48th ABR Highlight – 1926 Triumph Model P outfit

The largest gathering of British motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere, the annual All British Rally has been an institution for owners and enthusiasts of British motorcycles for almost half a century. For this year’s 48th edition, the All British Rally once again saw hundreds of veteran, vintage and classic British motorcycles descend on the small Victorian town of Newstead,

Organised by the BSA Motorcycle Owner’s Association (BSAMOA), this year’s All British Rally (ABR) was one of the biggest in the event’s history, with more than 800 entries. Each year, the ABR follows a familiar pattern, with camping for entrants at the Newstead Racecourse, organised rides of the region, a public display in the nearby town of Maldon, plus live entertainment and a swap meet back at the racecourse.

There are also trophies up for grabs, with the bike featured being one of the winners.

In the fiercely competitive motorcycle market of the 1920s, Triumph was in trouble. Although they were an established and respected name by then, their products were being undercut by rivals. Triumph’s solution was the Model P. Introduced in 1925, the Model P was a basic 500 single with a starting price of £42 17s. Despite some early issues with the sidevalve engine and clutch for the three-speed transmission, the Model P sold well, with almost 50,000 built in less than two years.

Most Model Ps appear to have been sold as solos, but as the example featured shows they could be used as sidecar rigs, too. The giveaway to this bike’s age was the cake with ‘100’ candles on the saddle. The unusual girder fork set-up may have been a local modification, but there’s no doubt the sidecar rig - loaded with rabbit traps - was homemade. Other features include a bulb horn attached to the handlebars, a classic Gladstone bag strapped to the luggage rack – and a chamber pot placed under the engine to catch oil leaks!

Certainly one of the oldest bikes at this year’s ABR, this Triumph was also one of the most attention grabbing. It won the Best Original/Unrestored trophy at the event.

For JUST BIKES’ report on the 48th All British Rally, click HERE.