In the 1950s and 1960s coolness on two wheels most often involved a Triumph motorcycle. Marlon Brando, James Dean and Steve McQueen all rode Triumphs. That led to many – if not most – Triumphs being customized by their owners. This 1966 Bonneville is a good example of a mild period custom, showing a chromed oil tank and footpeg mounts, shorty mufflers and a cut-down Bates-style seat.


The motor, transmission and primary drive in this matching-numbers Bonneville were treated to an extensive rebuild by a noted Triumph expert and former racer, and have seen no miles since then. Likewise the carbs, electrics, fork seals and tubes/tires were renewed. The "gray face" Smiths speedometer and tachometer atop the fork assembly were new-in-the-box when installed. Recently the undented gas tank was resprayed in metallic silver.