Triumph motorcycles have long held a special place in the hearts of riders and collectors worldwide. Known for their distinctive style, engineering innovation, and a rich racing heritage, these British machines have left an indelible mark on motorcycling history, shaping eras from the post-war boom to the modern classic movement.
For those eager to explore the foundational bikes that built this legend, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list. Here you’ll find 23 Triumph Old Models, showcasing the brand’s diverse history, ranging from the rugged Adventurer TR5T to the uniquely styled Twenty One 3TA. Each entry provides clear details on Prod Years, Engine (cc), Motorcycle Type, and its historical Significance, all organized for easy reference below.
What defines a “Triumph Old Model” for collectors?
Generally, a Triumph “old model” refers to motorcycles produced before the company’s significant restructuring and rebranding in the early 1980s, or specifically before the Hinkley-era Triumphs began production in 1990. These models typically embody the classic British motorcycle aesthetic and engineering, representing periods like the golden age of motorcycling, the café racer boom, and the late 20th-century cruiser trends. Their collectibility often stems from their historical significance, rarity, or iconic design.
Are these classic Triumph models still ridden today?
Absolutely. Many enthusiasts passionately restore and ride these vintage Triumph motorcycles, both for pleasure and in various classic motorcycling events. While maintenance might require a dedicated approach due to the age of parts and different engineering standards, the enduring appeal and unique riding experience of these machines ensure they remain a vibrant part of the modern motorcycle scene. Their robust construction and timeless design contribute to their longevity and continued presence on the road.
Triumph Old Models
| Model Name | Prod Years | Engine (cc) | Motorcycle Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model H | 1915-1923 | 550 | Veteran | The ‘Trusty’; over 30,000 used by Allied forces in WWI. |
| Model P | 1925-1927 | 500 | Standard | Saved Triumph from financial ruin in the 1920s. |
| Speed Twin 5T | 1938-1958 | 500 | Standard | Revolutionized motorcycles with its compact parallel-twin engine. |
| Tiger 100 | 1939-1973 | 500 | Sportster | The definitive pre-war sports bike and a long-running success. |
| Thunderbird 6T | 1949-1966 | 650 | Tourer | Immortalized by Marlon Brando in the 1953 film ‘The Wild One’. |
| Terrier T15 | 1953-1956 | 150 | Lightweight | Triumph’s successful entry-level model post-WWII. |
| Tiger Cub T20 | 1954-1968 | 200 | Lightweight | A versatile and popular small-capacity motorcycle. |
| TR5 Trophy | 1949-1958 | 500 | Scrambler | A dominant force in 1950s off-road competition. |
| Bonneville T120 | 1959-1975 | 650 | Roadster | The most famous British motorcycle of all time. |
| TR6 Trophy | 1956-1973 | 650 | Scrambler | The “desert sled” famously ridden by Steve McQueen. |
| Twenty One 3TA | 1957-1966 | 350 | Standard | Known for its distinctive ‘Bathtub’ rear bodywork. |
| Trident T150 | 1968-1974 | 750 | Superbike | Triumph’s powerful three-cylinder superbike. |
| Daytona T100R | 1966-1974 | 500 | Sportster | Named in honor of Buddy Elmore’s 1966 Daytona 200 victory. |
| Hurricane X-75 | 1973 | 750 | Factory Custom | A radical, limited-edition factory chopper styled by Craig Vetter. |
| Bonneville T140 | 1973-1983 | 750 | Roadster | The larger and more modern evolution of the iconic Bonneville. |
| Tiger TR7V | 1973-1981 | 750 | Roadster | The single-carburetor version of the T140 Bonneville. |
| Adventurer TR5T | 1972-1974 | 500 | Trail Bike | A highly capable on/off-road “enduro” style machine. |
| TSS | 1982-1983 | 750 | Roadster | A rare, 8-valve final attempt from the Meriden cooperative. |
| Tigress | 1959-1964 | 250 | Scooter | Triumph’s entry into the competitive 1960s scooter market. |
| Bonneville T120 Thruxton | 1965 | 650 | Production Racer | A legendary, homologation-special factory racer. |
| TR25W Trophy | 1968-1970 | 250 | Scrambler | A lightweight street scrambler based on a BSA platform. |
| TRW500 | 1950-1964 | 500 | Military | A rugged and dependable side-valve twin for military use. |
| Grand Prix 500 | 1948-1949 | 500 | Racer | A limited-production, all-alloy racing motorcycle. |
Images and Descriptions
Model H
A simple, single-cylinder workhorse that earned its nickname for its incredible reliability during the First World War, establishing Triumph’s reputation for engineering quality and durability on the battlefield.
Model P
Offered as a no-frills, reliable motorcycle for an exceptionally low price, the Model P was a massive sales success that revived the company’s fortunes during a difficult economic period.
Speed Twin 5T
Edward Turner’s landmark design set the template for British motorcycles for decades. It offered the performance of a V-twin in a lighter, smoother, and better-handling package than its rivals.
Tiger 100
As the high-performance version of the Speed Twin, the Tiger 100 was one of the fastest bikes of its day. Its name denoted its claimed 100 mph top speed, a magical figure at the time.
Thunderbird 6T
Designed for the American market, the Thunderbird was a powerful touring machine that became a cultural icon. Its appearance in the controversial film cemented its rebellious image for a generation.
Terrier T15
The Terrier was a simple and economical commuter that introduced a new generation of riders to the Triumph brand. Its success led directly to the development of the larger Tiger Cub.
Tiger Cub T20
This lightweight single was incredibly adaptable, serving as a commuter, a trials competition winner, and a road racer. It was the perfect learning bike for thousands of young riders in its day.
TR5 Trophy
Based on the Speed Twin but stripped down and ruggedized, the TR5 was a highly successful trials and enduro machine, establishing the ‘Trophy’ name as a symbol of off-road capability.
Bonneville T120
Named after Triumph’s record-breaking runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats, the T120 with its twin carburetors defined the pinnacle of performance and style, becoming a true cultural and motorcycling icon.
TR6 Trophy
A single-carburetor version of the Bonneville, the TR6 was a rugged, versatile bike that excelled in American desert racing and was immortalized by McQueen’s antics in ‘The Great Escape’.
Twenty One 3TA
Named to celebrate Triumph’s 21st anniversary as a company, this model featured enclosed rear bodywork for weather protection, a unique styling trend of the late 1950s that remains memorable today.
Trident T150
Developed to compete with emerging multi-cylinder superbikes, the Trident offered a unique blend of power and smoothness. It achieved legendary status with its five consecutive wins at the Isle of Man TT.
Daytona T100R
This high-performance 500cc twin was a factory-built racer for the road. It celebrated a stunning race victory and became one of the best-handling British sportsters of its era.
Hurricane X-75
Originally a BSA project, the Hurricane’s wild, flowing bodywork and triple high-level exhausts made it a design masterpiece. It is considered one of the first factory-custom motorcycles and is highly collectible.
Bonneville T140
The T140 updated the classic formula with a 750cc engine, a five-speed gearbox, and a front disc brake. It was the final evolution of the legendary Meriden-era parallel-twin.
Tiger TR7V
Offering a more relaxed and user-friendly power delivery than its twin-carb sibling, the TR7V was a capable and reliable roadster that carried the famous ‘Tiger’ name through the 1970s.
Adventurer TR5T
Combining the punchy 500cc twin engine with a rugged BSA-derived frame, the Adventurer was a successful and well-regarded trail bike, especially popular in the United States for its versatility.
TSS
This model featured a special Weslake-designed 8-valve cylinder head for increased performance. It represents the last innovative gasp of the original Triumph company before its closure in 1983.
Tigress
Available with a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, the Tigress was a well-engineered and stylish scooter designed to challenge the dominance of Italian brands like Vespa and Lambretta.
Bonneville T120 Thruxton
These hand-built machines were created specifically for production racing. With tuned engines and upgraded components, they dominated the Thruxton 500 race and inspired the entire cafe racer movement.
TR25W Trophy
Essentially a re-badged BSA Starfire, this 250cc single was aimed at the American market. It offered classic Triumph Trophy styling in a smaller, more accessible, and nimble package for new riders.
TRW500
Developed for military contracts, this bike featured a low-compression, side-valve engine designed for ultimate reliability and ease of maintenance in the field, serving with various NATO forces.
Grand Prix 500
This was a pure-bred racing machine developed from a wartime generator engine. With its all-aluminum construction, it was very light and powerful, winning the 1948 Manx Grand Prix.
