
LOT 608 N
1943 Triumph 343cc 3HW Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. TL 36905 Engine no. 3HW 46905
Sold for £4,600 inc. premium
Lot 608N
1943 Triumph 343cc 3HWRegistration no. not UK registered Frame no. TL 36905 Engine no. 3HW 46905
1943 Triumph 343cc 3HW
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. TL 36905
Engine no. 3HW 46905
Registration no. not UK registered
Frame no. TL 36905
Engine no. 3HW 46905
When war broke out in September 1939, Triumph's entire stock of completed civilian machines was requisitioned by the War Office. The Coventry firm went on to develop a 350cc twin-cylinder model – the 3TW – specifically for military use, only for the destruction of its factory in an air raid in November 1940 to scupper the project. Installed in new premises at Meriden, Warwickshire, Triumph recommenced production of the single-cylinder sidevalve 3SW and overhead-valve 3HW models. The latter was based on the pre-war Tiger 80 sports roadster, the engine of which was modified to incorporate rocker boxes cast integrally with the cast-iron cylinder head, aluminium alloy being in short supply. Triumph's single-cylinder models were used mainly by the Royal Navy for despatch duties and general liaison, with the less-powerful 3SW reserved for the WRNS. Making it highly unusual to say the least, and possibly unique, this 3HW has been modified with a swinging-arm conversion, complete with friction dampers, giving it a distantly Italian look. The private vendor advises us that the machine was modified in the 1950s and has remained un-restored since then. It last ran in September 2019 and is described by the owner as running well. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the motorcycle's Italian registration papers and Registro Storico Triumph entry.
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 608: click here






Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section

Auction Viewings
- 9 December 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT
- 10 December 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT
- 11 December 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 GMT
Lot symbols
| N | NOVA 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. |
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
£3,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1926 Triumph 494cc
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1934 Austin Seven 65
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
£3,200 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 5T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph Tiger 100
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1916 Radco 211cc
£3,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
£4,000 - £6,000
















