Justin Jurgens | June 25, 2013 |

Here’s a pretty cool story. One of our readers recently purchased what could be one of the most original Triumph Italias in existence. Paul Harvey of the UK was browsing one of our blogs and connected with another reader regarding the car. Eventually, Paul travelled to Italy, and after three days of negotiating, closed the deal on this extremely rare find.

The #215 Italia is a one-owner car with 4130 miles (6647 km) It’s genuine from new, absolutely original, with total provenance and history, including the original sales invoice as a new car in 1981! This is a later model, but without external filler. It has the later style seats, and even the ‘Styled by G. Michelotti’ badge, but on the boot handle.

It turns out this car was in the same showroom in 1981 as Jorg von Appen’s famous low mileage #126. The dealer had to have emissions tests to meet 1980s regulations, and the green Italia had 275 miles (444 km) on the clock so was used for the tests (Paul has the test documents and letters.)

According to Paul, the car drives perfectly, but was in storage for fifteen years before now. The paint needs sorting, but otherwise the car is absolutely complete and everything works. The car has passed the MOT with no advisories, and has been validated by DVLA as a 1960 manufactured car (based on the chassis export date.) A new age related license plate number has been issued and the car should be fully road legal within days.

After a few service items (removed and cleaned fuel tank, adjusted clutch, fitted new 60-spoke painted wires and Vredestein Classic Tyres, etc.) Paul drove the car properly with an old friend around the local lanes, and he reports the car is absolutely delightful to drive. The engine revs very willingly right up to the 5000 red line.

According to Paul, “It’s hard to believe the Italians did not breathe some magic on the standard TR3 engine, as it goes so well!”

We’re proud to have played a part in this fantastic purchase.