Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
26th Mar, 2025 9:00
1948 Triumph Speed Twin
Authentically restored
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: 435 UXL
Frame No: TF24433
MOT: Exempt
Early post-war panel tank model
Tele front forks, rigid rear suspension
Finished in classic Amaranth Red
Triumph is one of the most iconic and revered names in the history of motorcycling. Established in Coventry in 1885, by the start of the 1900s the company had made their first motorcycle beginning a continuous run of production under various ownership until its eventual closure in 1983. In 1937 the Edward Turner designed Speed Twin was released launching a range of Triumph twins that went on to epitomise British motorcycles in the post-war years. The 500cc OHV twin was a major turning point for the British motorcycle industry being lighter than many contemporary singles with significantly more power and torque, prompting most other manufacturers to follow suit with similar models. The basic layout survived in various engine sizes up to 750cc until the eventual closure of the factory in the early 1970s. Triumph staged a remarkable comeback in the 1990s with a range of completely new machines based on the spirit of bikes like the original Speed Twin.
This beautifully presented Speed Twin, finished in distinctive 'Amaranth Red', is an early post-war model with the gauges set in a panel in the fuel tank like the pre-war models but with telescopic front forks, standard fitment once Triumph resumed production after WW2 in 1947. Restored keeping a good degree of originality, including a period style tyre pump and the normally missing panel lamp, it was bought by the vendor about 20 years ago and has only been ridden sparingly by since. It is offered with a current V5C and a parts manual. Dry stored in recent years, it will need recommissioning before use.
