The history of Triumph: The best of British heritage, innovation and performance

Summary

The Triumph Motorcycle Company, founded in 1883 by Siegfried Bettman in Coventry, England, has grown into one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. Initially a bicycle and sewing machine importer, Triumph shifted to producing motorcycles in 1902. Despite financial struggles and world wars, the company flourished through innovation and exports, especially to the U.S. Triumph faced fierce competition from Japanese manufacturers in the 1960s and 70s, leading to a series of mergers and a worker cooperative. In 1983, the company was revitalized under new ownership, securing its place as a leading motorcycle manufacturer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Siegfried Bettman, a German immigrant, founded the Triumph company in 1883 in Coventry, England.
• 😀 Triumph initially started as a bicycle import and export company before transitioning into manufacturing bicycles in 1889.
• 😀 In 1902, Triumph produced its first motorcycle, a bicycle mounted with a Belgian Minerva engine.
• 😀 By 1905, Triumph began producing its own in-house designed motorcycles, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.
• 😀 During World War I, Triumph supported the Allied War efforts by supplying over 30,000 motorcycles, including the iconic Model H Roadster.
• 😀 The company expanded into car manufacturing in the 1920s but eventually sold its car division in 1936 to the Standard Motor Company.
• 😀 Triumph became well-known in the U.S. market after 1936, marking the beginning of its dominance in the American motorcycle industry.
• 😀 Triumph motorcycles gained international fame, especially after Marlon Brando's appearance with a Triumph Thunderbird in the 1953 film 'The Wild One.'
• 😀 Triumph faced significant challenges in the 1960s as Japanese motorcycle manufacturers gained market share with cheaper, more modern bikes.
• 😀 The company went through multiple financial struggles in the 1970s, culminating in the 1977 collapse of the Norton Villiers Triumph (NVT) group.
• 😀 Triumph was revived in 1983 under new owner John Bloor, ensuring the continued legacy of the brand and maintaining its status as one of the longest continuous motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

Q & A

Who founded the Triumph Motorcycle Company and when did they start?

The Triumph Motorcycle Company was founded by Siegfried Bettmann in 1883, who immigrated from Nuremberg, Germany, to Coventry, England.

What was Triumph's first product?

Triumph's first product was bicycles, which they imported and sold under their own name. They also sold sewing machines imported from Germany.

When did Triumph start producing motorcycles, and what was their first model?

Triumph began producing motorcycles in 1898, with their first model being a bicycle mounted with a Belgian Minerva engine.

How did the company change its operations in Nuremberg and Coventry in the early years?

In 1903, Triumph started producing motorcycles at both the Coventry and Nuremberg works, initially using designs from other companies. By 1904, they began creating their own motorcycle designs.

What significant role did Triumph play during World War I?

During World War I, Triumph contributed to the Allied War effort by supplying over thirty thousand motorcycles, including the Model H Roadster, also known as the 'Trusty Triumph.'

How did Triumph's involvement in the car industry evolve?

In the 1920s, Triumph began producing cars after acquiring the former Hillman car factory in Coventry. They produced a saloon car in 1923 under the name Triumph Motor Company.

Why did Triumph sell its German subsidiary in 1929?

Triumph sold its German subsidiary during the Great Depression in 1929. The subsidiary later merged with Adler and became Triumph-Adler, continuing to produce motorcycles until 1957.

What happened to Triumph's motorcycle and car divisions in the 1930s?

In 1936, Triumph's motorcycle and car divisions were separated. The car division was sold to the Standard Motor Company, and the motorcycle division came under the control of John Young Sangster.

What were some notable Triumph models produced in the post-war period?

Notable post-war Triumph models include the TR5 Trophy, Thunderbird 6T, T100, T110, and the Bonneville T140.

How did Triumph face challenges in the 1960s and 1970s?

In the 1960s and 1970s, Triumph struggled to compete with the influx of cheaper, modern Japanese motorcycles, especially when Japanese manufacturers like Honda introduced larger capacity models like the 750cc four-cylinder bike.