Background
Steeped in heritage beginning with bicycles in 1895, Triumph quickly went on to become one of the world’s best-selling and winningest motorcycle makers. The post-WW II era was particularly fruitful, with the 1950 debut of the new 650-cc Thunderbird, developed under Edward Turner. Marlon Brando’s unforgettable performance in the 1953 cult classic movie, The Wild One, vaulted the Thunderbird and its maker to worldwide fame. Just one decade later, Steve McQueen’s character would heroically jump a Triumph TR6 to freedom and superstardom over barbed wire in The Great Escape.
Many speed records fell to Triumphs and Triumph-powered streamliners during the 1950s and 1960s, beginning with Johnny Allen, who hit 214 mph in his Triumph 650-powered streamliner at Utah’s legendary Bonneville Salt Flats. Named in honor of this outstanding achievement, Triumph released what would become its signature motorcycle, the twin-carbureted T-120 Bonneville, in 1958. An enduring object of two-wheeled desire with adventurous looks, advanced mechanical specifications, and 115-mph performance in stock trim, the T-120 Bonneville remains a cultural phenomenon and the inspiration for a continuing succession of books, clubs, and popular music today.








