1926 Triumph 494cc

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

A landmark machine in the development of the motorcycle in Britain, Triumph's Model P debuted at the 1924 Motor Cycle Show. A no-frills, sidevalve-engined model, the newcomer was priced at £42 17s 6d, at which level it undercut every other 500cc machine then on sale in the UK. The first batch manufactured was not without its faults, but once these had been sorted the Model P was a runaway success. Output from Triumph's Priory Street works was soon running at an astonishing 1,000 machines per week, and the Model P's arrival undoubtedly hastened the demise of many a minor manufacturer. Production continued until the decade's end, by which time the Model P had spawned a number of derivatives – models N, Q and QA among them - and lost penny-pinching features such as its guide-less valves and bicycle-type front brake.

Little is known of the history of this handsome Triumph, which is believed to be a Model P or one of its derivatives (see above). The DVLA records the machine as a 1926 Triumph 494cc, listing the year of first registration as 1926 and a date of first registration with the DVLA of March 2007. The accompanying V5C Registration Certificate states that the motorcycle was 'registered and/or used' and declared manufactured in 1926, while also recording a previous keeper: Mr Perkins of Tenterden. An expired tax disc affixed to the motorcycle, expiring in February 2015, may indicate its last period of regular road use.

The Triumph appears to have benefited from restoration at some point in its life, although the date, extent and authorship of the work are unknown. Prospective purchasers should note that the petrol tank displays areas of paint loss.

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 (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers 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.

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