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' ReplicaRegistration no. XGK 367S Frame no. T160 EK02337 Engine no. T160 EK02337
The Autumn Stafford Sale: The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|19 October 2019, 14:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1977 Triumph 980cc T160 Trident 'Slippery Sam' Replica
Registration no. XGK 367S
Frame no. T160 EK02337
Engine no. T160 EK02337
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.
• 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
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