1955 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD

KEY FACTS

• A fantastic example of a sought-after classic British motorcycle, which benefits from a prior restoration and is presented in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition.
• It is powered by a 650cc four-stroke parallel-twin engine, which produces around 34bhp and is coupled to a four-speed manual transmission.
• The odometer currently displays 32 miles, which is understood to be the mileage since completion of the restoration.
• Despatched to J.E. Green Garages, Newton Abbot in April 1955, this Thunderbird was acquired by the seller 20 years ago, and was fully restored in 2011.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Launched in 1949 largely to satisfy American market desire for a larger, more powerful alternative to its Speed Twin predecessor, the ‘6T’ Thunderbird was equipped with a bored-out 650cc parallel-twin, and is perhaps best known for its appearance in the 1953 Marlon Brando film ‘The Wild One’.
• This example was restored to largely original specification by marque specialist Alistair Hillaby in 2011, and is fitted with the correct Amal Monobloc carburettor and under-seat ignition coil. In order to improve the bike’s performance and reliability, a number of subtle have been carried out.
• The engine has been rebuilt to ‘T110’ specifications, with a lightened and rebalanced crankshaft and 3325 sports/road camshafts with ‘R’-spec cam followers on the inlet, while the compression ratio has been increased to 7.75:1.
• A Morgo plunger-type oil pump has also been installed, along with 12-volt electrics and a Boyer electronic ignition system.
• Furthermore, the gearbox layshaft has been converted to run on needle roller bearings; and the front and rear brake shoes have been replaced with later, fully-floating items, offering ‘self-servo’ operation.
• The bike will be accompanied by documentation of its last service and full details of its restoration.

CONDITION

• No known frame or bodywork damage.
• The blue paintwork is in excellent condition, with a smooth and glossy appearance and no significant marks or blemishes to speak of.
• The exterior trims and brightwork are also in great shape, as are the hand grips; while the rubber foot pegs show some signs of use.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• Exempt due to its age, the bike’s last MOT test was conducted on 11 September 2012 at an indicated 16 miles since the restoration, resulting in a clean, first-time pass.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Thunderbird’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in December 2016 at an indicated 25 miles by Chiltern Moto Classics, who serviced the inlet guides and valves, and fitted new rocker shafts.
• Prior to this, Chiltern Moto Classics cleaned the carburettor and the fuel tank, and replaced the battery in November 2015, while the bike was restored in 2011.

SUMMARY

This 1955 Triumph ‘6T’ Thunderbird is an iconic classic motorcycle, which remains in superb mechanical and cosmetic order following its specialist restoration. Described by the seller as running and riding “better than new”, it is ready to enjoy immediately, and will surely appeal to any Triumph enthusiast or collector.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.