For the first time the life of Edward Turner, one of Britain's most talented motorcycle designers, is revealed in full, so this is much more than just another book about Triumph motorcycles. Although seen by many as an irascible man who ran a very tight ship, it is an inescapable fact that his was a highly profitable company. His hugely successful sales campaign after World War 2 stunned America's own manufacturers and had long lasting repercussions on their own home market. As Bert Hopwood once said to the author, Turner was an inventive genius who had the flair for pleasing shapes and an uncanny ability to perceive what the buying public would readily accept, to produce it at the right price. No one will deny the impact made at the annual Motor Cycle Show by his aerial Square Four in 1931, his superbly-styled single cylinder Tiger models in 1936, and his revolutionary Speed Twin that dominated the Show in 1937. Even more was to follow with his post-war Thunderbird and Bonneville twins.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements Foreword Introduction 1 Early days in Edwardian London 7 2 On the brink of a new career 3 The Breakthrough - a job with Ariel 4 The happiest years of his life 5 War, and all manner of problems 6 Back again at Triumph's helm 7 Post-war production commences 8 The Thunderbird makes its debut 9 Triumph enters the lightweight market 10 Johnny Allen's record-breaking saga 11 Unit-construction twins Colour Gallery 12 Japan's threat to the British motorcycle industry 13 Heading for retirement 14 The American market Appendix 1 A tribute to Nan Plant Appendix 2 Sources of reference Index
Author Biography
An active motorcyclist since 1946 in both road and competition events. Retired in 1991 as Editorial Director of the Haynes Publishing Group. regular contributor to Old Bike Mart and on irregular occasions to most other motorcycling magazines. Member of the Vintage MCC and founder of one of its Sections, also a member of the LE Velo Club. Life member of the London Douglas MCC and the Kickstart Club or Torbay. Experience of broadcasting on radio and TV.
