LOT 536

Property of a deceased's estate 1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville Registration no. AHJ 902G Frame no. T120R DU89806 Engine no. T120R DU89806

Sold for £5,750 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 536

Property of a deceased's estate, 1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville

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

Property of a deceased's estate
1968 Triumph 649cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. AHJ 902G
Frame no. T120R DU89806
Engine no. T120R DU89806

As the 1960s dawned, unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of Triumph's 350 and 500 twins, and that innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racer's favourite since its launch, thanks to lusty acceleration and a top speed approaching 120mph, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster, arriving at what aficionados consider its ultimate specification with the launch of the 1968 model. By this time the frame had been sorted and 12-volt electrics standardised, while welcome improvements included shuttle-valve fork internals; independently adjustable ignition points; Amal Concentric carburettors; and a long overdue twin-leading-shoe front brake. For the next couple of seasons the Bonnie continued essentially unchanged, before the disastrous launch of the Umberslade Hall-designed 'oil-in-frame' models in November 1970 precipitated the collapse of the entire BSA-Triumph Group.

Belonging to the last Bonneville generation built before BSA-Triumph switched to the oil-in-frame range, this example was purchased from Chariots Specialist Cars, Kettering in 2016 (invoice on file). The Bonnie carries a tax disc that expired in 2014 and is believed to be an older restoration. Following a period of inactivity, it will require re-commissioning to a greater or lesser extent and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the vendor advises us that a new battery has been fitted). Accompanying documents include a current V5C; Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club dating certificate; expired MoTs; DVLA correspondence; and sundry invoices/bills.
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.

Saleroom notices

The battery was fitted in 2017.

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.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-117) the Buyers Premium is 27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 201-276 & 301-560) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles