1959 Triumph Bonneville T120R

Highlights

Fully restored to Concours standards by a trained engineer with help from ex-Triumph staff
Part of the Triumph Bonneville 50-year celebration - retains "50-year" sticker and certificate
Show winner - suitable for Concours line-up and ready-to-ride
Original Dunlop wheel rims re-chromed and fitted with stainless steel spokes
Completed a tour of Normandy with no issues, continues to run and ride very well
38,865 miles (indicated)

The Appeal

The most iconic motorcycle of all time? It could well be.

Launched in 1959, the T120 Bonneville was the great Edward Turner's last production design for Triumph. It was based upon the Tiger T110 - earning the 'Bonneville' moniker in honour of Texas racer Johnny Allen's 214.17 mph run on the Bonneville Salt Flats in a T110-engined streamliner. The T120 would go on to be enormously successful, remaining in production until 1975 and now once again part of Triumph's model range.

Early Bonnevilles are, unsurprisingly, highly sought after, so we're delighted to present this superb first-year example which has been subject to an extensive restoration. The work was carried out by a trained engineer, with help from ex-Triumph staff and the result - we're sure you'll agree - is magnificent.

Every detail was attended to with pin-point precision, retaining its original charm while benefiting from modern restoration techniques. The bike is a show winner and therefore an excellent candidate for forthcoming Concours events. We're informed that it rides beautifully and is ready to enjoy.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured in 1959, left the factory on 27 November 1959 as a 1960 model - confirmed by The Vintage Motor Cycle Club
Exported to Canada, imported back into the UK by Barnfield Classics in 2008
Purchased from Barnfield Classics on 21/12/08 with matching engine and frame numbers as a restoration project
Fully restored to factory condition by a trained engineer with help from ex-Triumph staff
Registered with DVLA on 21 May 2009
Owned and maintained by the current owner with no former registered keepers in the UK
Serviced by the apprentice-trained engineer owner every year regardless of mileage
Part of the Triumph Bonneville 50-year celebration, retains "50-year" sticker on the headlight and has a celebration certificate
Minor refresh of cycle components in 2022 to maintain factory condition
Completed a tour of Normandy with no issues, continues to run and ride very well

The Condition

Fully restored to original factory condition
Maintained to ensure all mechanical, bodywork, and cycle parts remain in superb condition
Petrol tank and mudguards professionally repainted in period-correct Bonneville blue and silver colours
Tank fitted with chrome luggage rack
Original Dunlop wheel rims re-chromed and fitted with stainless spokes
All chrome work in very good 'show' condition
Smiths speedometer and tachometer refurbished
Forks, swing arm, and frame powder coated with glossy finish, leaving a small area to see the frame number
Handlebars, grips, and levers in very good condition
Correct two-tone seat for this model, new at restoration and in very good condition
Tyres in very good condition: Avon Speed Master rib front and Dunlop Gold Seal K70 block tread rear
Fitted with centre and side stands
Paintwork professionally sprayed in correct blue and silver colours with gold lining, without scratch or blemish
All black cycle parts powder coated with gloss finish for durability

The Mechanics

Original 649cc parallel twin OHV four-stroke engine fully rebuilt, serviced every year regardless of mileage
Engine number clearly visible and matches the frame number
Engine cases polished to a mirror finish and meticulously maintained
New, correct for year, twin Amal 'choped' monoblock carburettors with central float bowl fitted during restoration
Starts and runs well; new pair of full Amal 376 monoblock carburettors supplied with the bike
New wiring harness with quick release plug to headlight for easy removal
Magneto and dynamo reconditioned, bike charges normally as shown by the amp meter in the headlight
Clutch and original 4-speed gearbox in very good condition with new primary and final drive chains
Forks, suspension units, and brakes all in very good condition
New exhaust silencers recently fitted
The vendor comments that the bike is a joy to ride and has a pleasant exhaust sound
We're informed that the engine starts easily and pulls well

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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