Triumph TR3 Speciale

Vehicle Overview

The Triumph TR3 Speciale marks a significant milestone in the iconic British marque’s history, intertwining with the creative genius of Giovanni Michelotti. In 1957, Triumph enlisted Michelotti as a consultant and designer under the stewardship of Alick Dick, seeking to revitalize their product line. This collaboration bore fruit in the form of the TR Dream Car, a visionary concept that debuted at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show of the same year. Crafted by Vignale, this masterpiece exuded an unmistakable allure, characterized by a commanding full-width chrome grille reminiscent of American automotive aesthetics. The TR Dream Car also flaunted bold tail fins and distinctive ‘eyebrows’ adorning its headlights, elements that would profoundly influence the subsequent TR3A model. While the Triumph TR3 Speciale remained a tantalizing glimpse into Triumph’s future, its styling cues found fertile ground in Michelotti’s subsequent endeavors for the British automaker. Following this initial success, Michelotti embarked on designing the Herald sedan, a pivotal model that garnered widespread acclaim for Triumph. The Herald’s sleek silhouette and refined aesthetics captivated the automotive world, laying the groundwork for Triumph’s foray into the realm of sports cars. Buoyed by the triumph of the Herald, Michelotti’s creative vision continued to shape Triumph’s trajectory, culminating in the birth of the Spitfire/GT6 line of sports cars. These iconic models seamlessly blended performance, style, and accessibility, embodying the essence of British motoring excellence. Michelotti’s indelible imprint on Triumph’s design ethos reached its zenith with the Triumph Italia 2000, a striking embodiment of elegance and sophistication.