LOT 142
1956 Triumph 650cc 6T Thunderbird Frame no. 72361 Engine no. 72361
Sold for US$7,130 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 142
1956 Triumph 650cc 6T Thunderbird Frame no. 72361 Engine no. 72361
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1956 Triumph 650cc 6T Thunderbird
Frame no. 72361
Engine no. 72361
Frame no. 72361
Engine no. 72361
Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power coming from American racers and British sidecarists alike. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new 650cc twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid, first seen on Triumphs the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburetor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organized economy run.
The model remained in production fundamentally in its original form, with progressively updated cycle parts, until the arrival of the unitary construction 650 range in 1962. One of the most significant developments along the way was the introduction of a swinging arm frame for 1955, but prior to that time Triumph twins could be ordered with the optional 'sprung hub' - designed by the Speed Twin's creator Edward Turner - that offered a limited amount of rear suspension movement.
The bike featured here appears to be in good overall condition with a matching frame and engine number.
The model remained in production fundamentally in its original form, with progressively updated cycle parts, until the arrival of the unitary construction 650 range in 1962. One of the most significant developments along the way was the introduction of a swinging arm frame for 1955, but prior to that time Triumph twins could be ordered with the optional 'sprung hub' - designed by the Speed Twin's creator Edward Turner - that offered a limited amount of rear suspension movement.
The bike featured here appears to be in good overall condition with a matching frame and engine number.
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 engine number is 6T 72361.
Additional information
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