LOT 120

c.1954 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Registration no. not registered (see text) Frame no. unable to locate Engine no. 6T1744N (see text)

Sold for £7,475 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 120

c.1954 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|22 January 2024, 12:26 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

c.1954 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird
Registration no. not registered (see text)
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. 6T1744N (see text)

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 Thunderbird was purchased by the vendor over 10 years ago and has been stored in his collection since, currently displaying 55,297 miles to the odometer it will require careful recommissioning before returning to the road, the engine does turn over. Despite displaying the VRN 'MCK 782', the VRN is now attributed to another motorcycle. Accordingly, the motorcycle is offered unregistered and offered without documents.
Key not required

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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Saleroom notices

The frame number is 1744N.

Additional information

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