Having started out on two wheels, Triumph produced its first car in 1923 and would establish itself as a major force in the British car industry. There were highs, lows and more highs before its demise just over six decades later, but even though Triumph’s car production ultimately ended in 1984, it’s still one of the most revered classic marques. So, to celebrate the centenary of Triumph cars, we’re looking back over the company’s past and its most memorable models.
The journey began in 1887, when German Siegfried Bettmann founded the Triumph Cycle Company in Coventry with business partner Mauritz Johann Schulte. By 1902 the company was producing motorcyles, its greatest success a contract to supply the British Army during WW1.
After the war, Triumph looked to continue its expansion, but partners Bettmann and Schulte disagreed when it came to developing cars. Ironically, this forced Schulte’s departure in 1919, even though he’d been the one to champion car production. Fortuitously that same year, Bettman recruited young army officer Claude Holbrook to be his works director. Holbrook energised Triumph, and in 1921 Bettmann approved the purchase of the Dawson Car Company of Coventry, giving access to the tooling and expertise needed for car manufacture.
GETTING STARTED
All the pieces were now in place and in 1923 the first Triumph light car was launched. The 10/20 – named for its 10 horsepower RAC taxation rating and 20bhp actual output – had a 1.4-litre four-cylinder sidevalve engine designed by Lea Francis. Initially offered with a two-seat drophead touring body and a dickey seat behind, a four-seat saloon followed a year later.
By 1926, 300 10/20s had been built and the
