1970 Triumph Bonneville T120

Highlights

  • Documented history from 1993, with official dating certificate
  • Exported to USA new, repatriated in 1999, and in current ownership since 2013
  • Stored in an insulated and air-conditioned large garage to prevent deterioration
  • American-spec machine with smaller fuel tank
  • Matching frame and engine numbers

The Appeal

The Triumph Bonneville T120R is a classic British motorcycle that is highly sought after by enthusiasts. That big 650cc Twin made for a decidedly fast, powerful bike that quickly became a symbol of rebellious rocker lifestyles as it did an icon of exactly what a British machine was capable of.

This particular 1970 model was exported to the USA when new, and was repatriated in 1999. It's an American-spec machine, featuring the eye-catching, smaller, teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The bike has been well cared for, stored in an insulated and air-conditioned garage to prevent deterioration.

The bike has not been ridden for several years and will require servicing before use, but it's a fantastic opportunity for a collector or enthusiast to acquire a classic Triumph Bonneville with a unique history.



History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1970
  • Exported to USA (Triumph Corp, Baltimore) new, on 19th March 1970
  • In Los Angeles by 1992, registered to M Fleming
  • Bought and repatriated on 3rd Jan 1999 by G Lomas after being unused for several years
  • Sold through H&H Auctions on 19 April 2012
  • Bought by current owner on 27th June 2013 with mileage 15,478, from Venture Classics
  • Last MOT'd in 2015 with no advisories at 15,961 miles, now MOT-exempt
  • History documented from 1993, with official dating certificate
  • Bike has not been ridden for several years, will require servicing before use
  • Current mileage is 16,009 on a five-figure odometer



The Condition

  • Stored in an insulated and air-conditioned large garage to prevent deterioration
  • Equipped with correct reflectors at the front and rear
  • Features twin wind tone horns as fitted by the factory for export
  • No dents or imperfections on the tank or mudguards
  • Impressive coach painting in Triumph maroon/silver is in smart condition
  • The vendor states that the rear wheel has been replaced by an alloy one in fine fettle
  • Comes with two handlebar-mounted mirrors, 2 new rubber tank guards, and a workshop manual
  • Seat looks in good order with gentle creasing



The Mechanics

  •  649cc (39.6 cu in) air-cooled 360° parallel-twin engine
  • Manual transmission with 4 gears
  • Has the correct original domed air cleaners, often replaced with pattern types
  • Fitted with a full flow spin-on oil filter cartridge, hidden from view to maintain original appearance
  • Electronic ignition fitted - Pazon Sure-Fire, not visible externally
  • Features extra crankcase breather, twin-leading shoe front brakes for safety and performance
  • Matching frame and engine numbers
  • Stainless steel spokes to alloy rear wheel
  • The bike rides as it should, but is no longer taken on the road by the current owner
  • As a result, a service is required - after which it'll no doubt prove an impressive performer 



BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 
A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. 

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1970
  • Make Triumph
  • Model Bonneville T120
  • Colour Red
  • Odometer 16,009 Miles
  • Engine size 649
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Milton Keynes
  • Location Buckinghamshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
6 bids from 4 bidders
  • ajg88aj•••• £4,200 03/05/24
  • fabrice•••• £4,000 03/05/24
  • ajg88aj•••• £3,500 03/05/24
  • Pnic69 £3,100 03/05/24
  • fabrice•••• £3,000 03/05/24
  • TRIBSA1•••• £2,600 02/05/24
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

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.