LOT 194
The last Meriden Bonneville built 1983 Triumph T140SS Frame no. SCGB75504CM032213 Engine no. T140W 4CM 032213
Estimate: US$17,000 - US$22,000
Lot 194
The last Meriden Bonneville built, 1983 Triumph T140SS Frame no. SCGB75504CM032213 Engine no. T140W 4CM 032213
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
The last Meriden Bonneville built
1983 Triumph T140SS
Frame no. SCGB75504CM032213
Engine no. T140W 4CM 032213
1983 Triumph T140SS
Frame no. SCGB75504CM032213
Engine no. T140W 4CM 032213
• The last Meriden-built Bonneville
• Superb original 750 twin that's rarer than you think
• Meriden is to Triumph as Panigale is to Ducati
Ringing the changes on a basic model to produce a variety of alternatives has been a policy pursued by manufacturers since motorcycling began and is common practice today. When the Meriden factory emerged from the chaos of BSA-Triumph's disintegration and its ensuing occupation by the workforce, the new management had but a single model suitable for continuing production: the T140 Bonneville. The latter would appear in a number of different guises over the succeeding years, most notably the limited edition 'Silver Jubilee' and 'Royal Wedding' models. These though, were really only styling jobs but there were other, more radical developments in the pipeline, one of which was a new sports model with a Weslake Engineering designed 8-valve cylinder head: the TSS. Sadly this, like the custom/cruiser-style TSX launched at the same time, was a case of 'too little, too late', and Meriden Motorcycles Ltd was forced to call in the receivers in the autumn of 1983.
'Based around a stock T140 Bonneville chassis, the TSS used T140 engine cases, timing gear, clutch, and gearbox. The crank, however, was all new; a one-piece forging with larger diameter (but narrower) journals at 1.875 inches and all-over machining for improved efficiency and balancing. Interestingly, the cylinder bores of the TSS were spaced approximately ½-inch further apart with correspondingly revised big ends and small ends.'
032213 was the last motorcycle to leave Triumph's Meriden production line before its final shutdown. It remains today in excellent showroom condition. It was exported to the US and has been owned by the seller since 1998.There is a letter in the bike's history file addressed to the seller from one Pat Davy, Assistant to the Librarian of The Vintage Moto Cycle Club Ltd. dated October 6, 2006 – the VMCC is the guardian of the factory 'Build Book'. Quote: 'Your Bonneville (032213) has the latest manufacture date ('21 JAN 83') in the book so I reason it was the last produced.'
It can be argued that this is the most important original 750 Bonneville available today if only because it is the last of the Meriden Triumphs – the end of a well-loved era when the Brit Bike did indeed rule the world.
• Superb original 750 twin that's rarer than you think
• Meriden is to Triumph as Panigale is to Ducati
Ringing the changes on a basic model to produce a variety of alternatives has been a policy pursued by manufacturers since motorcycling began and is common practice today. When the Meriden factory emerged from the chaos of BSA-Triumph's disintegration and its ensuing occupation by the workforce, the new management had but a single model suitable for continuing production: the T140 Bonneville. The latter would appear in a number of different guises over the succeeding years, most notably the limited edition 'Silver Jubilee' and 'Royal Wedding' models. These though, were really only styling jobs but there were other, more radical developments in the pipeline, one of which was a new sports model with a Weslake Engineering designed 8-valve cylinder head: the TSS. Sadly this, like the custom/cruiser-style TSX launched at the same time, was a case of 'too little, too late', and Meriden Motorcycles Ltd was forced to call in the receivers in the autumn of 1983.
'Based around a stock T140 Bonneville chassis, the TSS used T140 engine cases, timing gear, clutch, and gearbox. The crank, however, was all new; a one-piece forging with larger diameter (but narrower) journals at 1.875 inches and all-over machining for improved efficiency and balancing. Interestingly, the cylinder bores of the TSS were spaced approximately ½-inch further apart with correspondingly revised big ends and small ends.'
032213 was the last motorcycle to leave Triumph's Meriden production line before its final shutdown. It remains today in excellent showroom condition. It was exported to the US and has been owned by the seller since 1998.There is a letter in the bike's history file addressed to the seller from one Pat Davy, Assistant to the Librarian of The Vintage Moto Cycle Club Ltd. dated October 6, 2006 – the VMCC is the guardian of the factory 'Build Book'. Quote: 'Your Bonneville (032213) has the latest manufacture date ('21 JAN 83') in the book so I reason it was the last produced.'
It can be argued that this is the most important original 750 Bonneville available today if only because it is the last of the Meriden Triumphs – the end of a well-loved era when the Brit Bike did indeed rule the world.
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
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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