As a handsome 500cc street scrambler, the 1970 Triumph T100C motorcycle delivered something close to the TR6C Trophy 650’s performance in a more compact and less expensive package. Even with its center stand, the Triumph T100C was a lightweight at about 340 pounds (dry), so 38 horsepower at 7,000 rpm from the single-carburetor 490cc parallel-twin engine let the rider scoot right along. (A magazine test had wrung 107 mph from the dual-carb T100R Daytona the previous year.) Meanwhile, the 53.5-inch wheelbase ensured the T100C would be nimble; nevertheless, 18-inch wheels and 3.25-inch knobby tires gave a substantial stance.

The Triumph T100C had progressively improved over recent years to include a two-way damped front fork, Lucas 6CA contact breakers, and 12-volt coil ignition. Since 1968, the T100C had used the cylinder head that proceeded from the successful effort to unseat Harley-Davidson in the 1966 Daytona 200. This head had a narrower 78-degree included valve angle and larger intake valve for a small, efficient combustion chamber. A ventilated 7-inch twin-leading-shoe front brake had been incorporated in 1969.

Jacaranda purple and Silver Sheen was the 1970 Triumph T100C’s paint scheme, and many of the appointments—for example, the chrome-trimmed seat—were familiar from the luxurious and iconic Triumph T120R Bonneville 650. A wire shield, called a “barbecue grille,” guarded the twin pipes sweeping up along the left side. The T100C had a small 5-3/4-inch headlamp and did without the tachometer included with the T100R. Side reflectors attached to the frame, and a passenger grab handle was integrated into fender stay.