Triumph 3TW

Key facts

Year

1940
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

349cc
Cylinders

2
Maximum speed

70mph/112.65kph
Price new

Not marketed
Manufacturer

Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd

Developed in 1938–39 to meet military specification, the 3TW never went into service because the first 50 machines were destroyed during the devastating aerial raid on Coventry in November 1940. Military requirements had changed when Triumph’s new factory, at Meriden, opened in May 1942.

The 3TW, however, is a fine example of a lightweight machine (264lb) with a nippy performance for road and cross-country work. It was also the first British motorcycle to be equipped with an alternator.