LOT 304

1954 Triumph 649cc Tiger T110 Registration no. 848 CME Frame no. 59748 Engine no. T110 59748

Sold

Lot 304

1954 Triumph 649cc Tiger T110

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1954 Triumph 649cc Tiger T110
Registration no. 848 CME
Frame no. 59748
Engine no. T110 59748

Every Triumph enthusiasts knows that the Bonneville owes its name to record-breaking successes on the eponymous Utah salt flats, but how many are aware that the machine which set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph in 1958 was a Tiger 110 equipped with twin carburettors? A development of the Thunderbird tourer, the T110 prototype performed brilliantly in the 1953 ISDT, thus providing the production version - launched later that year - with invaluable publicity.

The first Triumph with swinging-arm rear suspension, the T110 came with a revised engine incorporating a stronger crankshaft, high-compression pistons, larger inlet valves and 'hotter' cams. The T110 remained in production into 1961, one of the most important developments along the way being the introduction on this model for 1956 of the aluminium-alloy 'Delta' high-compression cylinder head, which increased power and pushed the T110's top speed towards 120mph.

Its accompanying Triumph OMCC certificate reveals that this matching-numbers T110 was manufactured on 1st November 1954 and supplied new to Turner Bros of Palmers Green, London N13. The private vendor purchased the T110 from a UK auction in 2023; it was offered from the estate of the late Mr Alan Holdaway from Southampton, who had restored the machine. See purchase invoice on file and original catalogue description.

Circa December 2023 a full nut and bolt restoration by Ace Classic London. Invoices on file.

Used sparingly since its restoration otherwise has been dry stored in the garage.

Sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.

Documents include:

Current V5C
Previous owner V5C
RF60 Logbook (issued 1955)
Triumph dating certificate (2013)
Ace Classic invoices
Charterhouse invoice and copy of description
DVLA Sorn correspondence
A 2013 handwritten purchase receipt from previous owner Alan Holdaway.

Key not required

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

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

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Bonhams Motorcycles - The Autumn Stafford Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.

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' 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 Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Motorcycles