 1932 Scout A |
 1932 Scout B |
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Following the success of the range of inclined-engined models of 1931 Triumph followed up with top-of-the-range 500 and 550cc inclined-engined machines. Designed with totally enclosed 'harmonic' cams these were claimed to have been 'remarkably silent' (well, compared with earlier machines) and were thus designated to be 'Silent Scouts'. They missed the 1931 Olympia Show appearance for new 1932 season machines, so required a separate sales leaflet when they appeared in March 1932. "Quality, Comfort, Speed with Safety" were claimed and optional quickly-detachable legshields and side panels completed a very impressive specification. This included Triumph's first available rear 'Stop Light' and first (full flow) oil filter. Another Triumph 'first' came with the 1932 models in the form of an optional tank-top instrument panel. (The optional instrument panel had previously been at the centre of the handlebars, mounted at the top of the forks.) As with the other inclined cylinder models oil was recirculated from a crankcase oil reservoir. A problem with the oil pump had not been resolved, but a cheaper 'fix' was designed into the oil pump of the Scouts. There was also a Sports version of the over-head valve model. Excellent machines, and it was a shame that they appeared when money for pleasures was in short supply. A `Rolls Royce' among the Triumph inclined-engine models. |
Brief Specifications and Variations
The three Silent Scout models were;-
Scout A. 549cc s/v. 84mm bore X 99mm stroke.
................ Would have been a good sidecar machine.
Scout B. 493cc ohv. 84mm bore X 89mm stroke.
................ Twin-port, as was the fashion of the period.
Scout BS. 493cc ohv. 84mm bore X 89mm stroke.
................ Higher compression and high-level exhausts.
All had 4-speed boxes.
From my researches to date it would appear that only approximately 600 to 800 Scout A's sold, while approximately 1,000 Scout B's were sold. The sporty Scout BS sales could have been less than 200.
As is often the case with 'top-of-the-range' machines, a relatively high number have survived. I have currently identified Silent Scout Models still surviving in Australia, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, and the Republic of South Africa.
For more information you really need to read the booklet I have written on these models.
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