1950's

The 1950s was a golden decade for Triumph, although it started with the sale of the firm to rivals BSA.   Triumph continued to be run separately however and in 1953 a new breed of Triumph bike arrived with the advent of the 149cc OHV Terrier.   The 199cc Tiger Cub followed a year later, which proved a massively popular bike.  The same year also saw the introduction of the Tiger 110, in essence a ‘sports’ makeover of the 649cc Thunderbird twin but with swinging arm rear suspension and a bigger front brake.

Two years later Johnny Allen set a new world motorcycle speed record (214.5mph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats using a 649cc Triumph engine in a streamlined vehicle. His record was rejected, due to alleged timing gear problems but it inspired one of Triumph’s most famous ever motorcycles…

The T120 Bonneville.

The very essence of café-racer cool the Bonneville had the right, spartan look and just as importantly, the performance to go with it. It was a truly special motorcycle and arrived just in time to take full advantage of what was to become a very special decade…