LOT 208
1969 Triumph 749cc T150 Trident Frame no. CC02564T150T Engine no. CC02564T150T
Sold for US$7,475 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 208
1969 Triumph 749cc T150 Trident Frame no. CC02564T150T Engine no. CC02564T150T
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1969 Triumph 749cc T150 Trident
Frame no. CC02564T150T
Engine no. CC02564T150T
Frame no. CC02564T150T
Engine no. CC02564T150T
The Triumph T150 Trident could have come from a Charles Dickens novel, because it certainly knew the best of times and the worst of times. Introduced when the US motorcycle market had increased by 50 times in a short 15 years, the model's prospects looked unlimited.Trident sales got off to a slow start and were kept there as Triumph's parent BSA spiraled into the financial maw after spent millions of borrowed dollars on endeavors outside their core business of making better motorcycles.
Nonetheless, the basic mechanical package of a three-cylinder pushrod engine barely wider than a twin, in a great handling Triumph frame resulted in the first - and last unfortunately - British multi-cylinder Superbike.
While sales objectives may not have been met, the chief engineer on the project, Doug Hele, certainly did his job. The biggest race in the world for production bikes at the time was the Isle of Man Production TT. Tridents won it six years in a row, 1970-75. The last five were won by one exceptional Trident, affectionately named, Slippery Sam. Modified Tridents also won the F750 races at the Isle of Man in 1971-2.
This Trident example wears the colors and modifications of the desirable mid-1970 restyling kit, which includes a TR6 tank, more attractive side covers and pea shooter mufflers. The result is a Triumph with traditional looks and handling and considerably upgraded performance. Having been owned by the vendor since 2008, the Triumph has had little to no use and will therefore require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
Nonetheless, the basic mechanical package of a three-cylinder pushrod engine barely wider than a twin, in a great handling Triumph frame resulted in the first - and last unfortunately - British multi-cylinder Superbike.
While sales objectives may not have been met, the chief engineer on the project, Doug Hele, certainly did his job. The biggest race in the world for production bikes at the time was the Isle of Man Production TT. Tridents won it six years in a row, 1970-75. The last five were won by one exceptional Trident, affectionately named, Slippery Sam. Modified Tridents also won the F750 races at the Isle of Man in 1971-2.
This Trident example wears the colors and modifications of the desirable mid-1970 restyling kit, which includes a TR6 tank, more attractive side covers and pea shooter mufflers. The result is a Triumph with traditional looks and handling and considerably upgraded performance. Having been owned by the vendor since 2008, the Triumph has had little to no use and will therefore require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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 title will be in transit.
Additional information
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