1935 Triumph 348cc Model 3/5 Sports
Registration no. BVR 529
Frame no. S3899
Engine no. 5.5T.1527

Just as he had done at Ariel in the 1920s, Val Page transformed his new employer's ageing range on his arrival as Triumph's Chief Designer in 1932. The new line-up comprised overhead-valve and sidevalve singles in capacities ranging from 250 to 500cc, plus the range-topping 650cc 6/1 sidecar tug. Endowed with distinctive timing-gear covers - a feature Page would employ at BSA later in the decade - the engines were simple yet robust in construction, and amenable to a fair degree of tuning in the case of the overhead-valve units. As fitted to the higher performance models, the overhead-valve engines in their '/5' specification featured high-compression pistons, 'hotter' cams and polished ports. Suitably embellished with extra chrome, these OHV models formed the basis for Edward Turner's sporting Tigers from 1936 onwards. A range of similar though slightly less powerful tourers complimented the Tigers.

This particular Triumph Model 3/5 Sports was purchased by the current vendor at the 1992 Stafford auction and was last used on the road in 1998. Re-commissioning, including a new battery, will be required before it returns to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of a current V5C document and photocopies of old registration documents.