The original 1927 Model TT
Just as Frank Halford had designed an over-head 4-valve cylinder head and barrel to fit a standard Model SD frame in 1921, so Liverpool engine tuner Vincent (known as Vic) Horsman did something similar two years later, but with significant differences. Vic's over-head valve cylinder head was of but two valves and by August 1924 he had put the engine into an entirely new frame. With variations of this engine of 498cc, 596cc, 599cc and 607cc he broke many British and World solo and sidecar speed records during 1923 through to 1926.
Having no wish to repeat their embarrassing performances with the Halford/Ricardo engined machines Triumph appproached Vic for such as his machine to run under the Triumph name in the Senior Isle of Man TT Race in 1925. 'Playing safe', Triumph did not enter a Works team but offered the ride to South African C.H. Young, who had come 4th on a 4-valver the previous year.
However, Young didn't do so well in 1925 and finished 18th, but at least the machine had run the whole course and finished. (Which was more than many Halford/Ricardo engined machines had done!)
Thus, having paid £1,500 for the design (Vic said that Triumph could have had it for free had they asked) in July 1926 Triumph announced that they would be putting the famous "Victor Horsman" Triumph into production. Thus October or November 1926 commenced the production of what was debatebly Triumph's most successful sporting Vintage Triumph.
The Model TT continued for the 1928 season, unchanged apart from a Doherty quick-action twist grip being a standard fitting, and the fuel tank changing, with all other 1928 models, to the new colours of black with saxe blue (sky/pale blue) panels. Also the previous nickel plated wheel rims became gold lined black.
Most Triumph models had their flat-tanks replaced by a saddle tank for 1929, and the Model TT was no exception, and with the saddle tank it was renamed to the Model ST. (Saddle Tank!)
