Triumph Twenty-One to Daytona

Author Mathew Vale has chosen to highlight the oft forgotten C series Triumph models that started life in 1957 with the 350 ‘Twenty-One’. He charts the progress of the unit construction bikes, their increase in capacity to 500cc and ending up as the Daytona, named after the famous race it won in the mid-sixties. This range of bikes has in the past often been ignored in favour of the more famous 650 versions of the Triumph twin. Now Vale has shown that these smaller bikes are just as deserving of attention as the larger cousins and deserve a place in any British enthusiast’s garage.

In fact the book ends with an account of a full restoration of one from rusty wreck to factory fresh. In fact the book is a nice mix of history, using period shots and adverts as well as interviews with current owners and hints and tips about owning and running these bikes. There is also a useful chapter on the competition use of these models.

Given the technical specs contained in the various chapters and the useful pictures, no purchase of one of these bikes should be made without thoroughly reading this hardback beforehand. Thanks to the fact that it has been written by somebody who owns and has restored one, you can at least take the information as pretty much gospel and it could be £19.95 well spent.

While it may seem as one for the model enthusiast only, it still makes a good read for anybody interested in Triumph’s and the British motorcycle industry in general!

Another good book from Crowood which can be bought at all good bookshops or direct from them www.crowood.com or enquiries@crowood.com

ISBN 978 1 86126 997 3

 

 

Review by Ian Kerr