LOT 215
1952 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Registration no. FBA 507 Frame no. 19213NA Engine no. 6T4539
Sold for £4,945 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 215
1952 Triumph 650cc ThunderbirdRegistration no. FBA 507 Frame no. 19213NA Engine no. 6T4539
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|19 October 2019, 14:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1952 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird
Registration no. FBA 507
Frame no. 19213NA
Engine no. 6T4539
Registration no. FBA 507
Frame no. 19213NA
Engine no. 6T4539
Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the Montlhery circuit at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburettor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organised economy run.
Purchased in November 1991 (sales receipt available), this Thunderbird has been displayed as part of the Brent Museum in The Library at Willesden Green, and is offered with an old-style V5 registration documents and some expired MoTs.
Purchased in November 1991 (sales receipt available), this Thunderbird has been displayed as part of the Brent Museum in The Library at Willesden Green, and is offered with an old-style V5 registration documents and some expired MoTs.
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 engine number is 49558.
















Additional information
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 specialistAuction Viewings
- 19 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
- 20 October 2019, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1926 Triumph 494cc
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1934 Austin Seven 65
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
£3,200 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1916 Radco 211cc
£3,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
£4,000 - £6,000











