The David Plant Collection, 1914 Triumph 499cc Model C

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. While superseded in size by the 4hp (550cc) model in 1914, the 500cc engine's separate cams left it more tuneable and favoured by sportsmen. Like rival manufacturers, Triumph were keen to exploit their Isle of Man credentials and added a choice of TT Replicas to their range: stripped-down, single-speed, with Roadster and Racer options available.

This early Triumph formerly formed part of the Ken Bills Motorcycle Museum collection before passing to the immediately preceding owner in 1991. It is possible that the machine is an older restoration boasting highly patinated paintwork and saddle leather. The machine carries a 2007 Isle of Man TT re-enactment sticker (number '26'). Accompanying paperwork includes a copy old V5; old V5C document; a quantity of DVLA correspondence; application to transfer or retain a VRN (2011); and an MoT and advisory notice (expired 2012). The V5C for this machine records the engine number in place of the frame number, likely the result of an old clerical error. We have not seen any period documentation that conclusively links the registration TB 654 to frame 309165, and therefore cannot guarantee the original pairing. As TB was issued by Lancashire County Council, prospective purchasers may wish to investigate whether any surviving archive or licensing records can confirm the registration's association with this machine frame number. The engine turns over.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

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