c.1919 Triumph 550cc Model H

• From the estate of Bill and Mai Gocher of Elmstone, Kent; sold on behalf of the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary

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 second 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 Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908 and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 550cc 4hp model in 1914.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 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.

The accompanying HPI report lists this Model H's date of first registration in the UK as 01/02/2021, an obvious clerical error. The V5C records the date of first registration as 01/02/1921, this being shortly after the introduction of the Roads Act of 1920, which required local councils to register all vehicles at the time of licensing and to allocate a separate number to each. (Many vehicles, although in existence for several years in some cases, were only registered for the first time after the Act's passing). According to the V5C, the previous UK owner, Mr Martin Woodward of Hassocks, registered the machine on 14th January 2011 (noted to have had seven previous keepers). A previous registration number of 'AF 2066' is noted also (removed in 2005). Other paperwork includes a photocopy BMS instruction for manual for 550cc and 499cc models, and various other photocopy instruction manuals.

Acquired by the late owner on 11th October 2011, the Triumph is evidently restored but by whom and when is unknown. The machine is presented in age related condition commensurate with some use since restoration (the engine turns over). Notable features include a Lucas Kings Own No. 341 headlamp; Sturmey Archer gearbox; bulb horn with detached perished bulb; tax disc expiring November 2014 (likely indicative of its last use); leather toolboxes; and an M-L magneto.

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 is therefore sold strictly as viewed. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, compatibility of component parts, engine capacity, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

Key not required