LOT 534
1938 Triumph 498cc Speed Twin Registration no. FVX 323 Frame no. TH4593 Engine no. 40-5T-29837
Sold for £17,250 inc. premium
Lot 534
1938 Triumph 498cc Speed Twin
1938 Triumph 498cc Speed Twin
Registration no. FVX 323
Frame no. TH4593
Engine no. 40-5T-29837
Registration no. FVX 323
Frame no. TH4593
Engine no. 40-5T-29837
• Recently restored and repainted in Triumph's trademark Amaranth Red
• First year of production model, fitted with a 1940 engine
• Landmark British motorcycle
Although Edward Turner's Triumph Speed Twin caused a sensation when it appeared at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show, few could have guessed how influential it would be, establishing a template which would be adopted by all the major British factories in the following decades. Although there had been vertical-twins before previous designs suffered excessive bulk, while the Speed Twin was lighter and narrower across the crankcases than the contemporary single-cylinder Tiger 90, whose cycle parts it shared.
The Speed Twin proved an enormous success for Triumph, setting it on the road to prosperity. Performance proved superb for a road-going 500, with 85mph being readily attainable, and Triumph made sure The Motor Cycle's test model was perfectly set up before handing it over; it averaged an impressive 93.75mph top speed, prompting the tester to remark that this was "truly an amazing performance for a fully equipped 500". Just as importantly the twin was readily brought to life, its brace of 250cc pistons being easier to kick-start than the equivalent single.
This is a beautifully presented first-year example of Turner's landmark machine, with freshly applied trademark Amaranth Red paintwork and chrome. Although fitted with a (rebuilt) later 1940 engine this has been partnered with the rest of the machine for most of its life. Various invoices are on file along with a V5C. The motorcycle now only awaits fitting of a new wiring harness (supplied) and recommissioning before offering the potentially delightful experience of owning and riding a landmark motorcycle. Keys not required.
• First year of production model, fitted with a 1940 engine
• Landmark British motorcycle
Although Edward Turner's Triumph Speed Twin caused a sensation when it appeared at the 1937 National Motorcycle Show, few could have guessed how influential it would be, establishing a template which would be adopted by all the major British factories in the following decades. Although there had been vertical-twins before previous designs suffered excessive bulk, while the Speed Twin was lighter and narrower across the crankcases than the contemporary single-cylinder Tiger 90, whose cycle parts it shared.
The Speed Twin proved an enormous success for Triumph, setting it on the road to prosperity. Performance proved superb for a road-going 500, with 85mph being readily attainable, and Triumph made sure The Motor Cycle's test model was perfectly set up before handing it over; it averaged an impressive 93.75mph top speed, prompting the tester to remark that this was "truly an amazing performance for a fully equipped 500". Just as importantly the twin was readily brought to life, its brace of 250cc pistons being easier to kick-start than the equivalent single.
This is a beautifully presented first-year example of Turner's landmark machine, with freshly applied trademark Amaranth Red paintwork and chrome. Although fitted with a (rebuilt) later 1940 engine this has been partnered with the rest of the machine for most of its life. Various invoices are on file along with a V5C. The motorcycle now only awaits fitting of a new wiring harness (supplied) and recommissioning before offering the potentially delightful experience of owning and riding a landmark motorcycle. Keys not required.
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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