Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: 1922 Triumph Model R “Ricardo”

In 1922, Triumph needed an update to its motors in order to be competitve in the developing sportbike market. As such, it hired gas flow special Harry Ricardo to improve the performance of the Triumph machinery, and this 1922 Triumph Model R “Ricardo” was one such lucky recipient.

Taking the existing Model R motor, Ricardo converted it to a overhead valve design, with four pushrod valves. This allows the “Ricci” to have a speed of 70mph on the street, and 85mph when tuned for maximum speed.

Triumph thought so highly of Ricardo’s modifications, they kept them on subsequent models all the way through 1939.