Skip to main content

LOT 232

1977 Triumph 980cc T160 Trident 'Slippery Sam' Replica Registration no. XGK 367S Frame no. T160 EK02337 Engine no. T160 EK02337

Sold for £7,360 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 232

1977 Triumph 980cc T160 Trident 'Slippery Sam' Replica
Registration no. XGK 367S Frame no. T160 EK02337 Engine no. T160 EK02337

1977 Triumph 980cc T160 Trident 'Slippery Sam' Replica
Registration no. XGK 367S
Frame no. T160 EK02337
Engine no. T160 EK02337

• Replica of the famous works production racer
• Norman Hyde big-bore kit

Although up-staged in the showroom by Japanese rivals, the Triumph and BSA 750 triples did more than enough on the racetrack to ensure their place in motorcycling history. BSA-Triumph's Chief Engineer Doug Hele supervised engine development throughout 1969 while frame builder Rob North devised a chassis that would stand the test of time like few others. The team narrowly missed victory at the 1970 Daytona 200, its first major event, when Gene Romero finished second on a Triumph. Dick Mann's BSA won at Daytona in 1971 and John Cooper, also BSA-mounted, at Mallory Park's Race of the Year, vanquishing the hitherto unbeatable combination of Giacomo Agostini and MV. Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell had won the 24-hour Bol d'Or endurance race the preceding week on another Triple, and Cooper wrapped up a memorable international season for BSA-Triumph with victory in the 250-mile race at Ontario in October. As a production racer the Triple was equally dominant, as the number of important production race victories achieved (most notably by the five-time Production TT-winning works Triumph Trident, Slippery Sam) is eloquent testimony.

The Slippery Sam name was acquired during the 1970 Bol d'Or when a serious oil leak covered the bike shared by works riders Percy Tait and Steve Jolly, who nevertheless managed to finish 5th behind winners Paul Smart and Tom Dickie on another works Trident. After the dissolution of BSA-Triumph, race shop foreman Les Williams continued to develop the Triples, producing the acclaimed, limited edition Legend and constructing a number of replicas of the multiple TT-winning Slippery Sam. Williams having led the way, Sam has remained a popular subject among replica-builders ever since. This example was built up from parts and is fitted with a Norman Hyde big-bore kit. The machine is offered with an old-style V5 document.

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 T160XK02347. The engine number is T160XK02347.

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
1914 Sunbeam 3½hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1914 Sunbeam 3½hp

£8,000 - £12,000
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
1975 Ducati 750 GT
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1975 Ducati 750 GT

£8,000 - £10,000
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
A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,
United Kingdom

A Singer 'Xtraordinary' lever-driven 'Safety bicycle', circa 1882,

£8,000 - £12,000