Triumph - Sport And Elegance

There was a time when British sports cars combined elegant styling, spirited performance and an invigorating sense of uncertainty about whether the journey would conclude at the intended destination or beside the road with the bonnet raised. Triumph was one of the great practitioners of this particular automotive philosophy, producing magnificent machines that captured the imagination of generations of motorists while occasionally testing their patience, mechanical ability and understanding of Lucas electrical equipment.

In Triumph – Sport and Elegance (2006), respected motoring historian Bill Piggott celebrates the extraordinary heritage of one of Britain’s most distinctive automotive marques. Published by Haynes, this illustrated volume explores the fascinating world of Triumph motor cars, from refined sporting saloons and stylish roadsters to the celebrated machines that established the company’s international reputation for combining performance with unmistakable British character.

Triumph’s history is filled with cars that managed to be both desirable and delightfully individual. The elegant Triumph Roadster offered post-war motorists a wonderfully traditional driving experience, complete with sweeping bodywork and an atmosphere of refined optimism. Later models, including the TR series, Spitfire and Stag, demonstrated the company’s remarkable ability to produce cars that looked splendid, sounded enthusiastic and encouraged their owners to develop increasingly intimate relationships with their local mechanics.

The TR sports cars became particularly successful overseas, introducing American motorists to the peculiar pleasures of British open-top motoring. Here were relatively affordable machines offering genuine sporting excitement, handsome styling and the opportunity to experience all four seasons during a single afternoon’s journey.

Meanwhile, Triumph’s sporting saloons demonstrated that practical family transport need not be entirely devoid of ambition. Cars such as the Vitesse and Dolomite Sprint offered distinctive engineering and impressive performance, providing respectable motorists with the opportunity to arrive at business meetings rather more enthusiastically than strictly necessary.

Piggott’s appreciation of Triumph captures the engineering, styling and personalities behind these memorable machines, celebrating an era when manufacturers were prepared to create cars with genuine individuality rather than endlessly rearranging the same collection of anonymous components.

Of course, Triumph’s eventual disappearance from car production remains one of British motoring’s more melancholy episodes. Beautiful designs, sporting success and devoted customers proved insufficient protection against the financial difficulties and industrial turmoil that troubled the British motor industry. Apparently, enthusiasm alone could not keep the accountants satisfied.

Condition: As New. This copy is in exceptional condition, presenting as new despite its 2006 publication date. Unlike many surviving Triumph motor cars, it requires no rust treatment, replacement hood, electrical investigation or extensive expenditure before being proudly displayed.

Published by Haynes in 2006. ISBN: 9781859609699.

Offered by Crappy Old Books, where we appreciate classic British motoring at its finest, particularly when the associated financial commitment extends no further than purchasing an excellent book.

A splendid addition to any collection of Triumph literature, classic British sports cars or automotive history. Particularly recommended for enthusiasts who believe that motoring should involve elegance, character and excitement, preferably without the traditional roadside intermission involving a socket set and some extremely colourful language.

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