This isn't just a piece of paper; it's a portal. Looking at this vintage advertisement for a Triumph "Super Sport Model 110" motorcycle, you're instantly transported to a different era. An era of chrome and steel, of open roads and a burgeoning sense of freedom that only two wheels could truly deliver. It's a snapshot of a time when motorcycles weren't just transport, but symbols of aspiration and excitement.
The ad itself is a work of art in its own right, a blend of bold illustration and crisp photography. Dominating the upper half is a dynamic drawing of a snarling tiger, the number "110" emblazoned on its side. This wasn't just a cool graphic; it was a direct nod to the bike's claimed top speed – a thrilling 110 M.P.H. in an age when hitting triple digits was a serious statement of performance. The "Super Sport Model" designation further reinforces this focus on speed and power.
Below the striking tiger, a clean, black and white photograph showcases the star of the show: the Triumph Model 110. It’s a beautiful machine, all gleaming metal and purposeful lines. You can admire the classic design – the distinctive fuel tank, the spoked wheels, the exposed engine (a 40 cu. in. O.H.V. twin, as the text proudly states). It looks ready for the road, a promise of adventure captured in static print.
The text in the advertisement is a masterclass in concise, compelling copy from the era. It highlights the key selling points: impressive horsepower ("Stock model develops 42 H.P."), that exciting top speed, and the overall promise of "maximum in performance, safety, comfort and appearance." It speaks directly to the rider's desires – the need for speed, reliability, and a machine that looked as good as it performed. The invitation to "See your Triumph dealer and ask for a demonstration" is a simple but effective call to action, a personal touch in a pre-digital world.
Based on the motorcycle's design, the performance figures, and the style of the advertisement, we can place this ad firmly in the 1950s. The Triumph Tiger T110, as it became officially known, was introduced in 1953 and was indeed, for a time, Triumph's fastest production motorcycle. It was a bike developed with the crucial American market in mind, a market hungry for powerful and stylish machines.
The presence of dealership information at the bottom – Johnson Motors, Inc. in Pasadena, California, and The Triumph Corporation in Towson, Maryland – underscores the importance of the US market to Triumph. These names weren't just addresses; they were hubs for a growing community of motorcycle enthusiasts, places where riders could see these magnificent machines up close, talk shop, and dream of hitting the open road.
Looking at this ad today, it's easy to appreciate the blend of marketing swagger and genuine engineering achievement it represents. It speaks to a time when motorcycles were undergoing rapid development, pushing the boundaries of speed and design. It also captures the spirit of the era – a sense of optimism, a fascination with technology, and a yearning for freedom and excitement.
This vintage Triumph advertisement is more than just a historical artifact; it's a window into the past, a reminder of the passion and innovation that drove the motorcycle industry and captured the imaginations of riders decades ago. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed machine and the timeless thrill of the ride. The tiger may be a symbol, but the promise of performance and the allure of the open road were very real.
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