Description
This motorcycle is Lot 135 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 135
c. 1923 Triumph 550cc Model SD with Triumph Gloria Sidecar
Registration no. HP 5238
Frame no. 327166
Engine no. 87311RR1 (see text)
The first Triumph motorcycle of 1902 used a Belgian Minerva engine, but within a few years the Coventry firm - originally bicycle manufacturers - was building its own power units. Triumph's famous 3½hp model first appeared in 1907. Originally of 453cc, its sidevalve engine was enlarged to 476cc in 1908, and finally to 499cc in 1910 before being superseded by the 4hp model in 1914. Equipped with three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox, it was Triumph's revised 4hp - the Model H - that did such sterling service in WWI, some 30, 000 'Trusty Triumphs' seeing action with Allied forces. Up-dated with chain final drive for 1920, it became known as the 'SD' (Spring Drive) because of its clutch-mounted coil-spring shock absorber, and formed the basis of the later four-valve Ricardo model.
This delightful Triumph motorcycle combination has belonged to the current vendor since October 2006. The detached pillion seat is in the sidecar and the machine also has a Lucas lighting set. Apparently an older restoration, the Triumph will require recommissioning, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Accompanying documentation includes old/ current V5C documents, copy old V5, an expired MoT (1994) and an HPI check sheet. It should be noted that the HPI and V5C list the engine number as '87311R1'.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
