Skip to main content

LOT 209

1960 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Police Motorcycle Registration no. 751 ALD Frame no. 5687 Engine no. 6T D5687W

Sold for £5,175 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 209

1960 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Police Motorcycle
Registration no. 751 ALD Frame no. 5687 Engine no. 6T D5687W

1960 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Police Motorcycle
Registration no. 751 ALD
Frame no. 5687
Engine no. 6T D5687W

Triumph Thunderbirds were introduced to the Metropolitan Police Traffic Patrol Fleet in early 1960. Number '2064 T', offered here, was one of the first two issued to DT6 at Hendon in March 1960 as a non-radio-equipped model. This actual machine was first used by a young PC, Bert Oxford, on duty at the Hampstead Heath Easter Fair in North London. In 1961 the Thunderbird was taken out of service on several occasions for use as a demonstration exhibit in the newly formed Roadcraft Exhibition. Eventually, in late 1962, it was withdrawn for permanent use in the Exhibition.

'751 ALD' remained on this duty as part of the Motorcyclists' Reaction Tester, travelling all over London until replaced by a newer model in 1973. Its show business career was not yet over, as it was kept for use as a static exhibit at local shows and police station open days, etc. In 1982 the Thunderbird was purchased by Bert Oxford on his retirement. It was kept in a well-greased state until mid-1992 when a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration was started. The rebuild was finished in 1993 but the Triumph was never ridden again. Sadly, Bert died of cancer late in 2008 and the machine was acquired for the Museum in December of that year. Offered with sundry bills and a V5C.

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.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Auction Viewings

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

Bid now on these items

1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1916 Radco 211cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1916 Radco 211cc

£3,400 - £4,400
The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000
A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,
United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500