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LOT 230

1957 Triumph 500cc TRW Springer Prototype Registration no. GRY 112N Frame no. TRW26426NA Engine no. TRW26426NA

Sold for £5,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 230

1957 Triumph 500cc TRW Springer Prototype
Registration no. GRY 112N Frame no. TRW26426NA Engine no. TRW26426NA

1957 Triumph 500cc TRW Springer Prototype
Registration no. GRY 112N
Frame no. TRW26426NA
Engine no. TRW26426NA

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. In keeping with the military's requirements for robustness and simplicity, the TRW retained a rigid frame while featuring Triumph's telescopic front fork as used by many models across the range. When their service life came to an end, many were offered for sale by the Ministry of Defence on the civilian market.

To find a one-off factory prototype in private hands is a rare experience, the more usual fate of such a machine being dismemberment or consignment to the crusher. This sprung-frame TRW was spared destruction because it was supplied to the British Army for evaluation and eventually auctioned off together with hundreds of its more commonplace rigid-framed cousins. Restored by its preceding owner, Peter Hayes, the TRW prototype was featured in British Bike magazine while previously registered on the private plate, 'PJH 40L' (copy article available). The TRW was acquired for the Museum in January 2004. It is offered with an old V5C document and some interesting correspondence from the son of Triumph's Drawing Office Manager, who supplied some original factory photographs of the machine (digital copies available)

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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