Triumph - restored 1901 prototype
Following Triumph's recent announcement of plans to mark the 120th anniversary of the brand, and the production of the millionth 'Hinckley Triumph', the company announced the discovery of the very first Triumph prototype ever built.
Discovered and restored by leading vintage Triumph collector Dick Shepherd, the 1901 prototype "rewrites the history books, adding a whole new chapter prior to Triumph's official sales starting in 1902.
"Long rumoured to exist and referenced within advertising and reviews that appeared in 1901, this first Triumph prototype was developed from a standard Triumph bicycle, with an engine provided by Belgian manufacturer Minerva in order to generate interest and gauge the public's demand for a Triumph motorcycle."
Dick Shepherd said: "Having been approached by a friend of a collector (who had sadly recently passed away) to evaluate an old Triumph, I was incredibly excited to discover that the bike featured unique details that were not present on the first production Triumphs. Along with the bike, the collector had also received a letter from Triumph, dated in 1937, that outlined the bike's unique origins and provided key details.
"With an engine number that is consistent with references in Minerva's engine records of a 1901 first Triumph engagement, the historic significance of this motorcycle became incredibly clear."
