of paperwork.

I do have a lot of old photo`s etc showing the vehicle from many years ago, it looks the same then as now.
A very original, unrestored, rust free example.
G.f
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Austin Devon.
Morris Minors.
Jaguars.
Rootes Cars.
MG.
Etc.



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Shorts Built Vintage Caravan 1936.
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vitesse



Joined: 03 Jun 2013
Posts: 561

PostPosted: Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great find GF it looks really clean for a totally unrestored car. The straight 6 2ltr in the Vitesse is a lovely engine, it pulls like a train. The Mark 2 is much more desirable, as you said they sorted out the dodgy rear end and. The grill and boot panel look better.

Plus they are a joy to work on, lift the bonnet plonk yourself down on the front wheel and away you go.

Tony
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