LOT 119

1967 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Registration no. FAM 650D Frame no. 6TDU33897 Engine no. 6T DU10334

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

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 119

1967 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|22 January 2024, 12:25 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1967 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird
Registration no. FAM 650D
Frame no. 6TDU33897
Engine no. 6T DU10334

Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the Montlhery circuit at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid first seen the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburettor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organised economy run.

This charming Thunderbird was purchased by the current vendor in June 2000, with the previous owner having owned it since May 1988. Since purchase, the Triumph has been stored unused with the rest of the collection and will therefore require careful recommissioning before returning to the road. Offered with a V5C, copy old V5, owner history, expired MoT's and invoices.
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.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE

Please click the link to request a transport quote from our recommended transport company, Moving Motorcycles.

To request a UK or European shipping quote - Moving Motorcycles

To request an International shipping quote - Shippio

Saleroom notices

The engine number is 6T DU33897.

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
Like the vast majority of auctioneers, Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Motorcycles (Lots 101-138) the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
For Memorabilia/Automobilia and Spares (Lots 1-7) the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
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.