Standard Announces Vitesse Six

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29843, 8 June 1962, Page 9

Standard Announces Vitesse Six

THE Triumph Vitesse Six, in both saloon and convertible form, has been announced by the Standard organisation. The Vitesse has a 1596 c.c. six-cylinder motor producing 70 b.h.p. at 5000 r.p.m. and is similar in size to the Triumph Herald. The front, however, has been redesigned, and now has four headlights. Disc brakes are fitted as standard. The makers claim a top speed of more than 90 miles an hour and a cruising speed of more than 80. Corrosion - proof anodised aluminium is used for the bumpers, grille, tread strips, and wheel trimming. Jnterior Internally the Vitesse is luxuriously finished, the two separate front seats and rear bench seat are wide, deeply cushioned and covered in a new high quality seat cover-

ing material (leather is an optional extra) with sewn carpets for the floor. The fascia is of highly polished wood, which is matched by wood fillets capping the doors. Interior equipment includes door pockets, three ashtrays, a- roof and fascia light, and padded, universally pivoted sun visors. A heater-demister-fresh air unit, screenwashers and a new headlamp flasher are all standard equipment Engine The new engine, combined with a close ratio gearbox, is claimed to give a 0-50 m.p.h. acceleration time of only 12 seconds, and to reach 60 m.p.h. in 17.1 seconds. A Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit, operating on top and third gear, is available as an optional extra.

Chassis The Vitesse uses the separate rigid chassis of the Triumph Herald, but several modifications have been added to ensure better roadholding, greater strength and vibrationless travel. These include a stiffer suspension system and new front springs. There are also redesigned outriggers and a dual rear crossmember. Engineering features of the Herald range retained include four-wheel independent suspension, 25ft turning circle. 72 different driving seat positions, adjustable - collapsible steering column, and reduced lubrication.

It is not expected the Vitesse will be assembled in New Zealand for some time. The cars will therefore at first be available only on noremittance licenses, and will cost about £ll5O for the saloon and about £1195 for the convertible.