1962 Triumph Tiger T100SS
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- One of the first T100SS models
- Matching numbers
- Extensively restored 2015-2017
- Only five miles covered since restoration
- Enormous paperwork file includes numerous invoices
The Appeal
Fast and light, from its introduction in 1939 the Triumph Tiger has always been one of the best and most popular choices for the sporting motorcyclist.
The 500cc single was claimed to be capable of smashing the 100mph barrier, and countless numbers of motorcyclists snapped up Tigers to see how it felt to break the ton.
The 500cc single was claimed to be capable of smashing the 100mph barrier, and countless numbers of motorcyclists snapped up Tigers to see how it felt to break the ton.
The T100A of the late 1950s sported the famous ‘bathtub’ fairing over the rear wheel, which added weight and proved unpopular at the time. The headlamp nacelle and ‘Roman helmet’ front mudguard were pleasing to the eye, but also added weight and compromised the Tiger’s sporting credentials.
The new T100SS for 1962 redressed the balance, with the ‘bikini’ fairing half the size of the ‘bathtub’, a separate headlamp without nacelle and a slimmed-down front mudguard.
The new T100SS for 1962 redressed the balance, with the ‘bikini’ fairing half the size of the ‘bathtub’, a separate headlamp without nacelle and a slimmed-down front mudguard.
While the ‘bikini’ fairings still weren’t necessarily popular – many owners removed theirs, they were never fitted for America and Triumph dropped them in Britain in 1964 – their scarcity makes the early T100SS especially sought after.
This bike, fortunately, retains its original fairing, and that makes it quite a rare bird.
Better still is that it’s all in the most excellent condition, having seen almost no use following a very thorough restoration, and we don’t think we’d be exaggerating if we said it’s one of the best Tigers you could possibly buy.
This bike, fortunately, retains its original fairing, and that makes it quite a rare bird.
Better still is that it’s all in the most excellent condition, having seen almost no use following a very thorough restoration, and we don’t think we’d be exaggerating if we said it’s one of the best Tigers you could possibly buy.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered with the DVLA in 1985, having most likely spent some time off the road
- Earliest recorded owner was Miss Susan Minchinton of Gunnislake, Cornwall, from 1989 to 1995
- Extensive restoration completed between 2015 and 2017
- It remained around the Devon and Somerset area until purchased by the vendor, a prominent classic motorcycle collector, in 2017
- Paperwork includes the current V5, a list of new parts fitted, a copious quantity of invoices for new parts all dating from 2014, MoT certificates from 2015 and 2017, and a copy of a historic V5 from 1995
The Condition
- Repainted in what is believed to be its original colour scheme
- Many new parts fitted during restoration
- Still effectively fresh from restoration
In its striking metallic blue and silver paint, this Triumph certainly stands out.
The fantastically vibrant combination is typical of Triumph’s colour palette in the ’50s and ’60s, which embraced bright hues and metallic finishes long before they were widely adopted by other manufacturers.
The impact, as you can see, is just stunning. The bike is known to have been blue and silver at least as far back as 1995, so it is believed to be the original colour scheme although we cannot confirm it.
The fantastically vibrant combination is typical of Triumph’s colour palette in the ’50s and ’60s, which embraced bright hues and metallic finishes long before they were widely adopted by other manufacturers.
The impact, as you can see, is just stunning. The bike is known to have been blue and silver at least as far back as 1995, so it is believed to be the original colour scheme although we cannot confirm it.
Having been repainted during its restoration and subsequently placed into storage in the vendor’s motorcycle collection, the finish, if not perfect, is as close to perfect as you can reasonably hope to see. The seat was recovered, and that also still looks fresh.
Many of the trim and accessories were also replaced, including:
- New wheel rims and spokes
- New tyres
- New tank badges
- New headlight shell
- New handlebars
- New fuel filler cap and tank rack
The only cosmetic wear we noticed is on the knee pads, but it would be cheap and easy to recondition or replace them if you really wanted to.
The Mechanics
- New cylinder head purchased in 2014
- Many other new parts fitted during restoration
- Starts and runs extremely well
- Only five miles on the odometer
To get the most out of the Tiger’s 100 mph-plus performance, you really want the engine to be on song, and we’ve no doubts that this one is.
While we cannot say for certain that the engine was rebuilt during the restoration, some of the pre-restoration invoices from 2014 suggest that it would have been, such as one recording the purchase of a new cylinder head.
Aside from that, we can confirm that many other important parts have been renewed, as follows:
While we cannot say for certain that the engine was rebuilt during the restoration, some of the pre-restoration invoices from 2014 suggest that it would have been, such as one recording the purchase of a new cylinder head.
Aside from that, we can confirm that many other important parts have been renewed, as follows:
- New Amal monobloc carburettor
- New Siamese exhaust pipes
- New brake and clutch levers with dip switch
- New throttle
- New clutch plates
- New chain
- Smiths speedometer reconditioned
While it may be natural to suppose that, after five years remaining largely stationary in a collection, any bike may need a spot of reconditioning, we are assured that such is not the case here.
The vendor has always stored his bikes well and kept on top of maintenance, and to prove that this bike remains ready to use, he rode it to and from our photoshoot, so we are able to confirm that it starts well and runs very nicely.
The vendor has always stored his bikes well and kept on top of maintenance, and to prove that this bike remains ready to use, he rode it to and from our photoshoot, so we are able to confirm that it starts well and runs very nicely.
While we cannot guarantee roadworthiness without a current MoT, the fact that this bike has only covered one mile since 2016, and was last MoTed in 2017 with no advisories, suggests that you’re unlikely to find any problems with it.
If we were in your shoes, we’d be itching to jump on it and start racking up a bit of mileage.
If we were in your shoes, we’d be itching to jump on it and start racking up a bit of mileage.
Summary
The Tiger T100SS sold enormously well throughout the 1960s as Triumph’s lightweight, sporty offering, but it’s the early British-market examples like this one which are especially desirable on account of their rare and unusual ‘bikini’ fairings.
This example is beautifully presented following its meticulous restoration and, with such little use so far, it promises to be a delight to ride.
This example is beautifully presented following its meticulous restoration and, with such little use so far, it promises to be a delight to ride.
It’s in such good condition that it could conceivably be an award-winner at shows and rallies, but that’s not necessarily where the fun lies.
When the roads are empty and the sun's out, you’ll just want to ride and ride.
When the roads are empty and the sun's out, you’ll just want to ride and ride.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1962
- Make Triumph
- Model Tiger T100SS
- Colour Metallic Blue and Silver
- Odometer 5 Miles
- Engine size 498
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Carshalton
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
29
bids
- An•••• £6,000 14/07/22
- cl•••• £5,850 14/07/22
- An•••• £5,700 14/07/22
- cl•••• £5,600 14/07/22
- An•••• £5,400 14/07/22
- cl•••• £5,200 14/07/22
- An•••• £5,100 14/07/22
- mi•••• £5,000 14/07/22
- An•••• £4,800 14/07/22
- cl•••• £4,700 14/07/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.