Standard Triumph
Triumph rose from humble beginnings as a bicycle maker around 130 years ago to become a major force in the British car industry. Its models in the mid-20th century were simultaneously sporty and stylish, with more than a hint of luxury and by 1970, its range arguably rivalled that of BMW today. How then did such a promising car marque start, flourish and ultimately fail, all in about 60 years? In our three part series, we reveal Triumph’s story, its cars, its sporting achievements and the people behind its highs and lows.
ON TWO WHEELS
The journey began in 1887, when German immigrant Siegfried Bettmann founded the Triumph Cycle Company in Coventry with business partner and fellow countryman Mauritz Johann Schulte. With meagre financial resources, Bettmann and Schulte cashed in on the emerging popularity of cycling, producing sturdy yet good looking machines, initially selling faster in Europe than Britain.
As the internal combustion engine became more commonplace at the turn of the century, it was an obvious step for Triumph to put motors into their bicycles. The basic cycle frame was strengthened, a single cylinder engine was sourced from Minerva in Belgium, and the first Triumph motorcycle appeared in 1902. Once again, Triumph rode the crest of the new motorcycling trend, their greatest success coming with a contract to supply the British Army during WW1. More than 30,000 500cc belt drive Model H bikes were built, named the ‘Trusty Triumph’ by despatch riders thankful for the bike’s reliability.
After the war, Triumph looked to continue its expansion but partners Bettmann
