Skip to main content

LOT 224

c.1966 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville 'TT Special' Project (see text) Registration no. not registered Frame no. T120TT DU31350 Engine no. T120TT DU31350 (see text)

Sold for £6,900 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 224

c.1966 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville 'TT Special' Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered Frame no. T120TT DU31350 Engine no. T120TT DU31350 (see text)

c.1966 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville 'TT Special' Project (see text)
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. T120TT DU31350
Engine no. T120TT DU31350 (see text)

The café racer's favourite since its launch in 1959, the Bonneville continued as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports model after the switch to unitary construction of the engine/gearbox in 1963. An alloy cylinder head equipped with twin carburettors helped the 'Bonnie' motor produce 46bhp at 6,500rpm, and the model was reckoned good for a top speed approaching 120mph. The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes a 'TT Special' (also known as the 'Competition Sports') Bonneville was introduced in 1964. The Triumph twin was already a formidable force in American flat-track racing, and the TT Special's stripped-down look, smaller fuel tank and short, open exhaust pipes echoed the style of the racers. By this time a maximum output of 52bhp was claimed for the Bonneville, while the TT Special engine produced 54bhp courtesy of 11.2:1 pistons (up from the T120 roadster's 9.0:1). A crankcase under-shield, tachometer-only instrumentation, larger-section front tyre, and an absence of lighting further distinguished the TT, which came with lowered overall gearing reflecting its intended role as primarily a dirt bike. It should be noted that the 'TT' engine number stamping on this machine does not appear to be factory original. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the origin and correctness (or otherwise) of this motorcycle'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.

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

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
1980 Ducati 900 MHR
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Ducati 900 MHR

£7,000 - £9,000
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
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
The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)
United Kingdom

The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)

£7,000 - £8,000