Giovanni Michelotti

Giovanni Michelotti, 1921-1980

Giovanni Michelotti was the creator of the 2000 design, both in Mk.1 and Mk.2 guise. He opened his own design studio in Torino in 1949, and started by taking on work for other design houses such as Vignale, Bertone and Ghia. In 1957 his connection with Triumph began, ending in the mid 70s.
He had a reputation for working best under tight schedules, and could come up with a sketch for a whole new car in half an hours time.

Michelotti with his personal 2000.

Michelotti served as house designer for Triumph during a long period, being responsible for many other distinctive Triumph designs:

• Beginning with the TR4 sports.
• Continuing with the Herald saloon.
• The Herald-derived Spitfire.
• And GT6.
• The small saloons, the 1300, 1500, Toledo and Dolomite.
• The 2000-derived Stag grand-tourer.
• The well proportioned Triumph Italia, produced by Vignale.

The prototype inspiring the Stag as well as the 2000 Mk.2.

Further reading

• Triumph 2000 and 2.5 PI The Complete Story by Graham Robson contains a complete and entertaining description on the development of the 2000, including many of the vastly different suggestions that was considered before the final result was reached.

• Triumph Cars From Tri-car to Acclaim by Graham Robson and Richard Langworth discusses the Michelotti involvement in Triumph design from beginning to end.

• Michelotti home page.

Latest update: July 12th 2000