So I headed out to my local track Castle Combe where there was an event billed as a 'Mini Festival', there were hundreds of the cute critters in a variety of states of tune to be seen and I'll post pictures of them in due course, because the vehicle that leapt out at me as the subject for today's blog was this convertible Triumph Vitesse MKII.
The 1968 - 71 Triumph Vitesse 2 originally featured a 104 hp 6 cylinder 2 litre / 122 CUI engine with two carburettors which gave it a 0 - 60 mph performance time of 11 seconds. As can be seen above this 1968 model has been upgraded with triple carburettors.
The Vitesse was outsold, in the UK, by its smaller 4 cylinder sibling the Herald, at a rate of 10 to 1, and was no match for the cheaper Ford Mustang in the US, however as is the way of these things the Vitesse has a strong following amongst aficionados of performance convertibles.
Slightly off topic, I tuned into JTV to watch the Nationwide NASCAR race at Dover last night just in time to see Kyle Busch taking his victory bow in a cloud of smoke of his own making, congratulations to Kyle on winning his 11th Nationwide race of the season thereby beating the Sam Ard's record of 10 wins which he set in 1983.
Further off topic, I see Kevin Harvick took the NASCAR 'have at 'em' policy to heart during practice for the Dover Cup race ! Much as I'd like to see Kevin take the Cup home at Miami Homestead, these actions do not inspire me, sitting in the peanut gallery, with confidence about his chances.
These play ground antics probably make great headlines and are sure to provoke a further on track response from "Dangerous 'I am owed four cups' Denny" Hamlin, I just hope they are not a distraction from the real job in hand for Kevin, which is to make sure he beats Jimmy Johnson in the infernal #48 to the big trophy at the end of the season.
Looking forward to tonight's race at Dover hope to catch some of you on Rowdy Chat.
Look forward to to hearing from you all, 'y'all come back now ! Hear !
Beautiful car Art. I could see myself driving that sweet thang down the road in the summer.
ReplyDeleteOff point, I'm a little disturbed by the silliness in the garage too.
Any time it's not raining I'd have the top down Cheryl :-)
ReplyDeleteAt this frontal view, the styling of this reminds me slightly of the early 1960s Chevrolet Corvair. Although, this has much more "eyebrow" angle above the double headlights. However, looking at other photos of this car on Google Image, it looks nothing like the Corvair.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping by Steve.
ReplyDeleteThe Vitesse is built on an old school chassis frame with front engine, rear wheel drive and separately detachable body panels rather the modern and increasingly fashionable pressed steel 'monocoque' of the Corvair which has a rear engine and rear wheel drive.
Google Image 'Triumph Herald Chassis' on which the Vitesse was based and you'll see what I mean.
Michelotti was so far as I am aware not the first and certainly the not the only person to use the frowning head light pattern, check out the late 50's Buick Electra / Invictica / Le Sabre or the late 50's Lincoln Continental MK III and you'll see what I mean.
I am sure there are a handful of similar headlight clusters that escape me right now.
Cheers.
Art T