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| Triumph |
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Triumph Motor Company began in 1897 as the Triumph Cycle Company by Siegfried Bettmann. In 1902, it began creating motorcycles along with their original bicycles. Most of what they manufactured at this time was from used parts; however, by 1907 they had moved their plants and began creating their own parts. During World War I, they received several orders for their 550 cc Model H from the British Army. by 1918, they were the largest motorcycle maker in Britain.
In 1919, Claude Holbrook joined as general manager and by 1921 suggested that Bettmann purchased the assets of Dawson Car Company. After this purchase was made, production began on the 1.4-liter model by the name of Triumph 10/20. The design was the creation of Lea-Francis who received a royalty of every car sold. In 1927, the Triumph Super 7 was unveiled and was sold until 1934.
1930 brought the new name of Triumph Motor Company. At this time, Triumph Motor Company was using used engines with designs from Coventry Climax. In 1937, they began to create their own designs by Donald Healey who was assigned the position of experimental manager in 1934.
In 1936, financial troubles were seen which caused the sale of the bicycle and motorcycle business. Healey purchased an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 and created a new car with an Alfa inspired straight 8 engine which was named Triumph Dolomite.
In July 1939, the company went into receivership and everything was offered for sale. T.W. Ward purchased the company and gave Healey the position of general manager. However, World War II stopped all production of cars as it did for many European car manufacturers. The factory was totally destroyed by bombs in 1940.
After the war, Triumph Motor Company along with the brand name was purchased by Standard Motor Company in 1944. A subsidiary was created by the name of Triumph Motor Company. The new models of Triumph had no design similar to the pre-war era. As early as 1946, the new model seen was the Triumph 1800 Roadster. Steel was in short supply during this time and aluminum was used for the body.
In the 1950’s, the Triumph name began to be used on sports cars and saloons. In 1953, the Triumph TR2 was unveiled and was manufactured until 1981.
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