The David Plant Collection, 1921 Triumph 4hp Model H

The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally a bicycle manufacturer founded by German immigrants Siegfried Bettman and Maurice Schulte - was 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 having finished 2nd the previous year - greatly stimulated sales. By the outbreak of The Great War the marque's reputation for quality and reliability was well established, leading to substantial orders for 'Trusty Triumphs' for military use.

Triumph's 3½hp model had 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 Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908 and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 550cc 4hp model in 1914. Equipped with the three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, it was this revised 4hp - the Model H - that did such sterling service in WWI, some 30,000 'Trusty Triumphs' seeing action with British and Allied forces.

Owned by our vendor since 1984, this Triumph Model H is a nicely mellowed older restoration that would benefit from a detailed clean. Our vendor reports that since acquiring the machine he has covered many trouble-free miles on it, including a John O'Groats to Lands End trip and a 1,200-mile tour around Scotland. Typically the Model H would return 80 miles to the gallon at a steady 35-40mph.

The machine comes complete with a Lucas 'King Of The Road' acetylene headlamp set, while a plaque on the front celebrates its participation in 'A Grand Tour of Scotland. 14th to 26th May 2000. To Celebrate the New Millennium' - a 1,000-mile event for motorcycles at least 75 years old. Accompanying documentation consists of two old MoT certificates dating from 1996 and 2000 respectively and an old V5 (issued in 2000).

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

The engine turns over.
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