Pre-bids

1978 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140E

Highlights

  • Reported 7,915 miles from new
  • Extensively restored by experienced Triumph engineer
  • Mechanicals renovated and frame refurbished and powder coated
  • Utterly beautiful classic Bonneville 
  • Desirable improved T140E bike 

The Appeal

Britain really did build some brilliant bikes. And beautiful ones too, as this stunning Bonneville T140 shows. Classically finished in black with gold trim, neatly accented with chrome detailing, it is as much a design piece as a great bike to ride. 
The T140E of 1978, of which this is one, received a host of improvements to make them more emissions-friendly. Many, such as this example, found themselves Stateside where their mix of comfort and burble performance made them popular alternatives to more homegrown fare. 
This Meriden-built bike returned to these shores in July 2022 when the current keeper began a meticulous restoration process involving a very experienced Triumph engineer. The work included a mechanical overhaul and high quality restoration of the frame. The latter included a strip down, undercoat and powder coating. Other parts of the bike including many nuts and bolts, various brackets and the top and bottom fork yokes were also restored. New parts included handlebars, seat and wiring loom.
The result are clear from the photos - this is a very appealing bike. The T140 is a doyen of collectors because it rides as well as it looks. This one is reluctantly for sale, giving the buyer the benefit of all that recent work.

History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1978
  • Factory built at Meriden in August 1978 according to Owners Club correspondence
  • Originally registered overseas
  • First UK registered July 2022 
  • One registered keeper since arriving in the UK 
  • Genuine reason for sale due to changed circumstances 
  • Reassembled by an experienced, time-served old school Triumph engineer
  • Invoices for and details of this work in history file and shown in photos 
  • MOT exempt by age and also tax exempt 
  • Current keeper hopes the bike will go to a fellow enthusiast 
  • Many spares included such as oil filter gaskets and spark plugs
  • Panniers and other parts included as shown in photos 
  • 1 key set 

The Condition

  • Factory standard, Meriden-built bike in superb condition 
  • Extensive recent refurbishment by Triumph engineer as detailed above 
  • This has included refurbishing and powder coating the frame and other parts
  • Various other parts have also been replaced as shown in photos and listed above
  • These include new handlebars and seat
  • Beautifully presented bike with black paintwork and gold decals 
  • Chromework, trim and badges all very well kept as shown 
  • There are some light signs of age such as pitting to silencers and wheels 
  • The photographs indicate that these do not detract from the overall appeal 
  • Frame with high-quality undercoat and powder-coated
  • All brackets and top and bottom fork yokes also refurbished 
  • Tank and side panels paintwork looks in very good order
  • Very recent new downpipes, handlebars, and seat
  • Tyres in good condition
  • Tank and panels are lacquered to protect the paintwork from fuel
  • Some spare parts included such as pannier set 

The Mechanics

  • 750cc T140E specification Bonneville 
  • 5spd manual gearbox 
  • Many brand new nuts and bolts
  • Oil filter modified to paper filter for improved oil filtering
  • Brand new wiring loom
  • Boyer electronic ignition
  • All electrics work correctly 
  • New parts include new rear shock absorbers and fork seals
  • Some spare parts included as shown in photographs 
  • Starts easily when cold and ticks over once warmed up
  • Handles very well, as a Bonneville should according to seller 
 
 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 fee. 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.. 

Pre-bids

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Auction Details

  • Year1978
  • MakeTriumph
  • ModelBonneville T140E
  • ColourBlack
  • Odometer7,915 Miles
  • Engine size750cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownNorthampton
  • CountyNorthamptonshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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