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LOT 208

1947 Triumph 500cc TRW Prototype Military Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. F1630 Engine no. none

Sold for £3,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 208

1947 Triumph 500cc TRW Prototype Military Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Frame no. F1630 Engine no. none

1947 Triumph 500cc TRW Prototype Military Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. F1630
Engine no. none

Developed in the immediate post-WW2 years to fulfil British Government contracts for a new military motorcycle, the TRW followed the overall lines of Triumph's trend-setting parallel twins but with the simpler and more easily maintained side valves rather then the civilian models' overhead valves. The basic engine design had first appeared during the war in the 5TW prototype, which had an all cast-iron top end. The post-war prototype, as seen here, kept the iron top end but adopted magnesium crankcases to save weight, while the final production version had aluminium cases and head and an iron cylinder block.

In keeping with the military's requirements for robustness and simplicity, the Trophy-based TRW retained a rigid frame while featuring Triumph's telescopic front fork as used by many models across the range. In 1953 a lighter 'Mark II' version was introduced featuring coil ignition and alternator electrics, replacing the previous magneto and dynamo. As well as the British Army, TRWs were supplied to the Royal Navy and RAF, while many saw service with the armed forces of other countries. When their service life came to an end, many were offered for sale by the Ministry of Defence on the civilian market. There are no documents with this Lot.

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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  • 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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