LOT 218

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection 1959 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville Registration no. HFO 139 Frame no. D1458 Engine no. T120 D1458

Sold for £11,500 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 218

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection,1959 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville
Registration no. HFO 139 Frame no. D1458 Engine no. T120 D1458

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|11 December 2020, 11:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
1959 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville
Registration no. HFO 139
Frame no. D1458
Engine no. T120 D1458

Hurriedly prepared for its debut at the 1958 Earls Court Show (it was too late for inclusion in the 1959 catalogue) Triumph's Bonneville arrived at a time when young motorcycle enthusiasts wanted style as well as substance and had the money to pay for it. Finished in striking two-tone Tangerine/Pearl Grey with matching mudguards and black cycle parts, the bike was a real looker; and the name 'Bonneville', chosen in honour of Johnny Allen's record-breaking achievements with his Triumph-powered streamliner at the eponymous Utah Salt Flats, was an inspired piece of marketing. Works tester Percy Tait had achieved 128mph at MIRA on a development bike, and even though this figure proved beyond the reach of the production version the Bonnie was at least as fast as the opposition and much better looking, which was all that mattered.

A 1960 model built in November 1959, this Bonneville comes with numerous invoices relating to its restoration in the early 1990s while in previous ownership, including many from renowned marque specialist Hughie Hancox. Acquired by the Museum in 2004 and restored by them, the machine also comes with an attached commemorative silver plaque, a Certificate of Authenticity, and an old-style V5C document. The current odometer reading is 554 miles, which is believed to be the distance covered since the rebuild's completion. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding.

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 218: click here

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-123) the Buyer's Premium is 27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price 25% on the excess of £10,001 and up to £450,000 of the hammer price 20% on the excess of £450,001 and up to £4,500,000 of the hammer price 14.5% on the excess of £4,500,001.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-254 & 501-708) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter, VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles