Triumph Classic Cars for Sale

Although their iconic motorcycles have been a favourite with Hollywood stars both on screen and off, Triumph's long history has never been an easy ride. The struggling company closed in 1982 to rise like a phoenix the following year and has since gone from strength to strength.

Early Triumph

Triumph was founded in 1884 and manufactured bicycles, unveiling their first motorcycle in 1902. Their Model H Roadster, affectionately known as the Trusty Triumph, saw active service in World War One, ensuring the company's rise in the 1920's with production increasing to thirty thousand. The Triumph Ricardo, introduced in 1924 was named after their engine designer, Harry Ricardo, a pioneer of the internal combustion engine. In 1927 the Triumph Seven was launched, followed by the Eight. Although the 500cc 5T Triumph Speed Twin of 1937, was to be used as the basic prototype for all designs until the 1980's, the company began to struggle, yet still launched in 1939, the Tiger T100, with a 500cc engine that could reach 100mph.

Post War Triumph

Triumph found success when they revived the Tiger and the Twin with new rear sprung hubs. In 1948, the Triumph TRS Trophy Twin 498cc was introduced, with a 650cc version specifically tailored for the American market. A type of Hollywood stardom beckoned when Marlon Brando used a 1950 Thunderbird 6T, a low compression tourer, in "The Wild One". Actor Steve McQueen immortalised his favourite 650cc Triumph Trophy in "The Great Escape". In 1959, one of their most successful motorcycles, the Triumph T120, an updated version of the Tiger T110, was introduced with a double carburettor. Eventually renamed the Bonneville, it provided the inspiration for the Harley Davidson brand and won the Isle of Man TT Rally in 1969.

Later Triumph

The 1960's saw the company venture into a wider market with the Triumph Tina, a two stroke 100cc engine scooter with an automatic clutch and the Tigress with an engine of 175cc. However, they struggled again as their Triumph Trident/BSA Rocket 3 was regarded as unreliable compared to the efficient superbikes of Honda. A low priced 650cc Triumph TR65 Thunderbird failed to save them and in 1982, the Triumph T140 TSX and T140WTSS with 8 valves, became their last models before closure.

The New Triumph

Triumph and their silver handwritten logo, were revived in 1983. By the 1990's, powerful, triple cylinder motorcycles, the T300 series, were introduced, including the Trident and the Trophy Tourer, both with 900cc triple engines that have become their standard trademark. Recent years have seen models with classic names from the past such as Thunderbird and Tiger being re-used, giving them at last, worldwide success.