LOT 498

1959 Triumph 649cc TR6B 'Trophy-Bird' Registration no. 238 UYA Frame no. 029408 Engine no. 029408

Estimate: £9,000 - £12,000

Lot 498

1959 Triumph 649cc TR6B 'Trophy-Bird'

The Autumn Stafford Sale – The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|14 October 2023, 10:30 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1959 Triumph 649cc TR6B 'Trophy-Bird'
Registration no. 238 UYA
Frame no. 029408
Engine no. 029408

Success in the International Six Days' Trial (ISDT) in the late 1940s prompted Triumph to adopt the 'Trophy' name for their off-road-styled twins, at first for the 500cc TR5 and then for the 650cc TR6. Introduced for 1956, the 650cc Trophy featured the new aluminium-alloy 'Delta' cylinder head of the Tiger 110 sports roadster. Its off-road pretensions were more style than substance though, amounting to little more than the fitting of a smaller fuel tank, quickly detachable QD headlamp, and larger-section rear tyre. The TR6 soon gained the sobriquet 'Trophy-Bird', as many saw it as combining characteristics of the off-road Trophy 500 and 650 Thunderbird. It was a big hit in the USA, forming the basis of many a 'desert sled' racer.

Supplied new to Johnson Motors Inc and formerly resident in California, this example was brought to the UK and completely restored here before being registered on 11th May 2010. Works carried out included blueprinting the engine, balancing the crankshaft, and rebuilding the competition magneto. There is an extensive file detailing all the works carried out, with many of the bills issued by respected specialists Ace Classics London, and the machine also comes with its old California title; a VMCC dating document; and a V5C Registration Certificate. The Trophy last ran two years ago and is described by our vendor as in very good condition throughout.

Footnotes

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