Details on this photo are sparse, but the naval pilots of the Supermarine Scimitar look to have been drafted in for a promotional photo to push the Triumph Tina. I wonder if they were offered one of the scooters in return?
The Tina was designed by none other than Edward Turner to fill a gap in the range for those just wanting simple transport. Triumph already had the Tigress with a choice of two-stroke 175cc or four-stroke 250cc engines, but the Tina was aimed at being easier still to ride and own, with a twist-and-go gearbox and small 100cc engine. It was lighter, too – to help tackle the Italian scooters being sold. Aimed at the lady, not only were handsome pilots brought in, but Cliff Richard was also used in promotional shots!
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The Tina lasted only four years, with its successor, the T10, lasting a further five.
The Supermarine Scimitar fared little better. Designed for aircraft carriers, it was never leaps and bounds better than the opposition, and more than 50% of the 76 made crashed – some with fatal consequences.
It was the last plane to bear the Supermarine name, the maker of the Spitfire.
