Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
26th March 2025 - 9:00AM
1970 Triumph T150T Trident
Restored to ride, fitted with an electric start
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Registration No: SFR 584J
Frame No: DC02984
MOT: Exempt
Early drum-braked version of the Trident T150T
Fitted with an electric start and Tri-Spark ignition
Supplied with many receipts and a current V5C
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 its 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, thus launching a range of Triumph twins that went on to epitomise British motorcycles in the post-war years. The 3-cylinder 750cc Trident was essentially one and a half 500cc twins and proved to be the last success story for the company, with the bike going on to dominate the early years of the Formula 750 race series. Styled by Ogle Design with its distinctive 'Ray Gun' silencers and squared-off petrol tank, the first models were fitted with front drum brakes. This look proved to be unpopular at the time and later models resorted to a more traditional Triumph layout with a rounded fuel tank and round silencers. Today, classic collectors look at the first models with more affection and they have become the most collectible of the triple series.
The numbers reveal this machine was manufactured in April 1969, the first year of production and only registered in 1970. In 2020 it was the subject of a full restoration by the vendor, a former owner of Triumph specialist L. P Williams, as a bike to be ridden and enjoyed. The cycle parts were refinished, including a quality UK wiring loom has been fitted together with a Tri-Spark ignition kit and a Madigan electric starter motor fitted using T160 clutch housing. The engine has had a major overhaul, the crank has been lightened and balanced with +020" shells and mains, bores honed with good quality Goetze rings fitted and the head inspected and fitted with short valves, springs and mushroom adjusters. The primary drive has also been overhauled, the clutch lightened and balanced with a new thicker clutch plate and all engine and gearbox bearings replaced with quality items. Fuelling has been looked after by a bank of new Amal carbs. The bike comes supplied with over 40 receipts, including ones from the recent restoration adding up to over £4, 000, and a current V5C. A very well-sorted early Trident that has been rebuilt to ride by a recognised marque specialist for his own personal use.
