Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The March Timed Online Auction on Thursday the 27th of March, Online. Background:
The Triumph Bonneville and motorcycling go hand in hand. It certainly isn’t just Triumph’s most well known model; it’s arguably one of motorcycling’s most iconic.
Originally brought to market in 1959, the 'Bonnie' took the world by storm. The engine and gearbox became a 'unit' construction from 1963 and it is the late 1960s models that are some of the most coveted, with Steve McQueen himself having owned many.
The Bike:
This beautiful 1968 Triumph 650cc Bonneville T120 was supplied to Triumph Corporation, Baltimore, USA, on 17th October 1968.
The earliest verification of title was to Jane McMillan in St Petersburg, Florida, USA, on 29th January 1996. It then passed to another owner in Kentucky.
The current owner’s brother then bought the motorcycle from Jane McMillan in October 2006, where he found it abandoned in her garage under a tarp and old fishing gear, etc. During a holiday stateside, the current custodian bought the motorcycle from his brother along with a Norton Commando. The necessary paperwork was completed, taxes and duties paid, and the bikes were shipped back to the UK in 2016.
Once back on British shores, a full restoration commenced, with work carried out by various local suppliers. The engine was 100% reconditioned by Triumph and Harley specialists ESK Motorcycles (Rab Shepherd). The wiring was completely replaced and laced by electrical technician Alec Rennie from Pitmedden. The petrol tank, side panels and mudguards were painted by custom painter Bob Falconer of Arbroath. The frame was powder-coated black locally. Other loose parts were supplied by Andover Norton/ Triumph.
The result of all this work is what you see before you today: a flawless restoration with a keen eye for originality, its beautiful paint and chrome glinting in the sunlight. It still carries its original factory frame and engine number, which is backed up by factory records. It is UK registered on an age-related plate and it is running and riding perfectly.
Location: Aberdeenshire
Seller: Private
Photos: Vendor supplied
