LOT 393
1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy 'Big Bear' Replica Registration no. not registered Frame no. 02105 Engine no. TR6 02105
1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy 'Big Bear' Replica
1959 Triumph TR6 Trophy 'Big Bear' Replica
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 02105
Engine no. TR6 02105
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 02105
Engine no. TR6 02105
• Built by Sean Kelly in the USA for the vendor
• Tank signed by Bud Ekins
• Not run since completion
• Requires recommissioning
Introduced in 1956, the Triumph TR6 Trophy was the kind of competent all-around machine that owners could adapt for off-road sport, either as dual-purpose mounts or as outright competition machines for trials, scrambles, enduros and desert racing.
Among its most famous exponents were Bud Ekins and his close friend Steve McQueen, who would race across the Mojave Desert on 650cc TR6 'desert sleds'. When the pair filmed the riding sequences in the movie The Great Escape, many of the machines used were Triumph TR6s, including the climactic barbed-wire fence jump performed by Ekins doubling for McQueen.
Bud Ekins' greatest desert racing success came in the Big Bear Motorcycle Run, a gruelling 153-mile test across California's mountains and deserts. In 1956, he placed 2nd on a TR6, in a Triumph 1-2-3 clean sweep. The following year he returned to win outright, leading home a Triumph-dominated field in which 20 of the top 25 finishers rode the marque. His victory confirmed Triumph's dominance of the American desert scene and cemented Ekins' reputation as the country's foremost off-road racer.
This TR6 'Big Bear' replica was built by Sean Kelly – founder of the modern-day Johnson Motors and a close friend of Ekins – for our vendor. Kelly, whose workshop neighboured Bud's, drew directly on Ekins' advice and memorabilia. Bud provided a plug spanner, suggested routing the control cable over the tank to prevent snagging, and recommended the distinctive footpegs copied from his own bikes, complete with hooked ends for his boots. He also signed the tank: '1959 Big Bear Winner Bud Ekins'. The machine has not been run since completion and will require recommissioning before use. Offered with import paperwork confirming duties paid on entry.
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.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale
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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this motorcycle was imported into the UK from the USA in 2003 and has never been registered. Unfortunately, the vendor no longer retains the UK import paperwork, and as such, the machine is offered for off-road or exhibition use only. Prospective bidders are advised to satisfy themselves as to the documentation available.
Additional information
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