A compilation of classic original promotional films from the Nuffield and Standard Triumph archives remastered for DVD
The Alpine was Europe’s greatest summer mountain rally, renowned as one of the toughest of the classic events. The attainment of a ’Coupe des Alps’ award, achieved by undertaking a penalty-free run, brought fame to the victorious driver and much needed publicity for the car manufacturer. These films offer a rare glimpse into the Alpine of the Fifties. The roads were rough, rugged, dusty, unsurfaced and almost traffic-free. Armco barriers and support crews had not been invented. Protective clothing consisted of shirt-sleeves and woolly hats!
Thoroughbreds All (1950) (17 minutes)
This magnificent black-and-white documentary provides a technical tour of the Nuffield Organisation’s testing and development programme before the fun really begins.
Rallye des Alpes (1954) (27 minutes)
The route included the most challenging mountain roads of France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Triumph were indeed triumphant in the 1954 event when a team featuring the new TR2 took on the Sunbeam Alpines - one driven by the famous Stirling Moss - as well as Porsche. They emerged with both the Team Prize and one of the coveted ‘Coupe des Alps’.
Again Triumph In The Alps (1956) (32 minutes)
By 1956, consisting of 2,600 miles in six stages with no rest day, the Alpine had become one of the most grueling rallies on the calendar. The emphasis was on speed with durability so tyre wear became a vital factor and competitors had to carry any spares they might need. The Triumph factory team rallied with the TR3 hardtop and one of their drivers was a youthful Paddy Hopkirk, yet to achieve his Monte Carlo fame.
Total running time 1 hour 14 minutes approximately