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LOT 331

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1955 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin Registration no. TBJ 847 Frame no. 71882 Engine no. 5T 71882

Sold for £6,325 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 331

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1955 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection
1955 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin
Registration no. TBJ 847
Frame no. 71882
Engine no. 5T 71882

Although Edward Turner's Speed Twin caused a sensation when it appeared at the 1937 Motorcycle Show, few of its admirers can have guessed how influential the design would prove to be. True, there had been vertical twins before but the Coventry firm's newcomer established a formula that would be adopted by all of Britain's major motorcycle manufacturers in the succeeding decade. And whereas previous vertical twins had suffered from excess bulk, Turner's was lighter and narrower across the crankcase than the contemporary single-cylinder Tiger 90, and from certain angles looked just like a twin-port single. Performance proved exemplary for a road-going 500, better than 100mph being attainable under favourable conditions. This 'pre-unit' example dates from 1955, by which time the Speed Twin had received a stronger eight-stud cylinder barrel in place of the six-stud original and been updated with a telescopic front fork and swinging-arm frame among other improvements.

This Speed Twin was despatched new to Revetts Ltd in Ipswich, Suffolk. Already dismantled when acquired by Tony East in April 1995, the machine comes with numerous invoices relating to its restoration by Bryan Small Motorcycles circa 1995/1996 (£2,561) and one for mechanical work by Heritage Classics (£1,108). The file also contains DVLA and insurance correspondence; dating letters; old/current V5/V5C documents; six MoTs (most recent expired 2006); and an original parts list and instruction manual.
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

Please note there is no old V5, but old and new V5C's with this lot.

Additional information

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