Section : Bodywork and Interior

Chassis, bodywork, interior, instrumentation.

Commission Numbers

Posted By : Graham Brand, 20-Jul-2003, 09:15pm

I have recently bought a copy of "Complete guide to Triumph Herald and Vitesse" by Mike Costigan.

Reading the introduction it appears that much of the information was compiled using the TSSC and BMIHT archives, which should be very accurate.

I have just checked my Vitesse 6 commision number against the figures quoted in the book and they don't match up. The book states that Vitesse 6 commission numbers ran from HB6731-12151
for the 63 year models and from HB15001 for the 64 year models.

However my comm number is HB12342 which doesn't fall into either of the model years.

Should I be concerned as to the legality of the comm number of my car, or has anyone else found irregularities with the data quoted in this book.

TIA

Graham

Followups :

Commission Numbers

Posted By : William Davies, 20-Jul-2003, 10:08pm

Hi Graham,
Not having done the research myself, I can't give a clear explanation how the jump in numbers from HB12151 to HB15001 occurred. Any research is only going to be as good as the archive material allows. It is perfectly feasible that a large chunk of records of cars produced between those two numbers was simply lost and never placed in the archive.
To find a definitive answer I would suggest contacting BMIHT to obtain a production trace certificate for your car. Also contact Dick Plumridge regarding the IVR project and highlight the discrepancy to him. It is possible that new information has come to light since Mike's book was published 11 years ago - this is certainly the case with some aspects of Herald production.
Cheers,
Bill.
- Commission Numbers
  
  Posted By : Graham Brand, 20-Jul-2003, 10:50pm
  
  Thanks for the advice Bill, I have just ordered a production trace certificate from the BMIHT, so we shall see what they come up with.
  
  I must remember to keep the next IVR form that comes with "The Courier" I have been known to destroy them in the past in my eagerness to unwrap the mag!!!!!
  
  Cheers
  Graham
  - Commission Numbers
    
    Posted By : Graham Brand, 24-Jul-2003, 01:39pm
    
    As a follow-up, I received my Heritage certificate this morning.
    
    They are unable to give me a build date for this car, although it was "despatched" in September 63.
    
    Strange that this car has the early Vitesse 6 dashboard (same as the 1200), but left the factory after the change to the later dash (with rev-counter)
    
    I thought the change occured in about July/August 63, but I may be getting my dates confused. If anyone could confirm the date of this specification change, I would be most grateful
    - Commission Numbers
      
      Posted By : Nick Barrass, 27-Jul-2003, 04:41pm
      
      Hi Graham,
      I have a 1964 Vitesse 6 that is original and has early style dash, ie without rev counter also therefore the twin dials must have come in after this.
      
      p.s. Its for sale !
      Cheers
      Nick