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.

This lovely 1951 Triumph Thunderbird is a fine, fully restored example, built to original specification, still with a rigid frame of pre-1953 and the sprung rear hub to aid ride & handling, somewhat. The stunning Polychromatic Blue was a new paint color for the 1951 model year, as was the larger Amal carburetor and improved 7inch SLS front brake.

The 1951 Triumph Thunderbird was a handsome machine in its day. The headlight nacelle of the 1951 Triumph Thunderbird incorporated the headlight, gauges, and handlebar mounts all in one neat package. It wasn't until the American Triumph dealers made a fuss that Triumph Motorcycles began to get lean & mean, starting with the 1956 Triumph TR6. This Thunderbird represents a time where form was as important as function on a gentleman's motorcycle of great style.