Never miss an auction
Never miss an auction
£2,300
1960 Triumph 6T Thunderbird, 650cc. Registration number 805 XWG (non transferrable). Frame number 4924. Engine number 6T D2372 (V5C states D4924).
Sold with the V5C and locking keys.
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. One of the most significant subsequent developments was the introduction of a swinging-arm frame for 1955 but prior to that time Triumph twins could be ordered with the optional 'sprung hub' (designed by Edward Turner) which offered a limited amount of rear suspension movement.
Triumph got an unexpected marketing shot-in-the-arm when Marlon Brando rode a black 1950 Triumph Thunderbird in the movie "The Wild One". Triumph quickly responded by introducing an entire line of black T-Birds, aptly nicknamed the Triumph Blackbird.
Please note the buyer will need to buy his new number plate as it has just had a plate swap. It has recently had new clocks fitted.
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
15% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
18.6% inc VAT*
15% inc VAT*
*These fees include buyers premiums and internet surcharges. Other fees may apply.
