Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Triumph

The Triumph Motor Company is one of the most beloved names in British motoring history, particularly known for producing stylish and spirited sports cars from the 1950s through the 1970s. Originally founded as a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph’s journey through the automotive industry is marked by innovation, competition, and a lasting legacy in the world of classic cars.

Early History and Bicycle Roots (1885–1923)

Triumph was founded in 1885 by German-born engineer Siegfried Bettmann in Coventry, England. Originally a bicycle importer, the company began manufacturing its own bicycles under the name Triumph Cycle Company.

Move to Motorcycles

In 1902, Triumph produced its first motorcycle, and by the early 20th century, it had become a major player in the British motorcycle industry. Its motorcycles were widely used during World War I, further establishing its reputation.

Entering the Car Market (1923–1939)

Triumph entered the automobile business in 1923 with the introduction of the Triumph 10/20. The car featured a 1.3L engine and set the foundation for the company’s automotive division.

Triumph Gloria and Dolomite

In the 1930s, Triumph produced a range of saloons and sports cars, including the Gloria and Dolomite. The Dolomite featured advanced engineering and sleek styling, positioning Triumph as a competitor to the likes of MG and Riley.

Financial Trouble

Despite technical success, Triumph’s car division struggled financially. In 1939, it went into receivership and was eventually purchased by industrialist Thomas W. Ward Ltd.

Standard Triumph and Post-War Revival (1944–1959)

In 1944, the Standard Motor Company acquired the Triumph name and assets. The new entity became known as Standard-Triumph. Under the leadership of Sir John Black, the brand was revitalized with a focus on stylish, affordable performance cars.

Triumph Roadsters and the TR Series

• Triumph Roadster 1800/2000 – Postwar convertibles with art deco styling, used in the 1980s TV series “Bergerac”.
• Triumph TR2 (1953) – A breakthrough sports car with a top speed over 100 mph, affordable and competitive with MG and Jaguar.
• TR3 – Introduced front disc brakes, making it one of the most advanced small sports cars of its time.

The Golden Era of Triumph (1960s)

The 1960s marked Triumph’s most successful decade. Its lineup included stylish roadsters and coupes that gained strong followings in both Europe and North America.

Iconic Triumph Models

• Triumph TR4 (1961) – Styled by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, it introduced modern styling and amenities like wind-up windows.
• TR4A – Added independent rear suspension, greatly improving ride and handling.
• Spitfire (1962) – A small, affordable roadster based on the Herald chassis; became an entry-level British sports car favorite.
• GT6 – A fastback coupe version of the Spitfire with a six-cylinder engine and grand tourer styling.
• Triumph 2000/2500 – Executive saloons with six-cylinder power, blending luxury and performance.

TR5 and TR6

The TR5 featured fuel injection (in European models), delivering smooth power and enhanced performance. The TR6, introduced in 1968, became one of the most popular TR cars, known for its aggressive styling and solid performance.

Triumph and British Leyland (1968–1979)

In 1968, Triumph became part of the newly formed British Leyland Motor Corporation (BLMC), a government-backed merger of multiple British car brands. While Triumph continued to release new models, the company began to suffer from internal competition, management issues, and labor disputes.

New Models

• Triumph Stag (1970) – A stylish V8-powered GT convertible with a distinctive roll bar; praised for its design but plagued by reliability issues.
• TR7 (1975) – Featured bold wedge-shaped styling, front engine/rear drive layout. Marketed as “The Shape of Things to Come.”
• TR8 – A V8 version of the TR7, mostly sold in North America.

Challenges

By the late 1970s, Triumph was struggling with poor quality control, outdated designs, and increasing competition from Japanese automakers. The overlap with MG models under British Leyland further diluted the brand’s identity.

Decline and End of Production (1980–1984)

Triumph’s final years saw limited new development. The TR8 was produced in small numbers, and plans for new models were shelved. The last Triumph passenger car, the Acclaim (a rebadged Honda Ballade), was produced from 1981 to 1984.

Acclaim and Honda Partnership

The Triumph Acclaim was built in partnership with Honda and was the first Japanese car manufactured in the UK. It was well-built but lacked the sporty identity Triumph was known for. Its success, however, paved the way for future Honda and Rover collaborations.

Discontinuation

In 1984, the Triumph marque was officially discontinued. British Leyland, restructured as the Rover Group, chose to focus on other brands. The Triumph name faded from showrooms but remained alive in enthusiast circles.

Legacy of Triumph

Triumph left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Its cars blended affordability, performance, and style, making British sports cars accessible to a broad audience. The TR series, Spitfire, and Stag remain icons of postwar British motoring.

Triumph Clubs and Collectors

Worldwide clubs keep the Triumph spirit alive. Popular models like the TR6, Spitfire, and GT6 are still raced, restored, and celebrated at car shows and classic rallies.

BMW Ownership

When BMW acquired the Rover Group in the 1990s, it inherited the rights to the Triumph brand. While there have been occasional rumors of a revival, Triumph remains dormant as a car brand.

Conclusion

Triumph cars captured the imagination of drivers looking for excitement, elegance, and value. From the sleek TR2 to the bold TR8, Triumph delivered British style and spirit. Although no longer in production, its influence and legacy remain strong in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.