Every week, we’re highlighting an auction bargain that we reckon was well bought. Thanks to our friends at Classic Car Weekly, and its roving classic car auction reporter, Richy Barnett, we’ll bring you some interesting classics at much lower-than-expected prices. This week, we’re bringing you nicely sorted Triumph Vitesse that went for a song.
Car 1963 Triumph Vitesse
Sold for £3108
Original estimate No reserve
Long story short:
It’s undervalued for a Triumph...
Ask someone about Triumphs and they’re more than likely to mention TRs, Stags and possibly Dolomites and Heralds. The Vitesse, however, sits somewhere in the semi-shadows, where it really doesn’t belong. And let’s be honest, when it comes to the Vitesse most people think of the convertible not the saloon, and for that reason the tin-top model can represent great value for money.
It was offered towards the end of this particular sale
Classic Car Auctions’ six-owner Vitesse was one of the very last cars presented on the day and it was offered without reserve. And it’s often these cars, with most of the bidding having already been done, that represent some of the best deals. Patience rewarded the buyer who waited until almost the end of the sale in this particular case.
Triumph Vitesse price guide
Concours £7500+
Good £3000-7500
Usable £1750-3000
Project £1000-1750
THIS CAR £3108
Well bought Triumph Vitesse: The verdict
The condition alone made this a very sound classic buy
The bodywork was tidy enough with no serious signs of corrosion or accident damage. Panel fit was good, too, with no unsightly or wavy gaps. Paint – Laurel Green with a white stripe – was presentable too. ‘Bomb’ wing mirrors, as well as another on the driver’s door, added a period feel, as did a set of alloy wheels and a pair of spotlights. The bumpers – chrome and white rubber – were in fair order. The engine bay was pretty clean and tidy with no unpleasant bodged wiring to spoil the view.
It proves that you don’t need to be minted to buy a great car
While the 2020 classic market has remained strong, it’s still possible to buy something decent for not a lot of money. This one was registered on 6 August 1963 – since the model was launched in May 1962, this was a rare early survivor with the ‘single-dial dashboard’ – and a great buy at a shade over £3k. Definitely a smartly bought classic, and one that’s perfect for taking to shows when they (hopefully) return later in 2021.
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