The Triumph Italia 2000 is a limited production coupé built between 1958 and 1962 on the Triumph TR3 chassis. The design was by Giovanni Michelotti with the body built by Carrozzeria Vignale, all at the request of the Standard-Triumph importer for Italy, Dr. Salvatore Ruffino.
Dr. Ruffino reasoned that Triumph could use a more upscale addition to their existing offerings. His plan called for a small run of 1000 cars with one car displayed in each Standard-Triumph dealer throughout the world. After reviewing designs from a number of coachbuilders, Dr. Ruffino decided upon the one submitted by Giovanni Michelotti. Michelotti's long history of working with Vignale provided the production facilities.
Initially, the project was enthusiastically supported by the management at Standard-Triumph. The Leyland takeover would soon alter that situation. When circumstances forced Triumph to abandon its part in the distribution of the Italia, Dr. Ruffino proceeded with the project on his own. 330* were built in total (including the two prototypes).
Oh, and about that background photo, to find out more about Audrey Hepburn, Mel Ferrer and the Triumph Italia, visit our Audrey Hepburn page.
As this web site is a personal endeavor and not a commercial one, it is a work in progress. There is much more historical information and period photographs to add. Personal stories, information and photos are always gladly considered. Our goal is to provide the most accurate and complete information available on the Italia. Some details are lost to time but, with the invaluable help of many Italia owners, we now have a reasonably complete history.
I would like to express my gratitude to Jörg von Appen. Without Jörg’s invaluable assistance and perseverance much about the Italia would remain a mystery.
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Above right: Marsilio Bonomi driving an Italia in the 1961 Sarrezzo Lumezzane Hill Climb. Move your cursor over the image to enlarge it. Some, but not all, photos in the site will also enlarge in the same manner. Others will open in a slideshow.
*The most accurate count to date. Subject to verification.