LOT 484

1950 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar Registration no. LND 460 Frame no. 13847N Engine no. 6T 13847N

Sold for £11,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 484

1950 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|21 April 2024, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1950 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird and Swallow Jet 80 Sidecar
Registration no. LND 460
Frame no. 13847N
Engine no. 6T 13847N

•Used extensively for film, television and other work
•Present ownership since 1999
•'The most famous motorcycle combination in Britain'

Just what is it about this Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle combination that makes it so appealing? Is it because these quirky vehicles are now so rarely seen that they evoke visions of an assumed gentler past? Or is it because they're regarded as intrinsically comical? Whatever the reason, this Thunderbird combination's special appeal has landed it a host of appearances in films, on television and in advertisements on TV and in the press; indeed, it has enjoyed more exposure than any other machine in the collection, earning the vendors - if not a small fortune - then certainly a tidy sum since it was acquired in 1999. Its media career highlights are listed below together with the supporting documentation where available:

Last of the Summer Wine - TV comedy series (1999) - call sheets and other paperwork

The Worst Witch - children's TV series (1999) - copies of call sheets and other paperwork

The Mighty Boosh - TV comedy series (2004) - call sheet

Nicorette advertisement for France (2006)

Kingdom - TV drama series (2008)

Filth – The Mary Whitehouse Story - TV film (2008)

The Catherine Tait 'Xmas' Special - TV comedy show (2009) - related paperwork

The Original Gift Company print advertisement (2009)

Sex, Drugs, & Rock 'n' Chips - TV comedy series (2010)

Churchill Insurance advertising campaign (2011)

Paddington Bear - film (2013) - call sheet

Strictly Come Dancing - TV light entertainment series (2013)

John Lewis Christmas Annual (2013)

intu Properties shopping centres Christmas advertising campaign (2014)

O2 mobile phone network advertising campaign (2015)

Ant & Dec TV advertisement

McDonald's TV advertisement for China

one2one mobile phone network promotional poster

HSBC print advertisement

In addition, the substantial history file (two large folders) contains copies of photographs and printed material relating to most of the aforementioned film and television appearances and advertising campaigns (inspection recommended). The files also contain all the usual historical material: sundry invoices; photocopied literature; a quantity of expired MoTs; old/current V5/V5C documents; and an original Triumph instruction manual and replacement parts list. Keys present.

A unique opportunity to own what must be the most famous motorcycle combination in Britain.

This machine has been stored in dry conditions and has seen little or no use since 2016. Accordingly, it is sold strictly as viewed and may require varying degrees of recommissioning and/or restoration prior to further use.

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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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 21 April starting at 11am GMT.

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 client services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Buyers Premium and Charges
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For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-91) the Buyers Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
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