Triumph Collectable 1:12 Scale Models

May 11, 2009

Three newly commissioned collectable die-cast scale models can now be purchased via your authorised Triumph dealer.

These 1:12 highly detailed reproductions of three iconic vintage Triumphs are a must-have for any motorcycle enthusiast.

The Steve McQueen TR6 Great Escape bike, Hurricane X75 and Speed Twin all depict their original, full sized versions.

All with moving parts and packaged in beautifully finished boxes, these will make a fantastic gift for Triumph aficionados.
 
Steve McQueen TR6 Great Escape Bike
 
The motorcycles used during the Great Escape chase scene were 1961 Triumph TR6 Trophy models disguised as a German BMW R75 motorcycles.  Steve McQueen did much of the riding for the film himself although Bud Ekins performed the famous jump scene as McQueen's stunt double.  Von Dutch, the famous pin-striper and artist, actually converted the motorcycles for the Movie while working at Ekins shop.
 
The TR6 was developed and produced specifically for the US market, which was Triumph's largest export market, and was in particular targeted towards California desert racing.
 
Hurricane X75
 
The Triumph Hurricane was developed in the summer of 1969 by Craig Vetter, the American motorcycle designer, who actually unveiled the prototype with "BSA" on the tank as the new ‘Rocket Three'.  The X-75 had a three US gallon petrol tank under the glass fibre bodywork and cost £895 new in the UK.  It proved to be a very iconic and distinctive design thanks to the bodywork and the three silencers down one side of the bike.

BSA was facing bankruptcy, so the design went into a limited production run of 1200 as the Triumph X-75 Hurricane in 1972.

1939 Speed Twin

Launched at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show, this 500cc vertical twin in a lightweight frame, was Britain’s first successful twin that set the standard for future bikes.  This bike was a major turning point for Triumph as it was lighter and offered significantly more power and torque that its contemporary singles.

This model utilised the Amaranth Red colourway with a gold pinstripe set on a chrome tank.  Featuring fork girders and rigid frame, the seat springs offered the only form of suspension.

The night of the 14th November 1940 saw the Coventry Triumph factory burn to the ground, following a German bombing spree on the city.  Thousands of military commissioned Speed Twins, along with drawings and designs were lost.