The Andy Chapman Collection – Part III, 1975 Triumph 741cc Trident 'Slippery Sam' Replica

• Replica of the famous works production racer
• Built by Les Williams
• Acquired for the collection in 2021

Although up-staged in the showroom by Japanese rivals, the Triumph and BSA 750 triples did more than enough on the racetrack to ensure their place in motorcycling history. BSA-Triumph's Chief Engineer Doug Hele supervised engine development throughout 1969 while frame builder Rob North devised a chassis that would stand the test of time like few others. The team narrowly missed victory at the 1970 Daytona 200, its first major event, when Gene Romero finished second on a Triumph. Dick Mann's BSA won at Daytona in 1971 and John Cooper, also BSA-mounted, at Mallory Park's Race of the Year, vanquishing the hitherto unbeatable combination of Giacomo Agostini and MV. Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell had won the 24-hour Bol d'Or endurance race the preceding week on another Triple, and Cooper wrapped up a memorable international season for BSA-Triumph with victory in the 250-mile race at Ontario in October.

As a production racer the Triple was equally dominant, as the number of important production race victories achieved (most notably by the five-time Production TT-winning works Triumph Trident, 'Slippery Sam') is eloquent testimony. The Slippery Sam name was acquired during the 1970 Bol d'Or when a serious oil leak covered the bike shared by works riders Percy Tait and Steve Jolly, who nevertheless managed to finish 5th behind winners Paul Smart and Tom Dickie on another works Trident. After the dissolution of BSA-Triumph, race shop foreman Les Williams continued to develop the Triples, producing the acclaimed limited edition Legend and constructing a number of replicas of the multiple TT-winning Slippery Sam.

This example's history file contains a letter from L P Williams (Trevor Gleadall) confirming that this is number '21' of a limited run built by Les Williams and that it was completed on 11th March 1978. The machine was acquired for the collection in 2021. Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The holder contains a tax disc that expired in June 1975, and the machine also comes with a current V5C Registration Certificate, (two copies); the 2021 handwritten purchase receipt; 1999 Cotswold Classics sales invoice; various invoices/bills; some expired MoTs and DVLA tax reminders; and a list of some previous owners. It should be noted that the aforementioned V5C omits the 'T150V' frame and engine number prefixes.
Offered with key