Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
1951 Triumph 649cc 6T Thunderbird
Registration no. JUK 186
Frame no. 15758NA
Engine no. 6T 15758NA
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. A 1952 model first registered in December 1951, this sprung hub-equipped example was purchased for the Museum in November 2003 and restored by them, as commemorated by the attached silver plaque. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Offered with an old-style V5C document.
Saleroom notices
- Please click the link to view the walkaround video of Lot 219: click here
