1968 Triumph Vitesse Mk1 Convertible 2 LT petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Comfortable reliable performer

Faults:

Front nearside vertical link broke at low speed.

Engine rebuilt.

Gearbox replaced to get overdrive.

Small bit of welding to chassis for MOT.

General Comments:

A quick reliable classic car.

Short on legroom for rear passengers.

If you buy one get it with overdrive as it reduces the rpm at 70 MPH by about a quarter.

You have to drive like an idiot to get the backend to break away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2003

1968 Triumph Vitesse Mk1 Convertible 2.0 litre from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A quick, interesting classic with stunning looks

Faults:

The horn used to sound whenever I turned right (?!).

Universal joints needed replacing.

Solenoid went on the overdrive.

Noisy gearbox, but still lasted me four years.

Lots of shake, rattle and roll noises from everywhere, but then that's all part of the fun...

General Comments:

You get very intimate with your passenger during cornering as you sit very close (it also handles like a barge).

It has lots of power and torque with a very fruity exhaust note, and pulls lots of admirers - one of the best looking rag-tops around.

If I could afford another, I'd get one tomorrow (if I could find one).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2002

1968 Triumph Vitesse Mk 2 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A rare and enjoyable classic

Faults:

The coil needed replacing as it was the original and was very tired.

Water leak, due to a worn gasket and that's about it really.

General Comments:

This car handles well and it has quite a comfortable ride for its age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2001

11th Jun 2003, 12:43

Hello. Couldn't agree more with what's been said. The Mk 2 convertible's a fantastic car. I've got one sat in my garage at the moment - average condition externally, but engine rebuilt a few years ago and running.

6th Apr 2005, 01:40

Had one of these new in 1965. Engine stopped dead. When the rotor arm isn't turning, WD40 fix it. Right, the camshaft has snapped. Poor steel and not enough support bearings for a six-cylinder. Design? Don't make me laugh. This was just after running in. That joke of an independent rear suspension could be transformed with a bar across the rear, but it kept coming detached.

With the advantage of hindsight it's easy to see why the British auto industry was heading for self-destruction. Sort of Darwinian: Non-survival of crapiest. Ironic that this heap of junk now changes hands for many times more than the Stg.700 it cost new.

27th Mar 2006, 12:41

You probably bought the only duff Vitesse ever made!! Mines a 1970 & goes like stink. Very easy & cheap to maintain. At well over 35 years old she destructs your poor judgement of a highly desirable british classic. Go on, buy another to prove me wrong!!!

1964 Triumph Vitesse mk2 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car

Faults:

The petrol pump had deposits of dirt inside it.

Battery lost its charge on several occasions.

Seats are in bad repair.

General Comments:

The car is fun and brilliant for the weekends, however it is a bit unreliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th June, 2001