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The Last Innsbruck – Derek Hitchins

I started in August 1959 and for over 20 happy years I worked in the new Assembly Hall known as the Rocket Range as a Line Inspector and over the years I was promoted to Quality Foreman.

When the plant closed I accepted a position in the South African motor industry in Pretoria where I now live.
Continue reading “The Last Innsbruck – Derek Hitchins”

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Alan Woodier

Alan Woodier. Service: 1968 to 1975. I started my 5 year apprenticeship in 1968 after leaving Whitley Abbey School even though I lived in Allesley Park.

I wanted to be a body development engineer but the options were every other year it was body and then trim development and my year was trim so trim it was (possibly in the long run the best choice as for my sins I am still working making custom motorcycle and scooter seats).  Continue reading “Alan Woodier”

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The Last Triumph TR6

A fantastic photo from July 1976.
It seems there were numerous ‘last car built’ photographs for each model.
The last official TR6 built was CF58328 and built on 15th July 1976, which would indicate when this marvellous photo was taken.
Any familiar faces, let us know? Continue reading “The Last Triumph TR6”

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Triumph Engineering Reunion

Triumph Engineering Reunion – Harry Webster bequeathed funding for an annual get together for Triumph apprentices and last Friday was the day we all got together for our 2016 dinner. It’s a great evening out and a great place to catch up with old friends and reminisce about the good times we all had working there. 

As I’m the youngest member and don’t quite meet the critera of being there when Harry was in charge, it is sometimes overwhelming to think of the projects these guys were involved in. Everything from Herald, Vitesse, Spitfire, GT6, Stag, 2000, 2500 and TR7 (my project) to projects that I am aware of that did not make it. SD2 and Lynx are the 2 that were in development while I was there that didn’t make it to production. Many of these guys managed the projects, were involved in the works teams and much more. So much knowledge, so many stories. Here are some of the remaining Triumph history makers, many who have gone un-mentioned over the years.
Alan Goodwin
Continue reading “Triumph Engineering Reunion”
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Trevor Worthington – Apprentice of the Year 1962

Apprenticed 1958-63 and Apprentice of the Year in 1962.
Selected to go to VW on an exchange visit organised by the Institute of The Motor Industry 1964. I joined the Quality Department in 1964, became Quality Service Liaison Engineer then Investigation Supervisor located in the dungeon under the Spares Department. Continue reading “Trevor Worthington – Apprentice of the Year 1962”