Courtesy of the L. Tyrone Stoner Collection
Ads, brochures, and prototype photos of the Triumph Italia are even rarer than the car itself. Thanks to Tyrone Stoner for sharing his passion and literature with us.
Below, the Italia prototypes at the 1961 Turin Auto Show.
Below, all eight pages of the English language Italia brochure.
I have never owned an Italia, and likely never will. Nonetheless it is easy to appreciate the mechanical and aesthetic beauty of this car from the artful and clear illustrations in the brochure (thank you, Mr. Stoner!). It also makes me realize what has happened to the process of lusting after an automobile. The sales literature for cars of an earlier era were full of mechanical specifications and illustrations; even those not mechanically-inclined could appreciate the content, although perhaps slightly confused about how it made the car better. Those with minds that turned on cogs could feast on those brochures, rebuilding the car in their mind with the precision of a watchmaker.
Modern automotive sales literature is just about devoid of real specifications, and is illustrated by a few artfully concocted images that tease at the shape of the car, without showing its true character. As far as the mechanical features, you’ll just have to use your imagination–even the real car has its engine hidden under a cloak of black plastic, as if ashamed of the contents underneath. For most consumers, its just another black box.
I appreciate Mr. Stoner making his collection available to us, at the same time realizing that the world has changed. Its good to know that there are people out there like him who can appreciate true art. Esse quam videri!
Dear Sir,
I appreciated the article and asking for more please!!!!!!!!!Because I also owning an Italia, Chassis-nr. TS 70464 LCO, body-nr. 134. It is right now under restoration and I hope, it will be finished and ready for the european TR-meeting in September in Germany.
Let us change thoughts, experiences and infos please. Do you have more pictures from yours like details?
Would be nice to hear from you.
My best regards ftom the cold bavarian country
Wieland Schwarzkopf