Triumph Werke Nuremberg, a German brand empire

From Orial to Triumph: a German-British relationship

To avoid confusion with British Triumph, German motorbikes were initially produced under the name Orial. In the early 1900s, the brand produced motorbikes in collaboration with British Triumph, including the iconic 474cc single-cylinder. Later, they developed a range of motorbikes, including the legendary "Knirps" two-strokes, which became popular worldwide. In 1929, TWN separated from British Triumph and changed its name to the well-known TWN.

Innovation and growth

In 1955, TWN released its first scooter, the Contessa. With this model, the Nuremberg-based brand joins the young German school that prefers powerful scooter models with solid bodywork, although that of the Contessa is among the most elegant drawn by Louis Lepoix. The Contessa will subsequently be used as a model for the Hercules and DKR scooters.
TWN presented its second scooter, the Tessy 125cc. The design office had worked hard and everything here is new, including the lines which are very beautiful. It is also called the dolphin called. The horizontal single-cylinder cooled with forced air was mounted on a subframe and, as with the Durkopp Diana, was attached to the bodywork made of pressed sheet steel with vibration dampers.
The Tessy Super of 143cc (8hp) that was immediately distinguished from the 125cc by its double saddle, instead of two engine saddles and its electric starter. This version was produced in around 1,440 units in 1957-58 In 1957, the brand was acquired by Grundig, marking the end for the iconic Triumph Werke Nürnberg as an independent motorbike and bicycle manufacturer. However, Triumph's legacy, from motorbikes to scooters, lives on as an important piece of German motorbike and bicycle industry history.