Triumph Cars - the Complete Story

Relating the story of Triumph cars is complex enough, but to include all the earlier events which persuaded Siegfried Bettman to begin car manufacture in 1923 is even more so.The two authors, however – both of them experts in all things Triumph, the cars, and the political events surrounding them – have assembled and presented an enthralling story of the way the car-making side of the business came to prosper, was then afflicted by financial problems, and then rescued from oblivion by Standard in 1944.Thereafter, Triumph once again became a prominent marque, eventually dominated Standard, and (from the 1960s onwards) became an important cast member in the melodramatic events which involved Leyland, BMC and eventually British Leyland.This, however, is not merely a turbulent trawl through the historical record, for both authors were also successful in locating the important characters whose efforts made it possible for Triumph to excite the world. Along the way, the career of cars as famous as the Glorias and Dolomites of the 1930s, the Heralds, Spitfires and TRs of the post-war years, and the headline-grabbing exploits in racing and rallying build up a story which no fictional writer could have created.

It is hard to believe that the first edition of this book was produced back in 1978, when Triumphs were still being built. It was then updated in a second edition in the late 1980s, but this beautifully finished and presented tried edition must surely be the definitive version and the one to have - containing the facts, figures and opinions, it has also been enhanced with a rich variety of colour images. One thing that hasn't changed is that this book remains the most comprehensive history of the Triumph marque that can be imagined, beginning with the arrival of company founder Siegfried Bettman in the UK in 1884 and leading the reader through the twists and turns through sewing machines, bikes and motorbikes that culminated in the last Triumph cars a century later. With chapters on derivatives as well as appendices containing technical specifications, production totals and more, all based on meticulous research that draws heavily on interviews with many of the key figures from within Triumph, it will entertain and inform in equal measure and is sure to be an invaluable reference book in any enthusiast's library. - Triumph World. Now in it's third edition (no surprise, given that the first was published in 1978), Robson and Langworth's magnum opus charts the rise and fall of the British manufacturer from the pre-war years (Langworth's area of expertise) to the later era, where Robson takes the lead. A must for any fan of Britain's motoring past, and a superb reference on all Triumph models. It's great value, too.- Classic & Sports Car. THERE's lots to like in this look back at the British brand's history Auto Express. For both auto historians and marque fans, it is highly unlikely that the Triumph story will ever be more comprehensively or convincing told. Kieron Fennelly This is is a fitting tribute to a great British car marque told by expert authors. A triumph! Big End/All Torque It was already a book book and definitive history, but it's just got even better. tkc (Totalkitcar) Recommended. SIX appeal. it’s essential if you don’t already have one. Octane (UK) both a comprehensive work of reference and a thumping good read. Club Torque It is quite simply the best Triumph book ever published ... I give this book the highest possible recommendation. TR Driver

After a varied career in the automotive industry Graham Robson has gained a worldwide reputation as a motoring historian, and has more than 160 books to his credit.Born in 1936, and educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Yorkshire, Graham then went on to study Engineering at Oxford University. He joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee, becoming involved in design work on the Mk II, E-Type and Mark X. Beginning as a hobby, he became a rally co-driver, eventually joining the Sunbeam 'works' team in 1961, and took part in rallies up to International level (once with Roger Clark), but stopped rallying by 1968.During this time he joined Standard-Triumph in Coventry, in 1961, as a Development Engineer, mainly on sports car projects. He then ran the re-opened 'works' motorsport department from 1962 to 1965, this being the period of the birth of Spitfire Le Mans cars, TR4, Vitesse, Spitfire and 2000 rally car developments.Graham Robson’s writing began with rally reports for magazines which evolved into a job with Autocar from 1965-1969. He was recruited back to industry at Rootes to run the Product Proving department, then after a brief period in 1972 as technical director of a safety belt company, became an independent motoring writer. Graham has lived 'by the pen' and 'by the voice', not only writing but commentating, presenting and organising events of all types.

Relating the story of Triumph cars is complex enough, but to include all the earlier events which persuaded Siegfried Bettman to begin car manufacture in 1923 is even more so. The two authors, however - both of them experts in all things Triumph, the cars, and the political events surrounding them - have assembled and presented an enthralling story of the way the car-making side of the business came to prosper, was then afflicted by financial problems, and then rescued from oblivion by Standard in 1944. Thereafter, Triumph once again became a prominent marque, eventually dominated Standard, and (from the 1960s onwards) became an important cast member in the melodramatic events which involved Leyland, BMC and eventually British Leyland.Triumph Cars - The Complete Story, however, is not merely a turbulent trawl through the historical record, for both authors were also successful in locating the important characters whose efforts made it possible for Triumph to excite the world. Along the way, the career of cars as famous as the Glorias and Dolomites of the 1930s, the Heralds, Spitfires and TRs of the post-war years, and the headline-grabbing exploits in racing and rallying build up a story which no fictional writer could have created.

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