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LOT 86 *N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, Formerly the property of Luigi Taveri c.1948 Triumph 499cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. T.F.20071R Engine no. TT00 106384 (see text)

Sold for £25,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 86*,N

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, Formerly the property of Luigi Taveri, c.1948 Triumph 499cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle

The Connoisseurs Collection, Part II, Formerly the property of Luigi Taveri
c.1948 Triumph 499cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. T.F.20071R
Engine no. TT00 106384 (see text)

The Lot is from outside the UK. Shippio Ltd must automatically uplift this Lot after the auction, complete all post sale import or export customs administration, and store this Lot until it is customs cleared. A compulsory fee of £350 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this. This Lot cannot be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any alternative transporter.

If the Lot is to stay in the UK or is not exported within 90 days of sale, Import VAT at 5% on the hammer price is payable.


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 aluminium 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 to total between 150 and 200), the Grand Prix is among the rarest and most desirable of post-WW2 Triumphs.

Copy documentation on file reveals that this Triumph Grand Prix was sold to our vendor in 1997 by none other than Luigi Taveri, the Swiss ace whose three World Championships were gained in the 125cc class while riding for Honda (1962, 1964 and 1966).

The TOMCC kindly advise, the frame was despatched to Rossliegh, Edinburgh in April 1949, while the engine number is a non-factory restamp. The machine is presented in older-restored condition (the engine turns over).

Offered unregistered and without registration documents. 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.
Key not required

Footnotes

Please note that this motorcycle has sustained damage to the fuel tank during transit. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the condition of the lot.


All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Saturday 25 April, with the auction starting at 2:30pm BST.

Saleroom notices

Please note that this motorcycle has sustained damage to the fuel tank during transit. Prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the condition of the lot.

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  • 25 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 26 April 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
This machine is subject to post-sale customs administration and, for UK Buyers, a NOVA declaration. Whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice, as follows: for Live Public Sales: £350 + VAT; for Timed, Online-only Sales: £195 + VAT.

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