For the first time, the life of Edward Turner, one of Britain's most talented motorcycle designers, is revealed in full - making this much more than just another book about Triumph motorcycles. Although seen by many as an irascible man who ran a very tight ship, it is an inescapable fact that his was a highly profitable company. His hugely successful sales campaign after World War 2 stunned American manufacturers, and had long-lasting repercussions on their own home market. As Bert Hopwood once said to the author, Turner was an inventive genius who had the flair for pleasing shapes, an uncanny ability to perceive what the buying public would readily accept, and to produce it at the right price. No one will deny the impact made at the annual Motor Cycle Show by his Ariel Square Four in 1931, his superbly-styled single cylinder Tiger models in 1936, and his revolutionary Speed Twin that dominated the Show in 1937. Even more was to follow with his post-war Thunderbird and Bonneville twins.

Author Biography

Jeff Clew was an active motorcyclist from 1946 in both road and competition events. He retired in 1991 as Editorial Director of the Haynes Publishing Group, was a regular contributor to Old Bike Mart, and on irregular occasions to most other motorcycling magazines. He was a member of the Vintage MCC and founder of one of its Sections, also a member of the LE Velo Club and of the London Douglas MCC and the Kickstart Club of Torbay. Jeff also had some experience of broadcasting on radio and TV.