The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection, 1956 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Frame no. 7962...

The Anthony R. East Classic Motorcycle Collection 1956 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird Registration no. 848 HML Frame no. 79626 Engine no. 6T 79626 Always a step ahead of their rivals, Triumph followed up the trend-setting Speed Twin 500 of pre-war days by being first in the field with a 650cc parallel twin. Announced in September 1949, the 650 Thunderbird was Triumph's response to demands for more power emanating from American racers and British sidecarists alike. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the Montlhery circuit at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100mph-plus and were ridden back to the Meriden factory. When displayed at the Earls Court Show in October, the new twin featured the headlamp nacelle and fuel tank with luggage grid first seen the previous year. An interesting change to the Thunderbird for 1952 was the adoption of an SU carburettor in place of the original Amal, a specially prepared machine managing a staggering 155mpg at a steady 30mph on a factory organised economy run. Tony East purchased this Thunderbird in June 2008. An older restoration, the Triumph displays a total of 1,861 miles on the odometer and was last taxed in July 2015. Featured on the front cover of Classic Motorcycles by Roland Brown, the machine is offered with an original instruction manual and parts catalogue; SORN paperwork; expired MoT (2011); Bryan Small restoration invoice (£10,097); and old/current V5/V5C documents (please note there are typographical errors on the V5C). Offered with key Footnotes: 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. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com