1960 Triumph Bonneville T120R
Highlights
- Very good matching numbers Bonneville T120R
- Only one previous UK registered owner
- No expense spared restoration during 2020 with dedicated Triumph mechanic
- Specialist engine rebuild
- Extremely low mileage since and in ‘fine fettle”
The Appeal
The immediate post-war years in Britain were all about exports. Like its competitors, Triumph had its sights set on the burgeoning American market. Its approach was inspired.
It equipped Texan racer with a 650cc Triumph on which he hit 193mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. That resulted in a new world record and a brand new bike, the Bonneville. Quick and capable it became a sales success and a linchpin of the Triumph range to the present day.
Not surprisingly, good Bonnevilles are amongst the most in-demand of classic bikes. This matching numbers ‘Bonnie’ is one of the best - and most cherished - we’ve seen recently. It was extensively restored in 2020 by a Triumph mechanic covering cosmetics and mechanicals at a cost of several thousand pounds. The quality of the work and the knowledge that lies behind it are obvious from the photographs - everything is period correct from the powder coated frame to the rebuilt engine.
The enthusiast seller has lavished the bike with care, including a thorough cleaning regime. So the buyer not only gets a bike that runs very well, but one that looks the part too - perfect for shows, meets and tours.
This is a thoroughly well sorted, high quality example of one of the classic bike world’s true icons.
The History and Paperwork
- Left the Triumph Meriden Works, Coventry, on the 4th February 1960
- First supplied to an Englishman living in Sweden
- Registered in the U.K. on the 1st December 2019
- Age-related non-transferrable registration
- Number plate authorisation certificate
- Up to date V5 present
- Model confirmation from the Francis Barnet Owners Club
- Invoices for parts and engine rebuild
- MOT exempt
Note from the seller:
“I bought this motorcycle from Classic Motorcycles Ltd, Cheshire, in January 2020 and with the help of a specialist Triumph mechanic we have extensively restored this bike both cosmetically and mechanically at a cost of several thousand pounds. This has been a thoroughly joyful project and my matching numbers ‘Bonnie’ looks stunning and period correct from the powder coated frame to the rebuilt engine, it not only looks great it also rides and handles well on the road.
- All chain cases, carburettors and spokes have been meticulously cleaned to a high standard as I take great pride in my machine.
- There is a special cut out switch in a bid to deter thieves.
- Completely ready to ride and admire, this bike is “superb” in every respect and moreover - “you’ll be hard pushed to find a nicer one”.
- At 83 years of age it’s time to have had my last ride.”
The Condition
- Completely restored to a very high standard
- Correct Bonneville colour scheme of Sky Blue and Silver Sheen
- Glossy powder coated duplex frame
- Very good fuel tank with chrome luggage rack
- Good handlebars, rubber grips and levers
- Shining chrome work
- Exceptionally clean and polished alloy components
- New Smiths speedometer, tachometer and Lucas ammeter
- Lucas headlight with stone guard and new rear light
- Additional front and rear indicators (with alert flashers)
- Great two-tone dual seat
- Very good chrome rims with stainless steel spokes
- Fairly new Avon Speedster tyres
- Centre and side stands
The Mechanics
- Original 649 cc parallel twin OHV four-stroke
- ‘T120R’ stamp and number clearly visible
- Standard T120 factory spec’ is 46 bhp @ 6,500 rpm
- Twin Amal 376 Monobloc carburettors (new at restoration)
- Lucas competition magneto (completely rewound and rewired by external specialist)
- 4-speed gearbox
- No oil leaks
- Security kill switch
- Telescopic forks / swing-arm rear suspension
- New standard 8” front drum brake / 7” rear
- New chrome exhaust down pipes
- Reported to run and ride very well with no issues to advise
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Auction Details
- Year 1960
- Make Triumph
- Model Bonneville
- Colour Blue
- Mileage 2,752 Miles
- Engine size 649
- Seller Type Private
- Town Southampton
- County Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
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Auction ends
20
bids
- robin-g•••• £5,700 03/07/24
- Paradox £5,600 03/07/24
- robin-g•••• £5,500 03/07/24
- Paradox £5,400 03/07/24
- robin-g•••• £5,300 02/07/24
- Paradox £5,200 02/07/24
- robin-g•••• £5,100 02/07/24
- Paradox £5,000 02/07/24
- robin-g•••• £4,300 30/06/24
- Pnic69 £4,200 30/06/24
The Gallery
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