Although up-staged in the showroom by Japanese rivals, the Triumph and BSA 750 triples did more than enough on the racetrack to ensure their place in motorcycling history. BSA-Triumph's Chief Engineer Doug Hele supervised engine development throughout 1969 while frame builder Rob North devised a chassis that would stand the test of time like few others. The team narrowly missed victory at the 1970 Daytona 200, its first major event, when Gene Romero finished second on a Triumph. Dick Mann's BSA won at Daytona in 1971 and John Cooper, also BSA-mounted, at Mallory Park's Race of the Year, vanquishing the hitherto unbeatable combination of Giacomo Agostini and MV. Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell had won the 24-hour Bol d'Or endurance race the preceding week on another Triple, and Cooper wrapped up a memorable international season for BSA-Triumph with victory in the 250-mile race at Ontario in October. As a production racer the Triple was equally dominant, as the number of important production race victories achieved (most notably by the famous works Triumph known as 'Slippery Sam') is eloquent testimony. After the dissolution of BSA-Triumph, race shop foreman Les Williams continued to develop the Triples, producing the acclaimed, limited edition Legend and constructing a number of replicas of the multiple TT-winning 'Slippery Sam'. Williams having led the way, 'Sam' has remained a popular subject among replica-builders ever since.

This part-dismantled Trident was purchased as a 'basket case' in 1990/91 with the intention of restoring it. Nothing is known of the machine's history or who built/raced it. The vendor advises us that it is complete, including the fairing and various parts in wooden boxes, and that the engine has been stored inside his house since purchase. (It should be noted that there are no identifying numbers on either the frame or engine). There are no documents with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.