T157.1 1966 TRIUMPH T100C 500 SCRAMBLER When legendary Triumph designer Edward Turner first launched the 500cc parallel-twin Speed Twin in 1937, he likely never envisioned the relatively same mill would one day power a scrambler-style motorcycle, such as this exquisite 1966 T100C. Triumph moved from pre-unit construction to unit-construction in 1957, first with the 350cc Twenty-One model, or 3TA, and then two years later, in 1959, it released the 490cc 5TA. “Here’s high performance and beauty all wrapped into one to appeal to veteran and newcomer alike,” the 1959 Triumph USA brochure said of the 500cc unit twin 5TA. “Silent, easy to start, reliable, the 5TA performs with turbine-like smoothness.” Then, in 1960, Triumph introduced the T100A—a 500cc model using the 5TA powerplant with 9:1 pistons and higher-lift camshafts. It is the unit-construction T100A that, in 1962, became three distinct models, the road-going T100SS, the sportier roadster T100SR and, finally, the dual-purpose, or scrambler-style, T100SC. The last two machines supersede the TR5AR and TR5AC models, respectively. By 1966, and the year of the T100C Scrambler seen here, the model was fitted with a sexy Siamesed high-rise exhaust pipe and muffler, and electrics were updated to 12 volts. This 1966 T100C, showing just 2,380 miles on the Smiths speedometer, appears correct in its details and wears a delightfully mild patina. Its alloy fenders, green tank with “eyebrow” badges and white and gold stripes, and the classic Triumph gray-top dual seat make the overall package a joy to behold. THE SOUTHWEST COLLECTION
