Rod, David, and others interested-
Thank you to those who responded to my request for Triumph Italia info.
Adrian, Jamie, and Dave keep the Marque alive and thriving. Their work and
enthusiasm is to be admired. For those who wish to know just a bit more...
...according to documentation recordered by William Krause, the Italia 2000GT
first appeared in 1958. Designed by Michelotti, you can see early design
elements to later appear in his TR4. It had an aluminum body by Italian
coach builder Vignale fitted to a modified TR3 frame and running gear.
Ruffino S.p.A., the Italian Triumph importer put the car into production.
Slightly restyled with a steel body and a TR3A engine and chasis, it debut at
the Turin Auto Show in 1959. The car was to be marketed throught Triumph
dealers with the clause stating that the buyer understood no spare body
panels would be availble.
As the car went into production in late 1959, Triumph got nervous that it
would compete with its forthcoming TR4. Only about 300 were eventually built.
Bill Piggott's "Original Triumph TR2/3/3A has some neat photos and a broader
history.
Tom
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