Triumph Motor Company's origins date back to 1885 when it was founded as an importer of bicycles. In addition to producing motorcycles, Triumph launched its automobile division in 1923 with the production of the Triumph 10/20. The 1930s were a challenging decade for the company's finances; as a result, it sold its bicycle and motorbike division but was unable to avoid bankruptcy. Under new ownership in 1950, Triumph began production of the TR, a series of compact sports cars, which would become one of their most successful models. The TR line was maintained after Triumph was acquired by British Leyland Motors in the 1960s. Finally, after several different owners in its lifetime, the Triumph Motor Company was dissolved in 1984.