LOT 204

1961 Triumph 649cc Thunderbird 6T Registration no. 534 MKT Frame no. D11347 Engine no. 6T D11347

Sold for £4,025 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 204

1961 Triumph 649cc Thunderbird 6T

The Spring Stafford Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|27 April 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1961 Triumph 649cc Thunderbird 6T
Registration no. 534 MKT
Frame no. D11347
Engine no. 6T D11347

With the drive for exports in full flow during the 1940s Triumph felt the pressure from their distributors in USA for larger capacity machines. The result of this was the introduction of the 650cc Thunderbird in 1949. Initially with sprung hub rear suspension, It was updated to swinging arm in 1954, and in 1960 acquired the 'bathtub' rear enclosures. As revealed by the old buff RF60 log book on file, 534 MKT was originally despatched to Schwieso Brothers Ltd of Lowfield Street, Dartford, Kent, where it was first registered on 30th January 1961. It passed to the first owner, David Leonard Davis on 3rd February 1961, followed by Donald Alfred Hoskins on 10th September 1962. On 20th March 1963 It transferred to third owner Stephen Arthur Bradshaw. A copy dating letter on file, from the Triumph Owners Club, confirms the details of despatch and receiving dealership. A number of invoices and receipts on file dated between 2007 and 2010 addressed to Ron Bradshaw suggest that may have been when the machine was restored, and also indicate the possibility that Ron Bradshaw may be related to Stephen Bradshaw. 534 MKT was purchased by the present owner in 2019, and kept on display in his private collection since. Unused in the present ownership, the machine will require careful re-commissioning and safety checks prior to returning to the road, hence offered strictly as viewed. Documents include the aforementioned old buff RF60 log book, TOMCC dating letter, and quantity of invoices, together with a current V5C, some period photos inscribed 1967, and a CD. Key present.

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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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

This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction 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
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 Automobilia 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.
For Motor Cycles, Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers 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.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers 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.
- Motorcycles