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LOT 212

c.1959 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville Project (see text) Registration no. not registered Frame no. over-painted Engine no. T120 658791A EXP (see text)

Sold for £4,715 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 212

c.1959 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered Frame no. over-painted Engine no. T120 658791A EXP (see text)

c.1959 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. over-painted
Engine no. T120 658791A EXP (see text)

First-of-the-line examples of iconic models are always highly prized by collectors, and none more so than the 1959 Triumph T120 Bonneville. Hurriedly prepared for its debut at the 1958 Earls Court Show (it was too late for inclusion in the 1959 catalogue) the 'Bonnie' arrived at a time when young motorcycle enthusiasts wanted style as well as substance and had the money to pay for it. Finished in striking two-tone Tangerine/Pearl Grey with matching mudguards and black cycle parts, the bike was a real looker, and the name 'Bonneville', chosen in honour of Johnny Allen's record-breaking achievements with his Triumph-powered streamliner at the eponymous Utah salt flats, was an inspired piece of marketing.

The engine of this partially restored and incomplete motorcycle is stamped 'T120 658791A EXP', suggesting that it is an experimental unit. However, it should be noted that this stamping is unlike the factory's practice of the time and may have been done subsequently. Furthermore, the six-digit number itself is outside the factory sequences for the pre-unit 650 twins. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the origins and correctness (or otherwise) of this machine's component parts prior to bidding. 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.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is 658791.

Additional information

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