The 'improved' 1925 and 1926 Model
The Model P was the machine which saved Triumph at a time when they were in serious financial difficulties. Using the successful maxim that, "It's better to sell five at one pound profit on each than to sell two at two pounds profit on each", the Model P was unveiled on the opening day of the 1924 Motor Cycle Show. At just £42-17-6 (£42-87½p) it seriously undercut the machines of many other manufacturers; one of whom said that the cost of the parts alone was in excess of that being asked for a 'ready for the road' Model P.
Despite it's low price the Model P was not a shoddily made poorly performing machine. Certainly, new ideas for clutch and front brake were not initially as good as they might have been, but no corners were cut regarding quality of finish. There was (expensive) nickel plating in all the expected places and the reliability and performance was as would have been expected of any side-valve motor cycle at that time.
Although the deficiencies of brake, clutch and 'weakish' front forks were recognised very early on - in fact both magazine road testers commented unfaverably on the front brake - as these machines were priced to produce very little profit (probably less than the pound mentioned above) Triumph needed to sell 20,000 before they met their costs. However, at that price, despite the front brake, they sold 'like hot cakes' and it wasn't long into 1925 that Triumph were producing over 1,000 a week, and as many as they could make were being sold. (The rear brake was good due to its large diameter, and in those days the rear brake was considered to be the main brake, anyway.)
The Model P became an 'improved model' at the end of July 1926, and this continued unchanged into 1926.
