Triumph 1914 4HP type C Roadster 550cc 1 cyl sv 3507

Triumph 1914 4HP 550 cc type “C” Roadster 3 speed Sturmey Archer combination frame # 2240MS engine # 35942

High quality of finish and workmanship were always very strong points with Triumph; year by year details in the design were improved. Some of the “important improvements” (as the company put it) listed in the 1914 catalogue were: 85×97 engine giving 550 cc, curved frame giving very low saddle position, semi-automatic drip feed lubrication and wider tank. No less than seven models were catalogued: three Roadster models, three TT roadsters and a TT racer. Impressive long distance records underlined the reliability of Triumphs: Harry Long rode a 1911 Triumph for 40,037 miles in 44 weeks; Ivan Hart-Davies set the End-to-end record of 886 miles in 29 hours and 12 minutes and Albert Catt rode his 1911 Free Engine model for six consecutive days to reach a distance of 2,557 miles in May 1911, to name just a few remarkable feats.
This practical (clutch and gears!) older-restoration veteran combination has been in the former owner’s possession for some 20 years. She comes with Pioneer Certificate and has taken part in several London-to-Brighton Pioneer runs; on file is a photo with early VMCC member Frank Bussey riding the combination in an early 1970s Pioneer Run. A number of years ago the 3-speed hub and the engine have been overhauled, the latter receiving a new big-end bearing, main bearings, valves and guides, while the magneto was refurbished.
The graceful wickerwork Triumph Gloria sidecar appears to be in excellent original condition.

Video: https://youtu.be/uAyuXAUHhgs