1952 Triumph Thunderbird

The Amelia Island Auction|3 March 2022, 10:00 EST|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1952 Triumph Thunderbird
Frame no. 28368
Engine no. T100 9106732

Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the Circuit de Montlhéry at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid first seen the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburetor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organized economy run.

With its distinctive chrome and silver gas tank with blue lining, the Thunderbird inspired thousands of riders throughout the years and this one is no different, having been in long term ownership and on display at the private museum of the late vendor. Offered with its purchase receipt from 2001 where it was shipped over from the UK and in need of recommissioning having been on static display, this is an opportunity to acquire one of the legendary Thunderbirds that would be a welcome addition to any collection and would certainly be a talking point at any event.

Saleroom notices

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