Triumph Production Testers' Tales

Hughie Hancox began work at the Meriden factory in 1953, working as a fitter until his call-up for National Service. He eventually graduated to the famous Royal Corps of Signals Motorcycle Display Team, or 'White Helmets' as they were known, serving as a riding member of the team and as the corporal team fitter, responsible for keeping the Team Triumphs on top form. After demob in 1959 Hughie resumed work at Meriden in the experimental department, and actually worked on the prototype Bonneville. He eventually became one of the legendary Triumph testers. He then functioned as fitter, technical advisor and trouble-shooter until the factory closure in 1973. Hughie ran his own restoration business from 1981, becoming hugely successful all over the world with his work on Triumphs. In carrying out his restoration work, Hughie employed the methods and techniques that he learned all those years ago at Meriden, bringing an unparalleled authenticity to his work. He appeared in numerous films and television programmes, and featured prominently with other famous faces on several motorcycling videos. He was also an accomplished author, with an existing best-seller (now in its third reprint) about his time at Meriden. Hughie Hancox passed away in August 2011.