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TRIUMPH

41 entries

One British name, two famous makers: Triumph cars and Triumph motorcycles, both growing out of a bicycle business.

Origins: 1885, S. Bettmann & Co., London
First car: 1923
Cars ended: 1984, marque retired by British Leyland’s successor
Motorcycles today: Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, founded 1983 by John Bloor

The name goes back to 1885, when Siegfried Bettmann began importing bicycles to London. Triumph made its first car in 1923, was bought by Leyland Motors in 1960 and became part of British Leyland in 1968; Triumph-badged vehicles were produced until 1984.

Motorcycles were built at Coventry from 1902. After the old company went into receivership in 1983, John Bloor bought the name and founded today’s Triumph Motorcycles, the largest UK-owned motorcycle maker.

1885Bettmann starts importing bicycles to London
1902First Triumph motorcycles built in Coventry
1923First Triumph car
1960Cars: acquired by Leyland Motors
1983Motorcycles: John Bloor founds the new company