So, a load-lugging Vitesse scorches through the auction system and your first thought is that it must be a Rover SD1. But this is a whole lot rarer than the executive stormer from Cowley. This Mk1 Triumph Vitesse Estate is one of just 12 made, and it’s just sold for £15,250…
This one’s in spiffing condition, with a Condition 1 description from the Triumph Sports Six Club, and has a continual history befitting its sub-100,000-mileage. It’s an interesting car, pre-dating the swathe of sporting shooting brakes from rival UK makers, such as the Reliant Scimitar GTE and Lotus Elite – and looks a whole lot more appealing than the standard saloon and convertible.
This one’s so rare because it was only offered as a special order from new. This particular car was converted by Standard-Triumph’s Service Depot at Park Royal in West London, and ended up costing the twice the price of a standard Vitesse, and knocking on the door of the Jaguar E-type – hence such slow sales.
The car has had just two owners in the last 40 years, and the last but one treated it to a thorough restoration. Its history is well documented – first registered to a dealer in Brixton in January 1968, it was eventually sold to its first owner, a solicitor in Wembley that October before passing through the hands of several owners.
It’s from 1980 that the car’s future was assured, when the rolling restoration inside and out began. It stayed in their hands until 2013, when it was sold to the current owner. It comes with some interesting documentation, such as the original registration document, a copy of an Autocar classified advertisement for this particular car and the original factory paintwork schedule.
Finally, a detailed pictorial record of the restoration is present. It’s a fascinating car, and with its 2.0-litre straight-six under the bonnet, it’s going to be an interesting drive. The new owner is going to enjoy this one – what a lovely early Christmas present!
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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Dear Santa, I’ve been a very good boy this year…