Triumph

The Triumph Vitesse was introduced in 1962 as a sporting six-cylinder development of the Herald. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, it retained the Herald’s basic body and separate chassis but gained a distinctive four-headlamp front end. Initially powered by a 1,596 cc straight-six producing 70 bhp, the Vitesse combined considerably stronger performance with upgraded brakes, suspension and a more luxurious interior. Saloon and convertible versions were offered, with optional overdrive. In 1966 the Vitesse received a 1,998 cc six-cylinder engine producing 95 bhp, together with a stronger transmission, larger brakes and other mechanical improvements. It offered sports-car performance with four-seat practicality and became a successful performance derivative of Triumph’s Herald range.

In October 1968 the Vitesse Mk 2 was launched as the final update to the Vitesse range. Technical improvements included a revised rear suspension. The exterior featured a new grille with three sets of horizontal elements that were also used in the Herald 13/60. The interior was upgraded once more in order to share parts with the new Herald 13/60, though the Vitesse included a tachometer. The Vitesse continued to sell well until its discontinuation in July 1971, seven months before being replaced by the Triumph Dolomite.