A landmark machine in the development of the motorcycle in Britain, Triumph's Model P made its debut at the 1924 Motor Cycle Show. A no-frills, sidevalve-engined model, the newcomer was priced at £42 17s 6d, at which level it undercut every other 500cc machine then on sale in the UK. The Model P was a quality machine at a rock-bottom price and it was a runaway success. Output from Triumph's Priory Street works was soon running at an astonishing 1,000 machines per week, and the Model P's arrival undoubtedly hastened the demise of many a minor manufacturer. Production continued until the decade's end, by which time the Model P had spawned a number of derivatives, models N, Q and QA.

This example was first registered in 1927, is in remarkably original condition and comes with a supporting folder of paperwork. 

The bike comes with a good file of paperwork, including the original logbook. There are owners’ manual (which look to be facsimiles), and a letter from the Triumph Owners’ Club’s Machine Registrar that confirms its year of manufacture.   

The vendor bought the bike around five years ago, from a previous owner who had kept it garaged and largely unused for some thirty years. Unfortunately, recent health issues have led to his decision to sell. 

The bike presents in mostly original condition, with the addition of a modern stand the only obvious non-original feature. For its age the bike is in remarkable condition: the fuel tank still wears its original paint, and while everything has a certain patina it’s all in sound order. The tyres were supplied unused with the bike when the vendor bought it – those on the bike at the time were old and perished and so the vendor fitted the new set. Look carefully and you will spot that the vendor added a recent clutch lever to the handlebar -the original, which is on the end of the handlebar, could be redeployed if the new owner wished to do so. 

One lovely feature is the acetylene headlamp, complete with generator. Lumps of calcium carbide are added to the bottom chamber, water is added to the top reservoir and a controlled drip creates acetylene gas, which travels up a tube to the headlamp where it’s ignited to give a flame. Although this still works (according to the vendor) it’s probably not recommended as safe illumination for modern riding conditions! The vendor has a couple of cans of calcium carbide which he will  There’s also a Triumph-branded saddlebag attached to the rear of the bike.    

Although he has not ridden it for a while, the vendor assures us that the bike starts and runs well. However, as it’s been on a SORN since 2020 and the previous owner rarely used it in a thirty-year tenure, it’s likely that the bike would need some attention before being trusted on the road.   

The vendor will supply a box of spares with the bike, that includes two magnetos, replacement cables and those tins of calcium carbide. 

The Triumph Model P was a successful bike in its day, but there can be very few left in condition as original as this one appears to be. It’s a piece of British bike history that would sit happily in any classic collection.  

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.