LOT 310

1966 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville TT Special Registration no. not registered Frame no. T120TT DU31492 Engine no. T120TT DU31492

Sold for £10,350 inc. premium

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Lot 310

1966 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville TT Special

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|22 April 2023, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1966 Triumph 649cc T120 Bonneville TT Special
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. T120TT DU31492
Engine no. T120TT DU31492

The café racer's favourite since its launch in 1959, the Bonneville continued as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports model after the switch to unitary construction of the engine/gearbox in 1963. An alloy cylinder head equipped with twin carburettors helped the 'Bonnie' motor produce 46bhp at 6,500rpm, and the model was reckoned good for a top speed approaching 120mph. The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes a 'TT Special' (also known as the 'Competition Sports') Bonneville was introduced in 1964. The Triumph twin was already a formidable force in American flat-track racing, and the TT Special's stripped-down look, smaller fuel tank and short, open exhaust pipes echoed the style of the racers. By this time a maximum output of 52bhp was claimed for the Bonneville, while the TT Special engine produced 54bhp courtesy of 11.2:1 pistons (up from the T120 roadster's 9.0:1). A crankcase under-shield, tachometer-only instrumentation, larger-section front tyre, and an absence of lighting further distinguished the TT, which came with lowered overall gearing reflecting its intended role as primarily a dirt bike.

This matching-numbers TT Special was purchased as a restoration project (in pieces) and has been restored by the vendor. It should be noted that the compression ratio has been returned to the roadster's 9.0:1. There are no documents with this Lot. Recommissioning advised.

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.

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.
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