LOT 122

1960 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin Registration no. 96 BAC Frame no. H13427 Engine no. 5TA H13427

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 122

1960 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin

Motorcycles Online - The January Sale|22 January 2024, 12:28 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1960 Triumph 500cc Speed Twin
Registration no. 96 BAC
Frame no. H13427
Engine no. 5TA H13427

Although Edward Turner's Triumph 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; indeed, Turner's predecessor at Triumph - Val Page - had designed one a few years previously, 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 lovely Speed Twin is ripe for a sympathetic recommissioning or a full restoration to return it to concours condition. Purchased by the current vendor over 20 years ago, it has been dry stored and not started since acquisition. Last taxed in August 1993 and currently displaying 16,458 miles to the odometer. Offered with an old style log book, old style V5, V5C, invoices and tool kit.
Key not required

Footnotes

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