Triumph motor cars were nice cars, a step up from the everyday personal transport. Quality saloon cars and stylish sports cars made up the range. The main market for them was the UK, and they sold well there. Unfortunately, BL didn't invest in the brand and it gradually died out. Below are UK sales and market share from 1965 to its demise:
1965 * 61,200 5.3%1966 * 70,900 6.5%
1967 * 86,900 7.6%
1968 * 80,600 7.0%
1969 * 64,700 6.7%
1970 * 64,000 5.9%
1971 * 86,500 6.7%
1972 * 91,900 5.6%
1973 * 90,700 5.5%
1974 * 69,200 5.4%
1975 * 47,100 3.9%
1976 * 49,100 3.8%1977 * 45,900 3.5%
1978 * 29,200 1.8%
1979 * 21,700 1.3%
1980 * 17,400 1.1%
1981 * 14,600 1.0%
1982 * 44,500 2.9%
1983 * 38,500 2.1%
1984 * 10,500 0.6%
1985 * * * 180 0.0%
1986 * * * 90 0.0%
The peak year of '67 saw 33,100 Herald/Vitesse, 1300 model 28,700, 2000/2500 17,000 and 8,100 sports cars sold in the UK. A sales spurt in the early 80's for the Acclaim model (based on a Honda Ballade), but then the curtain fell.
I see Triumph as a car that lived up to its name, but ultimately poor British management led to it becoming a name consigned to history. BMW currently own the name I believe, and I cannot see them doing anything with it. For those who still own one, enjoy.
To read about the Triumph car company click here
Pic 2500: http://triumph2000register.co.uk
Pic Dolomite: www.little-triumphs.de
Pic GT6: www.allposters.co.uk
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