Triumph Vitesse (1937-1938)

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triumph
Triumph Vitesse Six.jpg
Vitesse
Production period: 1937-1938
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Limousine , coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 1.8–2.0 liters
(46–53 kW)
Length: 4152-4254 mm
Width: 1574 mm
Height: 1498 mm
Wheelbase : 2743-2946 mm
Empty weight : 1225-1347 kg
Previous model Triumph Gloria
successor Triumph Dolomite

The Triumph Vitesse 14/60 and Triumph Vitesse 2-liter models were built by the British car manufacturer Triumph Motor Company between 1937 and 1938 .

history

The term Vitesse was used by Triumph in two ways: on the one hand for the Vitesse models 14/60 and 2-liter described here, on the other hand also for the faster engine variants of a vehicle type (e.g. Gloria Vitesse 6 ). 1962–1971 the name Vitesse was revived for a new model series .

An exact production number cannot be given, as Triumph only gives this in total for the Dolomite and Vitesse models. Between 1937 and 1939 a total of about 6200 Vitesse and Dolomite models were built.

At the end of the construction period in 1938, prices dropped from £ 318 for the 14/60 saloon to £ 298 and for the 2 liter saloon from £ 348 to £ 338.

Models

Vitesse emblem and hood ornament

Triumph only offered the Vitesse in a four-door saloon (limousine) version. The body shape "Foresome Coupe" (two-door coupe with four seats) was produced by the body manufacturer Avon. The Vitesse weighed around 250 kg less than the Dolomite, making it the fastest vehicle in the Triumph range. Nevertheless, this model was rather undervalued compared to the Dolomite.

Walter Belgrove designed a hood ornament based on the Rolls-Royce. It can be found on the Dolomite and Vitesse models manufactured up to the spring of 1937.

The interior corresponded to the then usual Triumph standard with leather, walnut dashboard, sliding roof and adjustable steering column. The series was hardly developed further during its production time.

Vitesse 14/60

The Vitesse 14/60 had a synchronized four-speed gearbox. The in-line four-cylinder engine with 1767 cc capacity was equipped with two SU carburetors and performed at 4500 min -1 62 hp (46 kW). The drums of the fully hydraulic brake system had a diameter of 30 cm.

Vitesse 2 liter

The Vitesse 2-liter had an in-line six-cylinder engine with 1991 cc and 2 SU carburetors. He made 72 bhp (53 kW) at 4500 min -1 . The technical basis corresponded to that of the 14/60, but the car was about 100 mm longer.

Vitesse Flow Free

Triumph Vitesse "Flow Free"

The Vitesse Flow Free was Triumph's attempt with a streamlined body. Of the presumably seven copies built, only one vehicle still exists.

literature

Web links

Commons : Triumph Vitesse (1937-1938)  - Collection of images, videos and audio files