In 1957, Italian coachbuilder Vignale presented a unique and striking version of the Triumph TR3 at the Geneva Motor Show. This car, known as the Triumph TR3 Speciale, was a one-off creation that blended classic British sports car design with Italian flair.
The TR3 Speciale featured a sleek, low-slung body with a rounded nose and pronounced rear fenders. The headlights were integrated into the fenders, giving the car a futuristic look. The car's grille was also unique, with horizontal bars flaring toward the top. The car rode on wire wheels with thin whitewall tires, adding to the classic sports car vibe.
Under the hood, the TR3 Speciale retained the standard TR3's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which was tuned to produce more power. The car also featured a four-speed manual transmission and independent front suspension.
Inside, the TR3 Speciale combines classic and modern design elements. The dash was simple and uncluttered, with a row of toggle switches and large, easy-to-read gauges. The seats were trimmed in leather and featured unique diamond-pattern stitching. The steering wheel was a sporty three-spoke, and the car had roll-up windows instead of the TR3's side curtains.
While the TR3 Speciale was never produced, it remains a fascinating example of what can happen when British and Italian design come together. The car is now part of the Triumph Motor Company collection and is occasionally displayed at car shows and events.
Source: Triumph
