The Dave Degens, c.1963 Dresda Triton 750cc 'Showpiece'

• Built for marketing and promotional purposes
• Very well specified
• Requires recommissioning

Proprietor of Dresda Autos, previously a retail outlet for scooters on Putney Bridge Road in South West London, Dave Degens was one of the first special-builders to put the Triton into what might be termed 'limited production'. A happy marriage of Triumph power and Norton roadholding, the Triton is rightly regarded by enthusiasts as the quintessential British sports special. The idea caught on after the Featherbed's arrival in the mid-1950s and many hundreds have been made since, varying in quality from the professional to the horrendously amateurish. Dave Degens' were among the very best and he set out to prove it in the most convincing way possible – by racing them. Riding one of his own Dresda Tritons, Degens won the prestigious Barcelona 24-Hour Endurance Race in 1965, defeating many works-entered bikes in the process, and went on to develop his own Featherbed-derived frame to take power units other than the original Triumph. Using the new Dresda frame and a 650cc Triumph engine, he won in Barcelona, for the second time, in 1970, and this versatile chassis would later accommodate all manner of multi-cylinder engines from Japan. Wrapped around a four-cylinder Honda motor, Degens' chassis again demonstrated its superiority on the racetrack when the Japauto-entered machine of Debrock/Ruiz won the 1972 Bol d'Or 24-hour race at Le Mans.

Built to 'show' standard as a promotional tool for display at motorcycle events, this Dresda Triton incorporates all the best specialist parts available. Specification highlights include modified Triumph forks (without bushes); modified frame with altered lugs; Manx-style rear loop; Dresda box-section swinging arm; replica Manx rear hub; Dresda lightened valves and springs; balanced and lightened rockers; balanced crankshaft; matched cams; 'Goldie' silencers; belt primary drive; Amal Concentric carburettors; twin-leading-shoe front brake; and Smiths rev counter and speedometer.

Following a period of inactivity, the machine will require recommissioning and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Accompanying paperwork includes an old-style continuation logbook (1970); a current V5C document; and various invoices. Two keys present.