1936 Triumph Vitesse 14/60 Six Light Saloon

It could be a mistake to disregard this quite normal looking four door family saloon as just another part of the pre-war motoring scene. Although not particularly sporting to look at, check out the 1767 cc, 4 cylinder, overhead valve engine with twin SU carburettors and then take comfort in the Triumph badged radiator, adorned with magnificent mascot and the refined finish of the interior, with the sunburst door cards and well-appointed dashboard, plus that stumpy gear change for the four speed box and this becomes an interesting prospect in a sea of dull alternatives. The Triumph Vitesse is actually considered a highly collectable classic, being a mean rival of the Rileys, MGs and Jaguar SSs of the day. Some 1200 examples are thought to have been built by Standard-Triumph of Coventry and this is a rare survivor with an original body.

EPD 214 was originally registered in August of 1936 (which was the model’s first month of introduction) to Harold Adams Wildy of Woking, a Captain in the 25^th London Regiment in World War I. After his passing in the late fifties, the Triumph remained in the same family ownership until 1961, after which it moved about a little, eventually finding its way to the North Country. It was in Carlisle and in 2012 that the current custodians purchased the motor car; at that point, an older restoration had been carried out, possibly in the nineties, but a ‘rolling’ restoration commenced with the aim of retaining as much originality as possible. We understand that the current owners have fitted the Vitesse with fabricated running boards; the motor car has been rewired (with an original type loom), the radiator rebuilt and the mechanics overhauled, with many missing components replaced. The original wire knock-off road wheels have recently been powder coated in black and are fitted with new cross-ply tyres, and the brakes have been overhauled. Now, the vendors describe the bodywork, chassis, underside and timber frame as all good and solid. The body is original and of course rare (only three Six-Lights are known to be in existence). The paintwork is said to be generally good, with some attention required to the driver’s door. The front seats have been upholstered to the correct pattern but the rear will need some work; the headlining and carpets are not present (there are temporary carpets in place), and three dashboard instruments will apparently require an overhaul. Mechanically, the vendors tell us that the gearbox, steering, electrics, braking, cooling and exhaust systems are all good. The motor car has been driven to Dorset from the South East, near Brooklands, where the vendor works; the Vitesse has in fact featured in a film shoot at Brooklands.

A very rare and interesting car then, which requires some further tinkering but is ready for its new home with most of the hard work completed.

The history file contains information on EPD 214’s history, photographs of the aforementioned restoration in the current ownership, an older image of the car, a photocopy instruction manual, MOT test certificates, a pre-1940 Triumph Owner’s Club Northern Section news letter from 1982 (featuring EPD 214), mechanical information, ownership history, numerous invoices from the current ownership, the original RF60 registration book and the V5C registration certificate.

SOLD