LOT 144

1976 Triumph 750cc T140V Bonneville Frame no. T140V 78249 Engine no. T140V NP78249

Sold for US$2,300 inc. premium

Lot 144

1976 Triumph 750cc T140V Bonneville
Frame no. T140V 78249 Engine no. T140V NP78249

Collectors' Motorcycles and Motorcars at the Barber Museum|10 October 2020, 13:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1976 Triumph 750cc T140V Bonneville
Frame no. T140V 78249
Engine no. T140V NP78249

By 1973 the BSA Group, which of course included Triumph Engineering Company Limited, was in financial shambles although it must be clarified that Triumph itself remained consistently profitable for the duration in spite of their 'not-so-handsome 1971 and 1972 650cc twins.' The 1973 oil-in-the-frame 750cc models were earning critical acclaim from American customers, dealers and the motorcycle press when the BSA Group board set the cat among the pigeons and the...British motorcycle industry was effectively 'no more.'

This bike was not built in the Triumph Meriden factory in late 1973 before the 'blockade' of October that year thus production of the 1974 model year bikes was only five to six weeks long making such survivors quite rare. To avoid any confusion, the 1973 production of 1974 model year 750 Bonnevilles retained the right-side gear shifter. This one was built post-Blockage sometime between June 1975 and June 1976 with newly introduced Lockheed rear disc brake and left-side shifting, and thus is a 1976 model year bike.

It was a refreshing return to more classic styling and there were bona fide technical advances like a front disc brake, an engine upgraded to 750cc and a five-speed gearbox. Cycle World said in its road test, "All told, the T140V is the best Bonneville to date." Its 13.65 second quarter mile time made it the quickest accelerating Bonnie ever. Unfortunately, back in England matters were spiraling out of control and the workforce seized the Triumph factory.

This example we're advised starts and runs and is complete and essentially stock – bar the side-pipe exhausts - however it is looking for some re-commissioning to bring it back to a full life.

Saleroom notices

Please note the title is in transit.

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