Many people would not be aware of the historical significance the Tiger name has to the Triumph brand. You could argue that the mighty Tiger model is the reason Triumph still stands today.
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Triumph faced financial struggles, prompting a strategic shift towards car production. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Jack Sangster, Ariel Motorcycles thrived. Sangster then assumed control of Triumph in 1935, appointing Triumph’s designer Edward Turner the head of its motorcycle division.
Turner’s innovative designs led to the creation of the Tiger series, which used lightweight singles such as the Tiger 70, 80, and 90 (the number represented the top speed). They sold well, allowing Triumph to generate substantial profits, restoring the company’s financial stability.
Then, with the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Triumph adapted the Tiger into the military Triumph 3HW model. However, the triumph Coventry factory, suffered heavy damage from German bombing raids on November 14, 1940, halting production of the Tiger 80.
The legendary Tiger name was resurrected by the modern Hinckley Triumph company in 1994 and since then we’ve had a plethora of Tigers with the
