The David Plant Collection, c.1948 Triumph 499cc Grand Prix Replica

The Triumph Grand Prix entered motorcycling legend when Ernie Lyons won the rain-soaked 1946 Senior Manx Grand Prix on the machine's Isle of Man debut, and the prototype's success resulted in a production version introduced in 1948. The Tiger 100 was the project's starting point, its engine suitably modified with the lightweight alloy cylinder head and barrel from the wartime Triumph generator unit. Twin Amal carburettors were mounted on a special inlet manifold, high-compression pistons and race camshafts installed, and the valve gear lightened and polished. The bottom end remained close to standard, though the polished crankshaft ran in roller rather then ball bearings, and the heavy-duty rods and bearing caps ran directly on the crankpins. Primary drive was by exposed chain, and the gearbox contained close ratios. Cycle parts were close to stock T100, the rear sprung hub's 8" brake being matched by an experimental one of same size up front.

Built in limited numbers (estimated as between 150 and 200), the Grand Prix is among the rarest and most desirable of post-WW2 Triumphs. As with all such exotica there is a continuing demand for replicas, this re-creation of Ernie Lyons' Manx Grand Prix-winner employing a 1948 frame and a 1952 Tiger 100 engine (see notes on file signed by Lyons). The machine was built by Eric Turner, whose typewritten account of its creation in the early/mid-1980s is on file.

There is an engraving to the top of the fuel tank which states that the machine is a replica of the 'Ernie Lyons Triumph Tiger 100 (sic) Senior Manx Grand Prix winner at 76.74 mph Sept 1946'. The machine also has a scrutineering sticker to the front for the VMCC's 24th Isle of Man Rally Park Parade Lap, Ballacraine to Ramsey 26th of August 1996. Included in the sale is a framed image of Ernie Lyons on the machine, with a note dated September 1996 stating, 'Fifty years on. To the genius who recreated my Senior winning G.P. Triumph - perfect in every detail. Thanks Eric for the reawakened memories. Sincerely yours Ernie Lyons'.

Acquired by the vendor in 1995, the Triumph is an older restoration that has started to deteriorate in places. Detailed cleaning and/or further restoration/recommissioning will be required before further use. The machine is offered with old/current V5/V5C documents and some marque-related literature.

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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