Very tide and usable convertible Vitesse
Very tide and usable convertible Vitesse
The sharp looking, Michelotti styled, Vitesse 6 first appeared in May 1962, featuring a 1600 cc, six-cylinder engine. Proving popular, it remained in production until 1966 when replaced with the Vitesse 2 Litre – the principal change being the use of an enlarged version of the six-cylinder engine. With only minor revisions to the appearance of the car, the powertrain received an all-synchromesh gearbox; stronger clutch; stronger differential; larger front brakes and wider 4.5-inch wheel rims. With power now up to a claimed 95 bhp, it was capable of topping 100 mph.
This model remained in production until October 1968, when replaced by the Vitesse Mk II. The engine developed a few more bhp, reducing the 0–60 mph acceleration time, but the key improvement was to the rear suspension. The solid swing axles of the earlier Vitesse models were revised with the fitment of new lower wishbones and Rotoflex half-shaft couplings. This gave improved handling and roadholding at higher speeds.
The Vitesse was discontinued in July 1971, by which time just over 9,000 had been built – with a little under 3,500 convertibles in this number.
This 1969 Mk II Vitesse convertible was first registered in the UK, before moving to Jersey in the mid-70’s, to the god daughter of the first owner. Remaining within the same family ownership, it moved back to the UK in 2005 and then returned to Jersey again in 2012. We have MOT records between 2005 and 2012, confirming the low recorded mileage. Under the custodianship of a new owner in 2017, the Vitesse was lightly used, garaged and serviced annually. We acquired the car in 2023.
In good mechanical condition, this car runs and drives as it should. At one point we considered adding it to our local hire fleet. A cylinder head suitable for unleaded petrol was fitted in 2006. The car does not have the optional overdrive fitted. Braking has been upgraded with the fitment of a remote brake servo.
With a service/repair invoice history from 1979 to date, we can see that the only major bodywork repair and repaint took place back in 1979 and the car has weathered the intervening years very well. It has good paintwork, good brightwork and a more recent replacement ‘special order’ Mohair hood fitted.
Whilst the interior does show some signs of its age, it does not have the common convertible traits of faded or water-stained trim. It has clearly been carefully used, well looked after and routinely garaged.
A very tide and usable 2 litre, convertible Vitesse that has been in the hands of a limited number of careful owners since new. We have invoice history from 1979 to date, together with UK MOT records which suggest the low recorded mileage to be genuine.
The current 4-digit Jersey registration number is not included in sale. We can assist with (worldwide) shipping and importation processes if required.
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