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LOT 569

1973 Triumph 750cc T150V Trident Registration no. GYY 549L Frame no. T150V CH03639 Engine no. T150V CH03639

Sold for £4,600 inc. premium
Lot 569

1973 Triumph 750cc T150V Trident
Registration no. GYY 549L Frame no. T150V CH03639 Engine no. T150V CH03639

1973 Triumph 750cc T150V Trident
Registration no. GYY 549L
Frame no. T150V CH03639
Engine no. T150V CH03639

• Delivered new to the US
• Long term ownership

Launched in 1969, the BSA-Triumph 750cc triples were based on the existing Triumph 500cc twin-cylinder engine, being in essence a 'Tiger-and-a-half'. Differences between the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 were more than just cosmetic: the two models used different frames and in BSA guise the motor featured an inclined cylinder block. Only the Trident survived the group's collapse in 1972, continuing as the five-speed T150V and later the T160 (using the inclined engine).

Although ultimately upstaged in the showroom by Japanese rivals, the Triumph and BSA 750 triples did more than enough on the racetrack to ensure their place in motorcycling history. The team narrowly missed victory at the 1970 Daytona 200, its first major event, when Gene Romero finished second on a Triumph. Dick Mann's BSA won at Daytona in 1971 and John Cooper, also BSA-mounted, at Mallory Park's Race of the Year, vanquishing the hitherto unbeatable combination of Giacomo Agostini and MV. Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell had won the 24-hour Bol d'Or endurance race the preceding week on another Triple, and Cooper wrapped up a memorable international season with victory in the 250-mile race at Ontario in October. As a production racer the Triple was equally dominant, as the number of important production race victories achieved (most notably by the works Triumph 'Slippery Sam') is eloquent testimony.

Delivered new to the USA, this beautiful Triumph Trident was imported into the UK by Metropolis Motorcycles, London in June 1993 and has belonged to the current vendor since October '93. In October 1997 the engine was rebuilt and fitted with high-compression pistons, while in August 1999 the clutch was overhauled and fitted with new rubbers. More recently (in 2011), the fork stanchions were replaced, and the front brake overhauled with new hoses and pads. This Trident's most striking feature is its additional brightwork, the crankcases, carburettors, footrests, engine mounts, wheel hubs, oil pipes, and stands all being chromium plated.

Working abroad and with declining health, the vendor has found little time to enjoy the machine, which has covered only 184 miles since 1997 and was last used in October 2015, hence the decision to sell. Accompanying documentation includes a V5C Registration Certificate, expired MoTs, and sundry bills for the aforementioned works/parts, and the machine also comes with a parts list and workshop manual. Described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, it represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a unique example of an increasingly collectible classic Triumph.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

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