READERS’ CARS TRIUMPH ITALIA
There were only ever 329 Italias built, all of them between 1959 and 1962. Part of the reason that number was so low is because the similar TR4, also designed by Michelotti and using the same chassis and drivetrain, was launched in 1961 and only cost half as much. As a result, the Italia is a car few enthusiasts know about and even fewer have seen in the metal.
I first came across this car when visiting Sweden in 2017. At that time it was in paint and looked almost finished, but there was still a lot of detail work to be completed. One item upon which we gazed with some trepidation was the glass rear window, which was yet to be refitted to the car. There is simply no replacement available, so it was pleasing to see that window successfully replaced on the car when I revisited the owner recently.
That owner and the car's restorer is Bengt Åkerblom
