1960 Triumph Tiger T100 "Bathtub"
Frame no. H15044
Engine no. T100A-H15044
In motorcycling, as in life, not all ideas are good ones. Take this partially enclosed Triumph T100, for example. The parallel-twin 500cc engine was Triumph's first unit-construction design – motor internals and gearbox contained with the same cases – a very good idea that would soon be adopted across the range. Not so fine an idea was the bike's encapsulating rear bodywork, meant to shield the rider from road grime on England's constantly damp roads. In drier America, Triumph biggest export market, the sheetmetal structure that enclosed oil tank, battery tray and tool box before continuing on to form the rear fender was seen as somewhat less than manly. It was derisively referred to as a "bathtub" for its likeness to an upside-down water closet fixture. Mechanics weren't keen about having to remove the panels to work on the rear of the bike either.
As a result, many of the bathtubs were quickly jettisoned, so it now uncommon to find a complete machine like this one from the Mork collection. The model itself was gone after two years – rumor has it the point was driven home to the Brits when racing legend Bud Ekins took Triumph design chief Jack Wickes behind his California shop in 1962 and showed him rows of stripped body shells. It has to be said, though, that viewed through today's eyes the design comes across as complete and "of a piece," from the flared front fender to the teardrop headlight nacelle to that expansive bodywork with its multiple curves. Factor in the type's rarity and it's easy to see why the Bathtub models have become quite collectible.
The Mork collection's T100 is a matching-numbers older restoration that has been on static display in his care.
Saleroom notices
- Please note that the title for this motorcycle is in transit.
