The David Plant Collection, 1957 Triumph 650cc 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 banked Montlhéry circuit in France 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, a quite outstanding achievement. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new 650cc twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid first seen on Triumphs the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburettor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organised economy run. The model remained in production in fundamentally its original form, though with progressively updated cycle parts, until the arrival of the unitary construction 650 range in 1962.

This non-matching-numbers Thunderbird was acquired by our vendor in April 1989 and currently displays a total of 33,405 miles on the odometer. An older restoration presented in generally complete condition, the machine carries a 2003 Isle of Man TT/Isle of Man Section 48th International Rally sticker. It comes with an Isle of Man logbook, recording the date of first registration as 22nd July 1957. The logbook itself dates from 1990, at which time the Thunderbird was recorded as belonging to one Ronald Scott. 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.

If purchased by a UK resident, the Isle of Man Registration Certificate must be submitted to the DVLA with a V55/5 application to obtain a UK Registration Certificate. Motorcycles over 40 years old may be registered without an MOT upon submission of form V112 (Vehicle of Historic Interest declaration). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and completeness of the documentation and will be responsible for any subsequent registration formalities with the DVLA.
Key not required