In 1885, Siegfried Bettmann of Nuremberg started importing bicycles from Europe and introduced the Triumph name a year later, and the firm started producing their own bicycles in Coventry, England. In 1902 they began producing motorcycles, and became Britain’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles by the end of WWI. Cars followed in 1923. In 1919, they acquired the Clay Lane premises of the Dawson Car Company and start producing a car there from 1923. Volumes grew through the 1920s, and gradually the focus shifted to higher quality and more sporting models. Along the way, Coventry Climax engines were adopted, and then replaced by in-house designs.
Triumph Bicycles
Triumph started as a bicycle dealer manufacturing their own in Coventry and Nuremberg from 1888 and 1896 respectively. The bicycle business was sold to Raleigh in 1932.
Years
1888-1932
Engine
n/a
Body Style
Production
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
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Model shown is 1921 Triumph Royal
Triumph Motorcycles
By 1902, Minerva engines were added; a tricar experiment was made in 1903. By 1907 a larger plant had produced 1,000 machines. WWI was a boost, and “Trusty Triumphs” are seen as th first modern motorycle. The business was sold in 1936.
Years
1902-36
Engine
1393/1872/2169cc S4
Body Style
Tourer, sports saloon, fabric saloon
Production
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
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WWI military model shown
Triumph 10/20, 13/35, 15/50
Triumph’s first car, largely designed by Lea-Francis, with a Riccardo-designed engine, body initially by Regent Carriage Co; assembled at former Dawson works in Coventry. First British car with all-round hydraulic brakes.
Years
1923-30
Engine
1393/1872/2169cc S4
Body Style
Tourer, sports saloon, fabric saloon
Production
c. 2500
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Triumph Super Seven/Eight
Those responsible for the design and devlopment included Arthur Sykes (ex-Lea-Francis) and Stanley Edge (ex-Austin 7 draughtsman). Rallied by Donald Healey.
Years
1927-34
Engine
832cc S4
Body Style
Tourer, 2-seater, saloon, fabric saloon, coachbuilt saloon
Production
c. 17,000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Triumph Super Seven Sports Special
For 1929 a new body style was released called the Special Sports with pointed tail and briefly a supercharged version reputedly able to reach 80 mph, as used in the special shown here.
Years
1929
Engine
747cc S4 supercharged
Body Style
Sports racer
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Super Nine; Ten
Coventry Climax engine. 12v electrics. Ten got a rear-wheel handbrake. Southern Cross sports models got longer frame and eventually 1122cc.
Years
1931-34
Engine
1018cc S4
Body Style
4-dr saloon, 2/4-dr tourer, Southern Cross sports
Production
c. 9000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Triumph 12/6 Scorpion
Six cylinder version, usually on longer wheelbase chassis.
Years
1931-33
Engine
1203cc S6
Body Style
.
Production
c. 1500
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Triumph Dolomite Straight-8
Donald Healey’s amazing sportscar, closely modelled on the 2.3-litre Alfa, with their encouragement (a tie-up on motorcycles was mooted). Competed in 1935 Monte Carlo rally. A whole range of straight-8 cars were planned, but stillborn.
Years
1934
Engine
1991cc S8
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Gloria 4
Lower and more handsome than its predecessors, and designed to be special: “quality before everying else”. Skilfully assembled from parts from around Coventry and the west midlands. Vitesse had 1476cc engine.
Years
1934-37
Engine
1087/1232cc S4
Body Style
Saloon, coupé, tourer
Production
c. 3000
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Triumph Gloria 6
Bigger engine and longer bonnet, with an extra set of louvres. Vitesse version was heavily tuned, and the body was lowered and streamlined.
Years
1934-37
Engine
1476/1991cc S6
Body Style
Saloon, coupé, tourer
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Gloria Monte Carlo
Triumph won the light car class of the 1934 Monte Carlo rally, and celebrated with this sporty tourer.
Years
1934-37
Engine
1232cc S4; 1991cc S6
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Gloria Southern Cross
Proper 2-seater sportscar based on a shortened Monte Carlo.
Years
1934-37
Engine
12323cc S4; 1991cc S6
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
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Triumph (Gloria) Vitesse Free-Flow
Walter Belgrove’s contribution to the mid-1930s streamlinging fad. A graceful design but one which didn’t sell. The only survivor was for years mounted on a Bentley chassis but has now been reunited with a period Triumph chassis.
Years
1935
Engine
1476cc S4; 1991 cc S6
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Gloria/Vitesse 14; 12
Made alongside Dolomite, with more traditional styling, and on Gloria chassis, but new OHV engine. Vitesse on longer frame. 12 was the 1939 offering, on the shorter frame, and Jaguar-like grille, styling and price.
Years
1937-39
Engine
1496/1767 cc S4
Body Style
.
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
.
Triumph Dolomite
Design overseen by Donald Healey; styling and radiator grille by Walter Belgrove. Wider and roomier. Marketed as “the finest in all the land” luxury sporting saloons. 1.5-litre and roadster on shorter frame – latter with dickey seats.
Years
1937-39
Engine
1496/1767cc S4; 1991 cc S4/6
Body Style
Sports saloon, coupé, roadster
Production
.
Power: Weight
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Dimensions
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