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LOT 309

1958 Triumph 649cc Thunderbird Registration no. VJW 123 (see text) Frame no. 014356 (see text) Engine no. 6T 014358 C

Sold for £3,220 inc. premium

1958 Triumph 649cc Thunderbird
Registration no. VJW 123 (see text)
Frame no. 014356 (see text)
Engine no. 6T 014358 C

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 Montlhery circuit 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 carburettor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organised economy run.

Little is known of this Thunderbird's history, other than that it has been checked by the vendor mechanically but left cosmetically untouched. Interestingly, the original RF60 logbook records a change of frame, or at least the frame number, 17 days after first registration. Both the frame and engine number stamps appear genuine, their non-conformity possibly being due to a factory error. It should also be noted that the registration 'VJW 123' does not appear on the HPI/DVLA database having presumably lapsed, accordingly prospective bidders must satisfy themselves as to the validity of the VRN prior to bidding. Recommissioning advised.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

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