1965 Triumph Vitesse - Original/Highly Desirable
The Triumph Vitesse, introduced in May 1962, emerged as a refined development of the Triumph Herald—both styled by the celebrated Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti—and quickly established itself as a uniquely appealing proposition: genuine sports car performance combined with the practicality of four seats. In period, it was notably quicker than contemporaries such as the Sunbeam Alpine, and it remains today one of the most characterful small British saloons of its era.
Here is an exceptional and remarkably preserved example, finished in its striking and highly desirable Signal Red with contrasting black side stripe, complemented by a black trim interior. Supplied new by Camden Motors of Birmingham, this Vitesse was purchased by Mr Gordon Stokes on 17th November 1965 for the sum of £788, with a carefully negotiated 10% discount. At the time of order, Mr Stokes selected a number of tasteful factory options, including the elegant duo-tone paintwork, a tonneau cover, and a chrome exhaust extension—details that still define the car’s distinctive appearance today.
What sets this particular Vitesse apart is its extraordinary originality. Never restored, it survives today as a rare and authentic time capsule. Even the delicate protective padding within the hood aperture beneath the rear deck remains intact—an almost unheard-of feature in cars of this type and age. Over the decades, Mr Stokes maintained the car with care and mechanical sympathy, attending to essential items as required. These included a reconditioned gearbox, replacement clutch, conversion to an unleaded cylinder head, along with a new starter motor and ring gear, ensuring the car remained in fine mechanical order without compromising its originality. This devotion was recognised in 2003 when, after nearly half a century of custodianship, Mr Stokes and his Vitesse were awarded Best Unrestored Vitesse at the TSSC International Show, following several years as runner-up. The car finally passed from his ownership to a close neighbour on 16th November 2015—just one day short of an extraordinary 50-year tenure.
On the road, the car performs with a charm and composure that reflect its careful life. The 1600cc straight-six engine delivers smooth, eager performance, and the gearbox—previously rebuilt to address a weak third-gear synchromesh—operates cleanly. The braking system, suspension, and steering all present in excellent condition, making this a genuinely enjoyable and confidence-inspiring classic to drive.
Structurally, the car remains equally impressive. The body has never been separated from the chassis, preserving the integrity of its original construction. Panel fit remains true to factory standards—commendable for a Triumph of the period—and approximately 90% of the paintwork is believed to be original. The chassis itself is described as superb, with no signs of corrosion.
Inside, the cabin continues the theme of remarkable preservation. Seats, dashboard, carpets, and trim are all original, presenting a wonderfully evocative period atmosphere. The aforementioned hood stowage pads serve as a particularly rare and delightful detail, unlikely to be found in another example in the country.
Original, unrestored Triumph Vitesse models of this calibre—especially those with low ownership, fully documented history, and such a high degree of originality—are now exceedingly scarce. Many have been restored or altered over the years, making this car a truly special find for the discerning collector or enthusiast seeking authenticity above all else.
First registered in November 1965, the car has had just seven previous owners. Its comprehensive history file includes the original bill of sale, manufacturer’s guarantee, Heritage Trust certificate, MOT history, and a wealth of invoices documenting routine servicing and maintenance. A small collection of photographs accompanies the file, and the V5 documentation is complete. Having had the privilege of selling this car previously, we are delighted to welcome it back once again.
It is a motor car that speaks not only of its era, but of careful stewardship and enduring appeal. Opportunities to acquire such an example are few and far between, and it is expected that this Vitesse will soon find a new and appreciative custodian.
PRICE: £8495