Kim Henson enjoys reading a potted history of Triumph’s wide range of sporting models, the first of which was produced almost a century ago, and the line continued until the 1980s…
Published by: Shire Publications Ltd: www.shirebooks.co.uk
64 pages (paperback)
UK Price: £7.99
ISBN-13: 978 1 78442 041 3
PDF e-book ISBN: 978 178442 106 9
ePub ISBN: 978 1 78442 105 2
Graham Robson is one of the most prolific authors of motoring titles in our time, and for this book he writes enthusiastically and with first hand experience of the Triumph company.
Within its 64 pages this short but well-illustrated and fascinating volume gives readers a great deal of information about how Triumph’s sporting models were developed, and sheds light on some of the vehicles that didn’t make it into production, as well as the famous ones that did.
I found it enjoyably readable, and despite its relatively short length, gained knowledge new to me about the cars. Personally, I was especially interested in the early days of Triumph and their well-respected models of the 1930s, including the wonderful Gloria, Southern Cross and Dolomite models.
The financial woes of Triumph were covered too, as well as the resulting take-over by the Standard Motor Company in 1944, plus the early development of models for the post-War era – including the 1800 and 2000 Roadsters, powered by Standard engines. (I have a personal interest as I once owned an early 1800 Roadster, powered by an overhead valve version of the Standard Flying Fourteen engine – and in fact I still own a pre-War Flying Fourteen!).
The introduction, rise, and huge success, of the TR models during the 1950s and 60s is also well-documented within these pages, and there is objective discussion about the later cars such as the Stag and the TR7 and TR8.
The final chapter takes the form of a brief look at Triumph sports cars taking part in racing, rallying and record-breaking.
VERDICT
An entertaining read for any enthusiast of classic sports cars, and excellent value for £7.99.