Triumph Vitesse Saloon

The Triumph Vitesse Saloon, introduced on May 25, 1962, marked a distinctive evolution in Triumph’s lineup. The car revived a pre-World War II name previously used from 1936 to 1938. It was essentially a performance-oriented iteration of the Triumph Herald, a small saloon launched in 1959. Like the Herald, the Vitesse was styled by renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, but with significant enhancements. While retaining most of the Herald’s body panels, Michelotti designed a new, aggressive front end featuring a slanted four-headlamp layout that gave the Vitesse a unique identity. Under the hood, the Vitesse featured a 1596 cc inline six-cylinder engine derived from the Standard Vanguard Six. This engine, equipped with twin Solex B32PIH semi-downdraught carburetors—later replaced by B321H carburetors—offered smooth performance. The gearbox was upgraded with closer gear ratios for sportier driving, and an optional Laycock de Normanville ‘D-type’ overdrive provided more relaxed cruising. Vehicles equipped with overdrive sported a distinct chrome badge on the boot. The chassis, though visually similar to the Herald’s, was substantially strengthened, especially around the differential mounts. The suspension was modified to handle the extra weight of the larger engine, with uprated front springs and a rear swing-axle transverse-leaf system largely retained from the Herald. Stopping power was improved with standard front disc brakes and larger rear drums, while the fuel tank was enlarged to accommodate longer drives, retaining the Herald’s reserve feature. Inside, the earliest Vitesse models shared the Herald’s dashboard, featuring a single speedometer dial with integrated fuel and temperature gauges. Over time, the Vitesse received further refinements in equipment and trim. The Vitesse was available as both a saloon, convertible and limited edition Estate, but a coupé version never moved beyond the prototype stage. Its combination of stylish Michelotti design, robust engineering, and lively six-cylinder performance made the Vitesse a memorable model in Triumph’s history. It bridged the gap between affordable small saloons and more upscale sports cars, offering a blend of practicality and spirited driving that resonated with enthusiasts.