Looking for a special Triumph

Our dad, Ernie Crump, has been a regular annual subscriber to OBM for many years and recently celebrated his 88th birthday, remaining both active and independent. He has been a lifelong Triumph rider from the age of 18 since he purchased a new 350cc 3T for the sum of £175 OTR in 1950 from Taylor Matherson in Balham, South London. (It would be interesting to know if LGX111 survives, it’s not registered with the DVLA.)

His current Triumph is a 900 Thunderbird which he purchased as a gift to himself when he retired from full-time work.

When dad purchased the 3T, new bikes were in short supply and he was advised he would have to wait a few months. Having saved for a motorcycle from the age of 16, another two months didn’t seem too long to wait. After two months had passed, he would cycle weekly to Balham from Fulham to see if his bike was in. After six months there was still no 3T so, when he was advised on his next visit that the shiny new black 3T in the showroom window was not his, he asked for his large deposit back and said he was going elsewhere. Not surprisingly that bike became his.

Shortly after he got the bike, he was called up for his National Service, but he was not going to part with the 3T. It was covered in a blanket and put in the bedroom he shared with his brother for the next 18 months ready for his return. Serving in Egypt with the Royal Signals, he had hoped to be a dispatch rider but ended up driving four wheel vehicles. Dad’s love of the Triumph marque was passed on to his three sons and two grandsons, all of whom are Triumph owners.

Dad gave up riding a few years back when the Thunderbird got too heavy (although he won’t part with it). However, he still loves working on bikes, often helping us with our own projects, particularly any metalworking; he was a panel beater by trade.

About three years ago dad decided a good project would be to purchase and restore a 1932 Triumph – 1932 being the year he was born. Unfortunately, three years of searching the adverts in magazines and online sources have turned up nothing. 1931 or 33 yes, but no 1932-manufactured Triumph.

Could I ask if anyone out there who has a 1932 bike sitting there unused or not required and would consider selling it, if they would contact either me (Shaun) on 07966 484905 or Stuart on 01798 815131? Ideally, we would prefer a 250-550 fourstroke model preferably running, but we would consider a full restoration or large lumps.

The photos are of dad original 3T and of him astride another 3T which he purchased and subsequently restored when in his 70s.

Many thanks.

Shaun and Stuart Crump