1952 Triumph Thunderbird

The Laguna Seca Auction|13 August 2026, 10:00 PDT|WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

1952 Triumph Thunderbird
Frame no. 28368
Engine no. T100 9106732

650cc OHV Parallel Twin
Single Amal Carburetor
34bhp at 6,300rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Plunger Front Fork and Solid Rear
Front and Rear Drum Brakes

* An iconic piece of motorcycle design history
* Designed to run 90mph for hours or sip fuel at lower speeds
* Two owners in the past quarter century
* A fabulous machine for display or tours

THE TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD

Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the Circuit de Montlhéry at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid first seen the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburetor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organized economy run.

THE MOTORCYCLE OFFERED

With its distinctive chrome and silver gas tank with blue lining, the Thunderbird inspired thousands of riders throughout the years and this one is no different. Acquired from the United Kingdom in 2001 by the prior owner – a collector with a private museum – the bike was on long term static display. The current owner purchased the bike from Bonhams in March of 2022 and has carefully kept it since with minimal use. n need of recommissioning having been on static display, this is an opportunity to acquire one of the legendary Thunderbirds that would be a welcome addition to any collection and would certainly be a talking point at any event.

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
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium.
For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.
For MOTORCYCLE property the premium is 15% on the first $100,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $100,000.
For AUTOMOBILIA or non motor vehicle property, the premium is 28% of the first $50,000 of the bid price, plus 27% of the amount of the bid price above $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 21% of the amount of the bid price above $1,000,000 up to and including $6,000,000, plus 14.5% of the amount of the bid price above $6,000,000.
A 3rd-party bidding platform fee equal to 4% of the Hammer Price shall be payable by buyers whose successful bid is submitted via 3rd-party bidding platforms, including Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
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.
Collection Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE:
12pm PDT on Saturday, August 15, 2026
MOTOR VEHICLE COLLECTION:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Domestic Transport
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International Transporters
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Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117, [email protected]
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Alistair Forbes, +1 (310) 695 6403, [email protected]
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction.
Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline. It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline:
12pm PDT on Sunday, August 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Thursday, August 13, 10am to 6pm
Friday, August 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday, August 15, 8:30am to 12pm
For buyers who plan to collect their purchases immediately, Bonhams strongly recommends paying by wire transfer, certified check (bank draft), or submitting a Bank Letter of Guarantee. The Bank Letter of Guarantee must be addressed to Bonhams and be in the name of the registered bidder. Credit cards are not accepted for Motorcar lots. Cash payments have a limit of $5,000. We strongly encourage contactless payment of invoices prior to collection. Lots will not be released to buyers until full and final payment is received by Bonhams. Payment made by personal or business check may result in property not being released until purchase funds clear our bank. Bidders may also pre-arrange suitable check or credit approval with Client Services.
Lot Collection Deadline:
12pm PDT on Saturday, August 15, 2026
Shipping Notices
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If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
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Special Car Dealer Notices
, number 07164
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