Edward Turner: The man behind the motorcycles (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Jeff Clew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1787111415 ISBN 13: 9781787111417

Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd., 2017

Synopsis

Reprinted after a long absence! For the first time, the life of Edward Turner, one of Britain s most talented motorcycle designers, is revealed in full making this much more than just another book about Triumph motorcycles. Although seen by many as an irascible man who ran a very tight ship, it is an inescapable fact that his was a highly profitable company. His hugely successful sales campaign after World War 2 stunned American manufacturers, and had long-lasting repercussions on their own home market. As Bert Hopwood once said to the author, Turner was an inventive genius who had the flair for pleasing shapes, an uncanny ability to perceive what the buying public would readily accept, and to produce it at the right price. No one will deny the impact made at the annual Motor Cycle Show by his Ariel Square Four in 1931, his superbly-styled single cylinder Tiger models in 1936, and his revolutionary Speed Twin that dominated the Show in 1937. Even more was to follow with his post-war Thunderbird and Bonneville twins.

About this title

Review:

inter-bike.co.uk, 2008UK biker website Whenever you talk about the British motorcycle industry one man's name keeps popping up, that of Edward Turner. Some historians feel that he was the most significant designer since the First World War and that he had the most impact on the British automotive industry of anybody and was something of a design genius (he designed the V8 engine for the Jaguar and Daimler range of cars!). While the latter could be challenged nobody will disagree that this larger than life character ran a tight ship and under him the Triumph motorcycle brand in particular was very innovative and prosperous. He personally has been the subject of many a chapter in the various marque histories on Triumph, but now he gets a book to himself - 'Edward Turner - the man behind the motorcycles.' Well-known author Jeff Clew devotes all 154 pages to Turner in this official biography of the man who made Triumph great. This soft-bound tome is as you might expect liberally spread with photos and drawings, some from the family archive, and makes fascinating reading. Not only it is it Turner's story it is also a look at the British motorcycle industry and as such is a must-read for all those who want know what went on behind the scenes. An excellent read and good value at $34.95.Vintage Motorcycle Club JournalMagazine for the Vintage Motorcycle Club, UK The official biography of the man who was probably the most important individual in the history of the British motorcycle industry. Whenever motorcycles are discussed amongst enthusiasts, the name of Edward Turner is invariably mentioned. Whilst known worldwide for his landmark designs, e.g. the four-cylinder Ariel Square Four and the Triumph Speed Twin, etc., Turner remained an enigma, described by those who worked close to him as both difficult and charming, impatient, autocratic and brilliant. Born in 1901, Edward Turner was a truly gifted individual whose forceful character, design --.

About the Author:

Jeff Clew was an active motorcyclist from 1946 in both road and competition events. He retired in 1991 as Editorial Director of the Haynes Publishing Group, was a regular contributor to Old Bike Mart, and on irregular occasions to most other motorcycling magazines. He was a member of the Vintage MCC and founder of one of its Sections, also a member of the LE Velo Club and of the London Douglas MCC and the Kickstart Club of Torbay. Jeff also had some experience of broadcasting on radio and TV.

About this edition

• Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd.
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1787111415
• ISBN 13: 9781787111417
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 160