LOT 197
1922 Triumph 550cc Model H Frame no. 323780 Engine no. 83841 HRR
Estimate: US$15,000 - US$20,000
Lot 197
1922 Triumph 550cc Model H Frame no. 323780 Engine no. 83841 HRR
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1922 Triumph 550cc Model H
Frame no. 323780
Engine no. 83841 HRR
Frame no. 323780
Engine no. 83841 HRR
• Easy to ride lightweight
• Nicknamed 'The Trusty'
The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine, but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally bicycle manufacturers - were building its own power units. The company was soon involved in racing, and the publicity generated by competition success - Jack Marshall won the 1908 Isle of Man TT's single-cylinder class for Triumph - greatly stimulated sales. By the outbreak of the Great War, Triumph's reputation for quality and reliability was well established, leading to substantial orders from the military for its newly introduced 4hp model. This model was based on the 3½hp version that first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908, and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 550cc 4hp version – still sidevalve - in 1914. The 'H' came with a 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. More than 30,000 Model Hs had been produced by the end of the war in 1918. Triumph Engineering had been using the slogan Trusty Triumph since 1910 and so the 'H' became 'The Trusty.' It had proven to be very reliable in battle! The front fork spring was somewhat prone to break on rough ground and so dispatch riders would, reportedly, strap a leather belt around it to 'save it.'
We're advised by the vendor that this lovely little Triumph is in running condition. Without lights or speedometer, it is an easy-to-ride lightweight that can be most entertaining on a sunny day with time on your hands. Welcome at shows, cocktail lounges, and race paddocks everywhere.
• Nicknamed 'The Trusty'
The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine, but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally bicycle manufacturers - were building its own power units. The company was soon involved in racing, and the publicity generated by competition success - Jack Marshall won the 1908 Isle of Man TT's single-cylinder class for Triumph - greatly stimulated sales. By the outbreak of the Great War, Triumph's reputation for quality and reliability was well established, leading to substantial orders from the military for its newly introduced 4hp model. This model was based on the 3½hp version that first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908, and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 550cc 4hp version – still sidevalve - in 1914. The 'H' came with a 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. More than 30,000 Model Hs had been produced by the end of the war in 1918. Triumph Engineering had been using the slogan Trusty Triumph since 1910 and so the 'H' became 'The Trusty.' It had proven to be very reliable in battle! The front fork spring was somewhat prone to break on rough ground and so dispatch riders would, reportedly, strap a leather belt around it to 'save it.'
We're advised by the vendor that this lovely little Triumph is in running condition. Without lights or speedometer, it is an easy-to-ride lightweight that can be most entertaining on a sunny day with time on your hands. Welcome at shows, cocktail lounges, and race paddocks everywhere.
Footnotes
Offered on a Bill of Sale. As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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