The Green House Farm Collection, 1919 Triumph 550cc TT Roadster Type-D

• Stripped down, lightweight sports roadster
• Present ownership for circa 25 years
• An older restoration
• Successful Banbury Run competitor

The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine, but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally bicycle manufacturers - was building its own power units. The company was soon involved in racing, and the publicity generated by competition success - Jack Marshall won the 1908 Isle of Man TT's single-cylinder class for Triumph - greatly stimulated sales. By the outbreak of the Great War the marque's reputation for quality and reliability was well-established, leading to substantial orders for 'Trusty Triumphs' for British and Allied forces. The 3½hp model first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908, and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 4hp model in 1914. Like rival manufacturers, Triumph were keen to exploit their Isle of Man credentials and introduced the TT Roadster - a stripped-down, lightweight sports model with belt drive, no clutch and variable-pulley gear; in 1919 specification it weighed only 191lb.

This Triumph has been authenticated as a Model D by VMCC stalwart and a noted Triumph aficionado, the late David Earnshaw. The machine was purchased circa 25 years ago from Scotland and was in need of a complete restoration, which was carried out around 15 years ago. The Vendor advises the engine was refurbished with a new piston, valves, guides and new main bearings, and the magneto overhauled, while the wheel bearings, head stock bearings and fork pivot bearings were renewed. The frame and tank were repainted and the saddle re-covered. The Triumph has since completed two Banbury Runs, with clean ascents up Sunrising Hill on both occasions! According to our vendor, it pulls like a train and no hill has beaten it yet.

The machine has been kept in heated, dry storage with all fuel drained and carburettors cleaned following each use. Although not used very often in recent years, it has been periodically started. The vendor is thinning out his collection, hence the reason for sale. Offered with a current V5C document. It should be noted the V5C omits the 'MTO' engine suffix.
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