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LOT 233

1982 Motorcycle Show display model, the last complete bike to roll through the gates of Meriden 1982 Triumph T140 Bonneville Registration no. not registered Frame no. T140EKSKEA34215 Engine no. T140EKSKEA34215

Sold for £5,750 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 233

1982 Motorcycle Show display model, the last complete bike to roll through the gates of Meriden, 1982 Triumph T140 Bonneville
Registration no. not registered Frame no. T140EKSKEA34215 Engine no. T140EKSKEA34215

1982 Motorcycle Show display model, the last complete bike to roll through the gates of Meriden
1982 Triumph T140 Bonneville
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. T140EKSKEA34215
Engine no. T140EKSKEA34215

Following the Meriden factory's reopening, the reconstituted Triumph Motorcycle Company continued with the Bonneville as its main model, ringing the changes to produce a succession of special and celebratory editions, while significant technological developments included the adoption of electronic ignition and the introduction of models with electric starting and an 8-valve head. It was, of course, too little too late and the company folded in the early 1980s.

This Bonneville was displayed on the Triumph stand at the 1982 Motorcycle Show as an example of the 1983 range. Changes included a riveted front mudguard, dual seat with integral grab rail, and new silencers. As a main agent for the factory, Bill Crosby of Reg Allen (London) was at Meriden regularly and noticed the Bonnie sitting around, unused. When the tank and some other parts were sold to a dealer as spares, he decided to rescue it.

After some discussion, it was agreed that the factory would rebuild the Bonneville as a complete machine (with Bill supplying any parts they no longer had in stock). It was also agreed that Bill could have a letter stating that it is "The last complete bike to roll through the gates of Meriden" and that it was destined for the (as yet to be established) London Motorcycle Museum. Furthermore, it was not to be confused with the last Bonneville off the production line. Offered with a V55/3.

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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