LOT 440
The ex-Phil Read 1971 Yamaha 250cc TD2 Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. TD104 - 2 stamped on the top yoke Engine no. none visible - Crankcase mating numbers. 3116
The ex-Phil Read, 1971 Yamaha 250cc TD2 Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. TD104 - 2 stamped on the top yoke Engine no. none visible - Crankcase mating numbers. 3116
The ex-Phil Read
1971 Yamaha 250cc TD2 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. TD104 - 2 stamped on the top yoke
Engine no. none visible - Crankcase mating numbers. 3116
1971 Yamaha 250cc TD2 Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. TD104 - 2 stamped on the top yoke
Engine no. none visible - Crankcase mating numbers. 3116
• One of two built under the direction of Ferry Brouwer
• Restored by Nigel Everett
The mainstay of 250cc and 350cc racing at national and international level for many years, the twin-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha well deserved the title of 'privateer's friend'; indeed, without it, grids in these classes would have been depleted in extremis during the 1970s.
In 1970 nine out of the top ten in the 250cc World Championship rode Yamahas, and their very ubiquity led many riders to seek a competitive edge over similarly mounted rivals by turning to independent tuners and frame builders. Following the Yamaha factory team's withdrawal from racing at the end of 1968, which left Phil Read without a ride, he sat out most of the 1969 and 1970 seasons before returning to Grands Prix in 1971 as a privateer, concentrating on the '250' class. His mount would be a production Yamaha TD2, developed under the direction of Dutch engineer, Ferry Brouwer, which featured an Eric Cheney frame; Brouwer-tuned engine; Helmut Fath dry clutch; and a Rod Quaife six-speed gearbox. Two similar machines were constructed over the winter of 1970/1971.
With wins at the first three Grands Prix of the season, Phil went on to claim his fifth World Championship, beating reigning champion Rod Gould and his works supported Yamaha into 2nd place. Phil also won the Isle of Man Lightweight 250 TT that year at an average speed of 98.02mph, lapping at over 100mph. Phil continued to race the Brouwer machines during the 1972 World Championship season, winning the French Grand Prix and the Isle of Man TT on his way to 4th overall at the year's end.
This special Yamaha TD2 comes with a signed letter from Phil Read confirming that it is his No. 2 bike from the 1971 season. Phil notes that this bike had Ceriani forks and the large Yamaha double-sided front brake, unlike the No. 1 bike, which sometimes featured disc brakes. The machine later found its way to Ireland where it was owned by Peter Herron (brother of the late Tom Herron), who sold it to collector Neville Morris in pieces. Neville had the Yamaha restored by former Grand Prix works mechanic Nigel Everett, and when his collection was sold the ex-Read Yamaha was purchased by Phil Morris. Not run since acquisition, the machine has been kept on display in Phil's Oswestry Road Racing Museum, although it has been loaned to Phil Read for shows on a couple of occasions.
Offered with a history file, this beautiful TD2 represents a rare opportunity to own a machine commissioned and raced by one of the biggest Grand Prix stars of the day.
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
The crankcase mating numbers are 3169 on the left hand side crankcase and 3119 on the right hand side crankcase. Since the catalogue went to press, Ferry Brouwer has advised us that, although this machine has a Cheney frame, he does not recognise it as one built by him for Phil Read. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this machine's provenance and correctness prior to bidding.
Additional information
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