The Triumph Vitesse, a charming classic from the late 60s, offers a unique blend of British style and surprising performance. With its distinctive twin-headlight design and lively straight-six engine, it's a car that's sure to turn heads. However, owning a Vitesse in New Zealand requires understanding its quirks and potential maintenance needs. Let's dive in.
Rust (sills, floors, chassis), oil leaks (engine and overdrive, if fitted), overheating, electrical problems, worn suspension components, swing-axle behaviour (early models). Check the condition of the bonnet hinges, as these can be problematic. Also, investigate the overdrive unit, as repairs can be costly.
WOF tips
Check for excessive rust, particularly around structural areas. Pay close attention to suspension play, brake performance (especially the handbrake), and the condition of the steering components. Ensure all lights are functioning correctly. Oil leaks will also be a point of failure. The exhaust system must be in good condition and securely mounted.
About the Triumph Vitesse HB1LE Convertible
The Vitesse was essentially a more powerful version of the Triumph Herald, sharing many of the Herald's components but boasting a potent straight-six engine. This engine, while offering spirited performance, can be prone to oil leaks and overheating if not properly maintained. Suspension is independent all round, though early models had a swing-axle rear end which could be a handful on the limit. Later models benefitted from improvements to address this. Rust is a common enemy, particularly in areas like the sills, floors, and around the suspension mounting points. Electrical systems can also be temperamental, typical of British cars of this era. Sourcing parts can be a challenge, but a dedicated owners' community exists, which can be invaluable for advice and spares. When assessing a Vitesse, check the condition of the chassis rails carefully, as these are a critical structural component.
Questions owners ask
What are the common rust spots I should inspect on a 1967-1968 Triumph Vitesse before buying it in New Zealand?
When inspecting a Triumph Vitesse (1967-1968) for rust, pay close attention to the sills, floors, chassis rails, and around the suspension mounting points. These are common areas for corrosion due to New Zealand's climate and the car's age. Check the bonnet hinges as well.
What are the common mechanical issues with a Triumph Vitesse 1967-1968?
Common mechanical issues with the 1967-1968 Triumph Vitesse include oil leaks from the engine and overdrive (if fitted), overheating, worn suspension components, and potential handling issues with early models due to the swing-axle rear suspension. Electrical problems are also common in British cars of this era.
What should I check on my Triumph Vitesse 1967-1968 to pass a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) in New Zealand?
For a WOF, your Triumph Vitesse (1967-1968) will be checked for excessive rust, especially around structural areas. The suspension will be inspected for play, along with the brake performance (including the handbrake) and steering components. All lights must function correctly, and any oil leaks will need to be addressed. The exhaust system must be in good condition and securely mounted.
My Triumph Vitesse 1967-1968 is overheating. What are some potential causes?
Overheating in a 1967-1968 Triumph Vitesse can be caused by several factors, including a faulty thermostat, a blocked radiator, a failing water pump, or issues with the cooling system hoses. It's important to address overheating promptly to prevent engine damage.
Where can I get a replacement water pump for my TRIUMPH VITESSE 1967–1968 in NZ?
CARFIX stocks over 25 SKUs for the TRIUMPH VITESSE 1967–1968. Check the CARFIX website or visit a local store to find a replacement water pump and other parts for your Vitesse.
What are the service intervals for a 1967-1968 Triumph Vitesse?
The recommended service interval for a 1967-1968 Triumph Vitesse is every 8000km. Regular servicing is crucial to maintaining the car's reliability and performance, especially given its age.
Is the swing axle rear suspension on the early Triumph Vitesse models really that bad?
The swing-axle rear suspension on early Triumph Vitesse models (1967-1968) can exhibit challenging handling characteristics, especially at the limit. Later Mark 2 models benefitted from improvements to address this issue. Be aware of this if considering an earlier Vitesse.