1938 Triumph Tiger 90

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1938 Triumph Tiger 90
Frame no. TH4509
Engine no. 8-T90 11157

*Most powerful single-cylinder Tiger
*Only replaced by the mighty Tiger 100

Edward Turner's arrival at Triumph in 1936 resulted in extensive improvements to the range. A brilliant stylist, Turner transformed the Page-designed overhead-valve singles by adopting sports specification engines, high level exhausts, chromed fuel tanks and a new name: 'Tiger'. Frames, forks, engines, and gearboxes were all improved for 1937. While its smaller siblings survived until the outbreak of war in 1939, the 500cc Tiger 90 was not produced after 1938, having effectively been superseded by the Speed Twin, and later the twin-cylindered Tiger 100.

The Tiger models, and specifically the Tiger 100 when it came out, were probably the strongest vectors of interest and advertisement from Triumph to the rest of the world, and obviously the USA. Despite being in the early stages of one of the darkest event of the 20th Century, Triumph kept producing the T100 and responding to the demand that would be coming from he other side of the pond. In Edward Turner's own words :
"At a time when the British Empire is faced with the greatest menace in its long history, we send our greetings to our American friends and fellow motorcycling enthusiasts. The Triumph Company, as in the last war, is almost exclusively engaged in the manufacture of motorcycles for the British Army. We shall. however. be permitted to send to the U.S.A., and Canada, supplies of our twin-cylinder types which have made so many friends amongst sporting American riders. By this means we hope to continue out contribution to private motorcycling — the finest of all open air sports."
Today, Turner's Tigers are widely recognized as the most stylish sports roadsters of the period and thus are highly sought after.

This example has little history known but will need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent having been on static display at the late vendors private museum. An opportunity to own one of the great prewar Triumphs!

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title will be in transit.

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