c.1924 Triumph SD 550

Registration No: Un-Registered
Frame No: 335960
MOT: Exempt

• Interesting restoration project
• Top of the range model in the 1920s
• Included in the VMCC register, No. 629

Triumph is one of the most iconic and revered names in the history of motorcycling. Established in Coventry in 1885, by the start of the 1900s the company had made its first motorcycle beginning a continuous run of production under various ownership until its eventual closure in 1983. By the mid-1920s Triumph had become one of Britain's main motorcycle and car makers, with its large factory in Coventry capable of producing as many as 30,000 motorcycles and cars each year. The 550cc 4hp Model H was launched in 1914, and fitted with a three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox performed sterling service in WW1 with over 30,000 'Trusty Triumphs' seeing action with British and Allied forces. By the 1920s it had been updated with chain final drive to became the 'SD' (Spring Drive) because of its clutch-mounted, coil-spring shock absorber and formed the basis of the later four-valve Ricardo model.

This c.1924 SD550 is from a deceased estate so unfortunately not much is known of its history. It was bought by the vendor in its current condition with a view to restoring and adding to his collection of 1920s motorcycles, but other projects took precedence. While there are no documents, it appears in the VMCC register as No.629, showing it having originally been registered in 1924 on TC6613. The number is no longer recognised by DVLA but may be recoverable. Mostly complete, apart from the handlebars and control levers, it will make an interesting project to put back on the road.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415 871189