Vintage British Motorcycles
"And 'tis no little reason bids us speed" Henry IV, Act 1
Anny Deim
Notes on some of the rarer British marques
This page lists brands for which we currently have limited information.
For a more complete listing visit the British Index.
Tamplin Cyclecars 1919~1920
T.B. Cyclecars 1919-1924
Thurlow
Manufactured by Thurlow & Co of Wimbledon, London. An early version of the three-wheeler was built in 1914, and production began after the armistice, in 1920. Powered by a 10hp V-twin Precision engine with a 3-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox providing drive chain and then belts to the front wheels. The engine could be started from the rider's seat. The Thurlow was produced until 1921.
Source: 3-wheelers.com
Tippen Delta 3-wheeler
Manufactured in Coventry by Frank Tippen Ltd, production began in 1955. Designed to government specifications for invalid carriages, it had a fibreglass body with a sliding door. The first model was powered by a Villiers Mk 8E engine, followed by the Delta 2 with a Mk 9E. In 1959 the Delta 3 was released with dual headlights, followed by the Delta 6 in 1966 with 12-inch wheels. Styling for the Delta 8 of 1968 was improved.
At the request of the goverment a 36v electric version was introduced in 1965, with the same appearance as the Delta 8. Production of the two-stroke Delta ended in 1970. The electric model continued until 1976.
The Tourist
Knap machines were sold in England under the name "The Tourist". Information is sparse, so they may have been Knap automobiles rather than motorcycles. Knap motorcycles were advertised for sale in England in 1903 by Kennard of 54 Hans Place, London.
Sources: lestricars.es.tl, historicar.be, Graces Guide.
Tredagh
Manufactured by P J Fulham in Laurence Gate, Drogheda, a bicycle shop. Drogheda is 50km north of Dublin.
Robert Nason writes, "It's more than likely that they made one or two machines and no more." He also states that a surviving machine presented as a Tredagh is of dubious heritage.
Source: Motorcycles 1867-1930 FB Group.
Trevithick
Richard Trevithick built a steamer which made its first run in Redruth in Cornwall on December 24th, 1801, and became known as the "Puffing Billy".
He built his London Steam Carriage in 1803. It was the first passenger-carrying powered vehicle, and was the product of years of research. It was preceded by the Cugnot steam tractor, which did not carry passengers.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, historytoday.com.
Tri-Tech
Manufactured by Tri-Tech Autocraft UK Ltd., 1996 to 2004
The firm built replica microcars powered by modern engines. Models included BMW Isetta and Messerschmit. Constructed with fibreglass bodies and light automobile components, there were numerous options available according to customer requirements.
Engines were typically Honda 250cc four-stroke singles, and Kawasaki 500cc twins were also employed.
Source: Autopasion18.com
Rarer British Marques
