LOT 226

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection 1959 Triumph 249cc Tigress Registration no. YWK 217 Frame no. 4022 Engine no. W4255

Sold for £5,175 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 226

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, 1959 Triumph 249cc Tigress
Registration no. YWK 217 Frame no. 4022 Engine no. W4255

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 249cc Tigress
Registration no. YWK 217
Frame no. 4022
Engine no. W4255

Latecomers to the scooter market, BSA introduced its first 'proper' scooter in October 1958. Launched under the BSA and Triumph banners as the 'Sunbeam' and 'Tigress' respectively, both could be had with either a 175cc Bantam-based single-cylinder two-stroke engine or a new 249cc twin-cylinder four-stroke unit. Pressed steel bodywork of conventional appearance was wrapped around a duplex loop frame. For the 249cc version, comfortable cruising at 55mph and an average fuel consumption of around 80mpg were reported by contemporary road-testers.

Apparently restored, this twin-cylinder Tigress was purchased 'as is' by the Museum in July 2010. Accompanying documentation consists of an old-style V5C, an expired tax disc (1967), and a Vintage Motor Scooter Club dating certificate. 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 226: 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