・Owned from new in 1926 by the same family

・Fully restored in the early 2000’s

・Amazingly preserved documentation including original manuals and sales bill

・Known to run in recent years but will require work to make road-worthy

In 1925 Triumph introduced the Model P to the British market in a bid to do what Henry Ford did for the car market, offering an affordable, mass-produced, two-wheeled product which would become – what many would refer to – as the saviour of the British motorcycle industry. At a time where the public’s perception of the motorcycle wasn’t one of reliability, the Triumph Model P provided some much-needed faith. The bike was built around a 3 speed, chain-driven 494cc engine and with a price set at £42.17.6d, it provided just the antidote to the post World War I slump that was needed. 

Selling well, after 20,000 units were sold in the first batch, a mkII version was released which offered an improved top speed of 55mph and more refined mechanics. Among these MkII editions was the introduction of the Triumph Model Q; a sportier – and rarer - variant which switched out the standard cast iron piston for a lighter, aluminium one, added a plated exhaust, chainguard and a burnished crankcase. Offered here for auction is a Model Q which has been in the same family since leaving the factory, providing as a look back in history, thanks to its restoration back to 1926 condition.

A very proud Mr H. C. Wilkins of Watford, Hertfordshire can be seen in period pictures sitting on board his Triumph Model Q which he purchased on the 19th June 1926. After many years of enjoyment – documented with an array of photographs – the time came for Mr Wilkins to replace some of the original parts. Unfortunately, in 1945 the Service Manager for Triumph confirmed that, regrettably, “we are unable to execute your order as all our stocks of parts for models manufactured previous to 1937 were destroyed by enemy action some time ago”. This news put paid to the owners plans and the bike was retired for some years before eventually being passed on to Mr Wilkins son-in-law. 

During his ownership, the new owner carried out a thorough restoration; stripping, painting, chroming and getting the classic motorcycle back into running order. Riding it only on dry days and keeping it covered in a garage, this was a prized and respected heirloom. Sadly, since the second owner’s passing, the time has come for the family to say goodbye to the Triumph and hope to find a new owner who’ll enjoy it as much as their family have.

This accompanying documentation is extensive and, as seen in the photographs, includes a timeline of images of the motorcycle from new, right through its restoration years in the early 2000’s. The level of preservation of the documentation of this motorcycle is truly unique; including everything from the original bill of sale, early tax discs, manuals and even a model book in which the exact bike is presented, along with – of course – the registration certificate.

A stuffed folder of receipts shows a steady stream of parts and work completed from the early 2000’s right up to 2020.

A sign of just how detail oriented the previous owner was, the original Triumph colours for the petrol tank were obtained and matched to ensure a truly authentic restoration, all of which have been detailed among the paperwork. The condition is reflective of a loving, while perhaps not professionally executed, restoration. Signs of hand-painting around the tank and number plates are evident though do not detract from the overall look. The black painted framework presents fantastically, with no visible signs of corrosion. Full-length mudguards and the optional pannier rack are also painted in black.

The Terry spring saddle has no rips or tears and appears in great condition while the many chromed parts and glorious fishtail exhaust show no signs of corrosion. Both tyres appear to have been replaced recently with only the brake pedal, kick starter and wooden gear leaver knob showing any notable signs of wear.

The owner’s daughter has not been able to try and start the bike since her father passed so we cannot comment on the running of the engine though are assured that it was started and ridden within the past two years and has only ever been garaged since. Therefore, we expect that, in the hands of someone with an understanding of how it operates, it will no doubt run correctly. A Cowey speedometer and cable are included in the sale but were not fitted, therefore the new owner will need to have this added to ensure the bikes roadworthiness.

An historical artefact? A cherished family heirloom or a vintage motorcycle to be ridden and enjoyed? This Triumph has been all of these things over the past 95 years and shows no sign of wishing to be retired just yet. Through its extensive restoration, one-family ownership and a story that’s been documented meticulously, this provides a unique sense of confidence for its next owner; a chance to peek behind and see the life of a cherished British motorcycle and know when every nut or bolt has been replaced.

With just a little amount of work, there waits a most practical, fantastic, rideable machine that’s primed for the next stage of its life to begin, ready to explore new areas of the countryside.

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