#Triumph with a body by #Vignale I#talia2000

1962 Triumph Italia 2000 Vignale Coupe Kurt and Sharon Oblinger The Italia was the brainchild of Standard-Triumph importer for Italy Dr. Salvatore Ruffino. He felt that there was a market for a stylish GT based on the stout Triumph TR3 chassis and running gear. Ruffino secured an agreement from Triumph to supply complete chassis and subsequently distribute the completed cars at a rate of one per dealer worldwide. Ruffino first considered designs by Zagato but ultimately selected a design by Giovanni Michelotti who was associated with Carrozzeria Vignale in Turin, Italy. Of the approximately 328 examples completed between 1958 and 1963, this is one of the final 29 cars built on the TR3B TSF series chassis produced by Triumph in mid-62. According to records, the chassis of this car carrying commission number TSF522LCOO was dispatched Standard-Triumph Coventry on 20 February 1963 Destined for Carrozzeria Vignale in Turin. The Car was completed sometime in mid-'63 and carries Vignale body Number 312. The final group of 29 cars languished in Italy for over 18 months as Triumph management had soured on the distribution agreement after the takeover by Leyland Motors. Triumph finally sent the final group of cars to US importer Stutz Plaistead in Baltimore, MD who parceled them out to other dealers around the US. It is believed this car was one of 6 sent to a dealer in Atlanta, GA This car was first sold in 1965 to an electrical engineer in Raleigh, NC who kept it for about 15 years. It was then purchased by his longtime mechanic who used the car sparingly before storing it long term. The car remained storage for over thirty years, being brought out only once for a regional Triumph convention, until purchased in 2014. The car was remarkably complete and original with the exception of a poor quality repaint from red to yellow and rather significant rust. It retained it's original engine, overdrive gearbox and differential as well as most of the Vignale unique trim. In late 2015 the car was sent to British sports Cars of San Luis Obispo, who had previously work on four other Italias, for a ground-up restoration. Ass with many Italian cars of the era, rust was a significant issue and restoration involved considerable metal fabrication and replacement. taking great care to preserve original details. The metalwork alone took almost 4 years. Small areas of the original red paint were uncovered and matched for the repaint. The interior was completely rebuilt to the original pattern using leather in place of the original vinyl. The \chassis and drivetrain were completely rebuilt to original spec and finish, Great care was taken to preserve the many original parts and details unique to the Italia. In total restoration took 7.5 years. The car was completed in early August, 2023. Copied from a flyer left in this car.

Added 8 Jun 2026