A collection of images of classic Triumph cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.
This page was added to the website August 2023.


The Triumph Motor Company was a British car and motor manufacturing company in the 19th and 20th centuries. The marque had its origins in 1885 when Siegfried Bettmann of formed S. Bettmann & Co. and started importing bicycles from Europe and selling them under his own trade name in London. The trade name became "Triumph" the following year, and in 1887 Bettmann was joined by a partner, Moritz Schulte, also from Germany. In 1889, the businessmen started producing their own bicycles in Coventry, England.
Triumph manufactured its first car in 1923. The company was acquired by Leyland Motors in 1960, ultimately becoming part of the giant conglomerate British Leyland (BL) in 1968, where the Triumph brand was absorbed into BL's Specialist Division alongside former Leyland stablemates Rover and Jaguar. Triumph-badged vehicles were produced by BL until 1984 when the Triumph marque was retired, where it remained dormant under the auspices of BL's successor company Rover Group. The rights to the Triumph marque are currently owned by BMW, who purchased the Rover Group in 1994.


1930

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Marketed in Triumph's elaborate art-deco brochures of the day at £189.10.0d, the Gordon England bodied car fell, pricewise, between Triumph's own Fabric Bodied Saloon (£182.10.0d) and the de luxe model (£192.10.0d) and was described thus:
"The Gordon England Saloon on a Triumph Super Seven chassis, has achieved an international reputation for silence, comfort, and absence of vibration. Wide doors, adjustable bucket seats on front, pneumatic upholstery and a very efficient system of ventilation combine to make this car pleasant to travel in at all times, in town and country, in summer and in winter. Safety glass throughout, real leather upholstery, chromium plating - such features will appeal to those accustomed to the best."
England's own sales flyer was even more explicit about the technical merits of their design.

The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Marketed in Triumph's elaborate art-deco brochures of the day at £189.10.0d, the Gordon England bodied car fell, pricewise, between Triumph's own Fabric Bodied Saloon (£182.10.0d) and the de luxe model (£192.10.0d) and was described thus:
"The Gordon England Saloon on a Triumph Super Seven chassis, has achieved an international reputation for silence, comfort, and absence of vibration. Wide doors, adjustable bucket seats on front, pneumatic upholstery and a very efficient system of ventilation combine to make this car pleasant to travel in at all times, in town and country, in summer and in winter. Safety glass throughout, real leather upholstery, chromium plating - such features will appeal to those accustomed to the best."
England's own sales flyer was even more explicit about the technical merits of their design.

Vehicle first registered on 11th October 1934.
1232 cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Designed as a direct result of the Triumpg suyccess in the Mpnte Carlo Rally, this touring car will meet the need of those who desire a specification suitable for Continental conditions. Dual rear number plates and lamps, exceptionally powerful headlights and a 17-gallon petrol tank are points that appeal.
Additionally, instant adjustment of the front and rear shock absorbers is effected by a turn of a knob on the fascia board, thus enabling the right suspension to ne immediately obtained for rough pave or smooth tarmac whilst the car is in motion.
Extra equipment includes two spare wheels and 56-in. rev. counter and speedometer.
For those who propose a certain amount of Continental touring this car provides complete equipment for all conditions at no extra charge
Price (at works) 4-cylinder model with complete equipment ---£335.
An alternative engine size is available, 62mm. by 90mm. 1087cc at the same price.
6-cylinder model --- £398.

Vehicle first registered on 11th October 1934.
1232 cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Designed as a direct result of the Triumpg suyccess in the Mpnte Carlo Rally, this touring car will meet the need of those who desire a specification suitable for Continental conditions. Dual rear number plates and lamps, exceptionally powerful headlights and a 17-gallon petrol tank are points that appeal.
Additionally, instant adjustment of the front and rear shock absorbers is effected by a turn of a knob on the fascia board, thus enabling the right suspension to ne immediately obtained for rough pave or smooth tarmac whilst the car is in motion.
Extra equipment includes two spare wheels and 56-in. rev. counter and speedometer.
For those who propose a certain amount of Continental touring this car provides complete equipment for all conditions at no extra charge
Price (at works) 4-cylinder model with complete equipment ---£335.
An alternative engine size is available, 62mm. by 90mm. 1087cc at the same price.
6-cylinder model --- £398.
1940

Vehicle first registered on 3rd December 1947.
1776cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 3rd December 1947.
1776cc petrol engine.

First registered 3rd January 1949.
2088cc petrol engine.

First registered 3rd January 1949.
2088cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 14th June 1949.
2088cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 14th June 1949.
2088cc petrol engine.
1950

Vehicle first registered on 17th May 1952.
2088cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 31st March, 1953.
1991cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Jabbeke speed record car
Standard had bought Triumph at the end of the Second World War but by the early 1950's it desperately needed a modern sports car to revive the ailing marque. This car did just that and is possibly the most important Triumph car in the company's history. This new two-seater sports car was unveiled in 1952 but had a mixed reception. The design was re-engineered with the help of recently hired chief test driver Ken Richardson.
To prove its sports car pedigree, the goal was a world beating speed record. The smooth surface of the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium was a favourite spot for speed trials; Austin Healy, Jaguar and Sunbeam all tried their luck there against the clock.
Based on the 20TS prototype, this car was readied for the challenge in May 1953. Modifications were small; just wheel spats, an undertray, a streamlined metal cover over the cockpit and a small aero windscreen. With Richardson at the wheel, the first attempt was a disappointing 105mph. It was soon discovered that a loose spark plug lead meant the car was only running on three of its four cylinders. With some quick repairs, the car reached a class record speed of 124.889mph - amazing for an almost stock specification two-litre sports car.
Engine 4cyl. 1991cc. Top speed 125mph (201kph). Power 90bhp. Coachwork two-seater sports. Price new £844. Registration mark MVC 575.

Vehicle first registered on 31st March, 1953.
1991cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Jabbeke speed record car
Standard had bought Triumph at the end of the Second World War but by the early 1950's it desperately needed a modern sports car to revive the ailing marque. This car did just that and is possibly the most important Triumph car in the company's history. This new two-seater sports car was unveiled in 1952 but had a mixed reception. The design was re-engineered with the help of recently hired chief test driver Ken Richardson.
To prove its sports car pedigree, the goal was a world beating speed record. The smooth surface of the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium was a favourite spot for speed trials; Austin Healy, Jaguar and Sunbeam all tried their luck there against the clock.
Based on the 20TS prototype, this car was readied for the challenge in May 1953. Modifications were small; just wheel spats, an undertray, a streamlined metal cover over the cockpit and a small aero windscreen. With Richardson at the wheel, the first attempt was a disappointing 105mph. It was soon discovered that a loose spark plug lead meant the car was only running on three of its four cylinders. With some quick repairs, the car reached a class record speed of 124.889mph - amazing for an almost stock specification two-litre sports car.
Engine 4cyl. 1991cc. Top speed 125mph (201kph). Power 90bhp. Coachwork two-seater sports. Price new £844. Registration mark MVC 575.

Vehicle first registered on 31st March, 1953.
1991cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Jabbeke speed record car
Standard had bought Triumph at the end of the Second World War but by the early 1950's it desperately needed a modern sports car to revive the ailing marque. This car did just that and is possibly the most important Triumph car in the company's history. This new two-seater sports car was unveiled in 1952 but had a mixed reception. The design was re-engineered with the help of recently hired chief test driver Ken Richardson.
To prove its sports car pedigree, the goal was a world beating speed record. The smooth surface of the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium was a favourite spot for speed trials; Austin Healy, Jaguar and Sunbeam all tried their luck there against the clock.
Based on the 20TS prototype, this car was readied for the challenge in May 1953. Modifications were small; just wheel spats, an undertray, a streamlined metal cover over the cockpit and a small aero windscreen. With Richardson at the wheel, the first attempt was a disappointing 105mph. It was soon discovered that a loose spark plug lead meant the car was only running on three of its four cylinders. With some quick repairs, the car reached a class record speed of 124.889mph - amazing for an almost stock specification two-litre sports car.
Engine 4cyl. 1991cc. Top speed 125mph (201kph). Power 90bhp. Coachwork two-seater sports. Price new £844. Registration mark MVC 575.

First registered on 1st September 1956.
2200cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st September 1956.
2200cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st September 1956.
2200cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1956.
1991cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1956.
1991cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1956.
1991cc petrol engine.

DVLA records show the vehicle as registered 7th August, 2002.
2138cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 30th January, 1959.
1991cc petrol engine.

DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March 2003.
1991cc petrol engine.

DVLA records show the vehicle was registered on 1st March 2003.
1991cc petrol engine.

DVLA records show the vehicle as being registered on 1st August 2014.
1991cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
it is thought only 329 of these hand-crafted bodies on TR3 chassis were ever built - known as the Triumph "Italia 2000 Coupe." Designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Alfredo Vignale in Turin, under contract to Ruffino S.p.A. Industria Construzione Automobile of Naples - it was thought that these cars would appeal to people who wanted a better looking car than the standard Triumph - "Italian bodywork at its best, British tradition in sports car engineering at its finest."
Ruffino approached Standard-Triumph to supply chassis and mechanical components to build 1,000 cars and his introduction to Giovanni Michelotti lead to the Triumph Italia. The resulting two-door prototype coupe was apparently well received at the 1958 Turin Motor Show - "Italian artistry and British craftsmanship have come together and produced this new, superlative Italia 2000 Coupe." The first 13 cars were assembled completely by Vignale. After the first 13, Ruffino took over production on an assembly line he leased from Vignale in December 1959 for the remainder of production and the car was now referred to as the "Italia 2000." While aluminium was used for a few internal panels, all Italias used steel for the bodywork. Ruffino envisioned building 1,000 cars, between 1960 and 1962, with worldwide distribution including the American marketplace. However, after Standard-Triumph was taken over by Leyland motors in 1961, the new management at Triumph concentrated their efforts on the new TR4 to be released in 1962, also designed by Michelotti, which clearly borrowed many elements from the Italia: the distinctive bonnet bulge, kick-up door with wind-up windows, and roomier modern body design.
With Triumph's decision not to distribute the Italia, Ruffino re-badged the car as the Italia 2000 and continued production. Over a three-year production period (mid-1959 to mid-1962) Vignale produced approximately 329 cars. It is thought some 80 cars survive all over the world with only about 40 on the road.
Each Italia has a small badge located near the bonnet catch, identifying its place in production. 602 UYH has the number 30 stamped there, manufactured in 1959 and is therefore an early example.
This Italia, chassis no. 30, was the only one to go be sold in Spain by Ruffino and it stayed in Spain, with one family (who were apparently closely associated with the Spanish regime at the time) till 2013 when it failed to be sold by Silverstone Auctions giving the chance for second owner, Giacomo Oliveri to purchase it for £14,000. He had been trying to buy this car for over 10 years having seen it in Spain! It is unique in the sense that it is the only Italia in this special blue body colour, which was commissioned at the time of order by the Spanish buyer, with an unusual interior of pale sage green. The first Spanish owner apparently didn't think the power was good enough, so Ruffino got a mechanic in Italy to upgrade the engine and this example boasts nearly 140bhp, revs very highly and goes like a rocket, not a Triumph!
Options at the time included overdrive, leather interior, and a Nardi wood steering wheel (rarely optioned) and 602 UYH has the overdrive and leather interior and is very original having been painstakingly restored and finished in late 2014.
The current owner bought the car in 2023 and it is used regularly alongside his other Italia, chassis no 8, reg no 59 TR.
1960

First registered on 3rd September 1962.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1962.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1962.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1962.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd September 1962.
2138cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 27th February 1964.
2138cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 27th February 1964.
2138cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered 12th June, 1964.
1148cc petrol engine.

First registered on 9th September, 1964.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 9th September, 1964.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered 1st January 1966.
2135cc petrol engine.

First registered 1st January 1966.
2135cc petrol engine.

First registered on 14th June 1966.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 25th April, 1967.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 25th April, 1967.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered on 25th April, 1967.
2138cc petrol engine.

First registered 26th June 1968.
1998cc petrol engine.

First registered 26th June 1968.
1998cc petrol engine.

First registered 26th June 1968.
1998cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st August 1968.
1998cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st August 1968.
1998cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 26th August 1968.
2498cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 26th August 1968.
2498cc petrol engine.
1970

First registered on 1st June, 1970.
1998cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st November, 1970.
1998cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 25th May 1971.
2498cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 25th May 1971.
2498cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 25th May 1971.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st November, 1971.
1296cc petrol engine.

First registered on 16th March, 1972.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 16th March, 1972.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 16th March, 1972.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 21st August 1972.
1558cc petrol engine.

First registered on 21st August 1972.
1558cc petrol engine.

First registered on 19th July 1973.
2997cc petrol engine.

First registered on 19th July 1973.
2997cc petrol engine.

First registered on 19th July 1973.
2997cc petrol engine.

First registered on 19th July, 1973.
2997cc petrol engine.

First registered 1st September 1973.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered 1st September 1973.
2498cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 7th November, 1973. 2997cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 7th November, 1973. 2997cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 26th February, 1974. 1296Acc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 26th February, 1974. 1296cc petrol engine.

Vehicle first registered on 26th February, 1974. 1296cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd October, 1974.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd October, 1974.
2498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 3rd October, 1974.
2498cc petrol engine.
1980

First registered on 1st January 1980.
3498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st January 1980.
3498cc petrol engine.

First registered on 16th May 1980.
3528cc petrol engine.

First registered on 15th September, 1980.
3528cc petrol engine.

First registered on 15th September, 1980.
3528cc petrol engine.

First registered on 15th September, 1980.
3528cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st April, 1988.
2500cc petrol engine.

First registered on 1st April, 1988.
2500cc petrol engine.