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LOT 687 N

c.1969 Bultaco 125cc TSS Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle Frame no. B-600592 Engine no. M-100155-6

Sold for £32,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 687N

c.1969 Bultaco 125cc TSS Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. B-600592 Engine no. M-100155-6

c.1969 Bultaco 125cc TSS Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. B-600592
Engine no. M-100155-6

• Legendary TSS
• Two stroke, water-cooled
• Restored by a specialist for Mr Morbidelli

Spurred on by the successes achieved by tuned versions of its first model, the Tralla 101, Bultaco went one stage further and developed its first purpose-built racing motorcycle: the legendary TSS, 125cc prototypes of which began testing in 1960. About as simple as a racing motorcycle can get, the air-cooled two-stroke single developed 20bhp initially, which proved sufficient to win races at national level worldwide and compete without embarrassment in Grands Prix, provided the rider had enough talent. It was demonstrably the best 125 that privateers could buy at the time. Self-generating electronic ignition, a six-speed gearbox, and water-cooling were the most significant advances, the latter arriving on customer bikes for 1965. Geared primary drive came later. Among the first racers to campaign the Spanish two-strokes in the UK were Tommy Robb and Dan Shorey, the latter taking the coveted ACU Star (British Championship) in the 125cc class in 1961. Armed with a 196cc TSS, Shorey enjoyed a phenomenal run of success in the 1962 250cc World Championship, twice finishing 4th behind a trio of works Hondas to end the year in 7th place overall. He also took the British 125cc and 250cc Championships that same year. This water-cooled (believed six-speed) TSS was restored by a specialist for Mr Morbidelli.

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 click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 687: click here We have been advised that the engine fitted to this machine is works 125cc unit supplied on the 14th June 1966 to a Spanish rider and Bultaco works mechanic Francisco 'Paco' Zurita. The frame is believed to be a 250cc production racer frame, possibly sold to the Rickman Brothers.

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  • 12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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