Triumph 10/20
This Triumph 10/20 built in 1923 is the oldest surviving Triumph car and the only example of this model known to exist. It was brought over from Northern Ireland especially for this event.
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Triumph 10/20This Triumph 10/20 built in 1923 is the oldest surviving Triumph car and the only example of this model known to exist. It was brought over from Northern Ireland especially for this event. | |||
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1998 marks the 75th anniversary of the first Triumph car being produced. This landmark was celebrated by over 5000 Triumph enthusiasts at the Heritage Motoring Centre at Gaydon in May. The weekends events started on Saturday Evening with a Celebration Dinner organised by Triumph author, historian and former works competition manager Graham Robson. More than 400 enthusiasts attended along with special invited celebrity guests from Triumph's history. These included:-
In the Heritage Motoring Centre's rooftop restaurant there was an alternative informal supper.
The main event took place on Sunday and Triumph owners turned up in their thousands. By 11:00AM Gaydon staff claimed that they had reached 'meltdown' as every parking space on the site was occupied by a Triumph, and new arrivals had to be diverted into a field across the road.
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Super Seven An early example of a Super Seven, the car responsible for establishing Triumph's early reputation. | |||
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Le Mans TR8 This ver y special TR8 was built for the Le Mans 24hr race in 1981 | |||
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Dolomite Straight 8 This is one of two surviving Straight 8 Dolomites built in 1934  | |||
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2000 Mk1 This Triumph 2000 Mk1 completed the London Sydney Marathon in 1968 | |||
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After lunch there was a question and answer session with notable figures from Triumph history including works drivers and Standard Triumph design engineers.
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Freeflow Vitesse This unique free-flow Vitesse was awarded car of the show. | |||
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Triumph Acclaim This Acclaim was the last Triumph car to come off the production line in 1984, ending the Triumph Marque as a car manufacturer. | |||
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Although the Triumph name as a car manufacturer officially died in 1984 when the last Acclaim rolled off the production line, the enthusiasm of the club officials and helpers who organised the event, the historic vehicle owners who turned up with their cars, and above all, the thousands of ordinary Triumph owners who attended have ensured that the Triumph marque will continue to be prominent in peoples minds.
The Heritage Motor Centre wish to continue the event as an annual Standard Triumph Marque Day, although it seems unlikely that an event on this scale can be repeated, until, perhaps, the centenary in 2023
This page is maintained by:-
Keith Bennett Last update 18/9/98