The Mochet Velocar, introduced in 1932, created interest in the idea of semi-recumbent bicycles, and Danish engineer Holger Moller patented his variation, the ‘Moller Auto-cycle, in 1935. It has a more upright position than the Velocar.
Triumph subsequently built a ‘Moller’ under license. Like other ‘novelty’ bicycles of the era, it does not appear to have been a fast-selling model in Britain, and was not greatly promoted by Triumph. Nevertheless, judging from the number of survivors it would appear that for a short period the Triumph Moller did enjoy a reasonable production run. Its primary claim to fame retrospectively is the 1936 Pathe News footage of the Triumph Moller being road tested by the well-known cyclist of the day Evelyn Hamilton.
This example was owned for decades by Geoff Payne; I enjoyed meeting him and hearing about his adventures. He rode it frequently in Veteran Cycle Club events. It’s a superb example with original unrestored cosmetics. Above you can see the down tube transfers (decals) proudly declaring it to be a TRIUMPH MOLLER.
In 2008, while mooching around the vintage clothes stalls, my wife Soraya spotted an interesting sidecar for sale at our local Sunday market at Brighton Marina. She put a £10 deposit on it and phoned me, and I dashed to the market. It cost £120. In the intervening 14 years it has been waiting to be fitted to the right bicycle. I decided last month that this is the one 🙂
1936 Triumph Moller Auto Cycle & Sidecar
Semi-recumbent
TRIUMPH’S NEW VENTURE
THE SIDECAR
TRIUMPH MOLLER AS A SOLO
EVELYN HAMILTON TEST-DRIVES THE MOLLER
LINK TO THE PATHE NEWS MOVIE
Evelyn Hamilton info with thanks to Michael Sedgwick, published on Classic Lightweights – http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/builders/evelyn-hamilton-builders.html
Moller Auto-cycle picture with thanks to Brian Rosenberg – http://sofacykelgalleri.dk/
Other Moller pictures and advice on this model with thanks to Michael Grutzner.