With great sadness, I just wrote this on the Facebook page of Tony Harte (@Vitesse):

"I'm so sorry to hear this. I feared it was so. I met Tony only once at his house as we shared a love of blue Fiat 500's. It felt like he would go on forever, but he was obviously good at putting on a brave face. A true gent...I really liked him. I don't know his family and close friends but I share in their loss and grief. You were a good 'un Tony. RIP."

Tony had been chronically ill for as long as I've known him on this Forum. I met him in person just once, and he was a bright and cheeky man, just as he appeared in posts on this forum.

He had a passion for his cars and was at the opposite end of the detailing spectrum to me, but he was knowledgeable and very precise and could always be guaranteed to give you the benefit of his knowledge...particularly useful if you had an electrical problem. Latterly he was a domestic electrician and had previously worked in The City and was in the RAF early in his career.

His passing makes me as sad as the death of anyone I have ever known; he was a real spark, not just a sparky. He wasn't into soppiness and would hate this, but, I'll miss you Tony.:worship:

Vale Vitesse.

Oh no. Very sad. Rest easy Tony.
R

Oh that's awful news. Tony was such a great contributor here and very helpful. Rest in peace mate.

Very sad, never met the man, but he had time to help me with a problem - a true gent.

Oh no, awful news, such a knowledgable and helpful guy. Rest in peace Tony.x

Sad to hear. Tony was such a friendly and helpful chap on this site.

So sorry to hear this, his wise council will be sadly missed.

Truly shocked..
there are people who if see a post by them or a response would instantly read... his were something that were knowledgeable and informative... so sad....

Very sad. I never met him, but did correspond quite a lot during my restoration.

Always helpful.

Vale Tony.

Like the majority of Forum members, I only met Tony "electronicaly". His comments, assistance and advice was always much appreciated. I was always in awe of his his re-build skills---they were an inspiration to us all. I hope that he can find a couple of 500s to restore "up there". My condolences to all his family---he will be missed, but not forgotten.

I have sometime to visit this forum and just reed this. I am deeply sorry about it, RIP.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tony a couple of times and he took me for my first drive in a 500 shortly after I started my restoration.
He was an extremely generous person, great sense of humour and was always willing to help with advice and offer parts if he had them.
Tony loved his cars and he also loved his Jack Russell Molly.

So sad to hear the sad news.

Rest in peace Tony

Oh no, that's very sad news.
I shall do a few miles in the 500 in his honour. God bless!

This is sad to read. Always helpful with any problem 500 related and greatly missed. RIP Tony.