Description
This motorcycle is Lot 264 - To be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on 26th & 27th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 101 - 147 are to be sold from 14:00 on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Lots 201 - 410 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 26th & 27th April 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
Lot 264
1966 Triumph 650cc T120R Bonneville
Registration no. see text
Frame no. T120R DU38108
Engine no. T120R DU38108
United States export model
UK registered in 2021
Matching frame and engine numbers
"The famous Triumph Bonneville Road Sports twin carburettor motorcycle is the acknowledged choice of American riders who demand the finest all-round performance and handling. For 1966 the Bonneville features a new sporting look, with small slim gas tank, modern compact tail light assembly and polished stainless-steel fenders. Performance has been further increased, yet it still retains the reliability required by road riders under all conditions." - Triumph Motorcycle Company.
The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes T120R and T120C versions of the Bonneville were offered there, the former having a more raised handlebar when compared to its European counterpart while the latter catered for the American rider's passion for off-road motorcycling.
This US export model T120R Bonneville has a 'Bob Leppan's Triumph - Detroit' sticker applied to rear mudguard, Bob Leppan being the former land speed record holder who set a new mark of 245. 66mph in 1966 with his twin-Triumph-engined 'Gyronaut X-1'.
First registered in the UK on 1st February 2021, the Bonneville was previously owned by Mr Michael Pitcher, who acquired the machine on 13th March 2021. In an email to Mr Pitcher, Mark Sullivan, its former owner in the USA, states that the machine had first belonged to a Thomas Kirkpatrick and later passed to his son. Our vendor acquired the Triumph in May 2021 and exported it to Guernsey, Channel Islands.
This matching numbers believed original and unrestored '66 Bonneville has been dry stored when not in use and currently displays a believed genuine total of 11, 105 miles on the odometer (at the time of cataloguing/ photography). Running earlier this year, it comes with the original under-seat tool kit and popular US Tricor grab rail, and features the '66-model light grey handlebar grips.
The Bonneville comes with a Guernsey Registration Certificate for '14941' and copy of its old V5C registration document for 'BFH 436D'. It should be noted that Vehicle Registration Number 'BFH 436D' is associated with a 2021 'Export' marker in the HPI/ DVLA database. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to the validity and status of this motorcycle's registration prior to bidding. The successful purchaser is responsible for applying to the DVLA to retrieve the vehicle's registration number.
Other documents include a copy State of Indiana Certificate of Title (Mark Sullivan); a quantity of invoices; a Triumph owner's handbook; and a Haynes workshop manual. The machine also comes with some used spares.
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.
