1962 Triumph 3TA Twenty One

LATE ENTRY

Launched in 1957 from the Meriden Works, the Twenty One was the first of the Triumph unit construction, twin cylinder motorcycles. The designation is thought to refer to Triumph engineering Ltd’s twenty- first anniversary, or it may be that for export purposes it referred to the USA measurement of capacity.

The Edward Turner designed 349 cc engine featured a 360 degree crankshaft, twin gear driven camshafts and twin plunger oil pump. The block was cast iron with an alloy head and separate rocker boxes. A four speed gearbox was operated by the right foot. In 1959 the model was re branded as a Triumph 3TA and up to the later models, wore a distinctive ‘bathtub’ rear end, not always liked and often removed, as would seem to be the case with this example.

35 YPA had one owner for many years, who according to the buff log book, moved all over the country. It appears to have had a long period in storage and the mileage shown as 54745 could be genuine although it cannot be warranted as such. The latest V5C registration certificate shows one previous owner apart from the current one, who, having re-commissioned it over the last two years, now finds he is unable to ride anymore and hence the motorcycle is on sale. Work included new handlebars, stainless steel mudguards, headlamp, battery, rear shocker absorbers and some rewiring, including the fitting of an isolator switch under the saddle. We are told it starts easily (remembering to flood the carb fully) and runs very well with no known faults.

Accompanying the V5C registration certificate is the old style V5 document and buff registration book, current MOT test certificate and a file of information.