1977 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750

Highlights


  • Just one owner from new
  • Original bill of sale, V5C and owners handbook
  • Tastefully modified by the vendor

The Appeal


Originally intended for the American market, the Bonneville became a staple of Triumph’s range and you can still ride away from a Triumph dealership on one. That’s exactly what the owner of this example did in 1977, and they loved it so much that they kept it ever since.

After two years of regular use, the vendor decided they wanted something unique and set about customising their bike. We’re informed that every nut, bolt, washer and bracket was either chrome or cadmium plated. Alloy wheels were fitted, along with twin front discs, the front forks were uprated / painted and the frame was chromed.

A different tank and seat were fitted, as were shorter mudguards, bespoke side panels, big bore exhaust pipes, Koni rear shocks, K&N style air filters. The mechanicals were reportedly overhauled which included a rebore, regrind, larger cams and new clutch assembly with heavier springs. Mk 2 Amal carbs were installed, with chrome outer casings. 

The result? - A tastefully customised bike which still looks, sounds and rides really well. If you’re looking for a ‘70s Bonneville replete with bespoke flourishes, this may well be the bike for you.



The History and Paperwork


  • Acquired brand new by the owner from Park Road Motorcycles, Southampton back in 1977
  • Used regularly in standard form for two years
  • Customised by the vendor, both mechanically and cosmetically
  • Spent 38 years off the road, carefully stored in the vendor’s garage
  • Revived and running well with minimal effort
  • We understand that owing to a DVLA computer system upgrade in the 1980s, this bike’s registration number is no longer recognised
  • After contacting the Triumph Owners’ Club, they found that the DVLA does have an inactive record for the bike which apparently means that the next owner should be able to register it using the original V5C
  • Offered without current MOT
  • A collection of assorted paperwork accompanied the bike
  • Original bill of sale, owners manual and parts manual
  • Correspondence from the Triumph Owners’ Club, along with the vendor’s membership information



The Condition


  • Now delightfully patinated following years its many in storage
  • Still in very good condition considering its age
  • Non-standard tank painted in a bespoke scheme with red pinstriping
  • Some of the plated items have deteriorated ever so slightly, although this is not especially noticeable 
  • No signs of structural corrosion to the frame, which has clearly been protected by that fact it was chrome plated
  • Looks to be straight, with no evidence of accident damage
  • Sits upon attractive alloy wheels
  • Complete with lights plates and mirrors for road use
  • The grips, pegs and seat upholstery are not excessively worn
  • All the instrumentation and switchgear seems in good order


The Mechanics 


  • 750 cc parallel twin - rebored, reground larger cams
  • Five-speed gearbox
  • Reportedly sounds great through the big bore exhaust system
  • Koni rear shocks
  • K&N style air filters
  • Awoken from hibernation and seemingly running well
  • After unseizing various components, it started on the second kick after 38 years!
  • We recommend a mechanical overhaul before regular road use is resumed - although we understand the bike to be in working order


Summary


It isn’t often you get the chance to acquire a ‘70s Triumph that’s had just one owner from new. The fact that this one was customised in period makes it even cooler to us. It’s truly unique, so be sure not to miss the chance to own it.

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 highly 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.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.






Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1977
  • Make Triumph
  • Model Bonneville T140
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 23,605 Miles
  • Engine size 750
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town dolgellau
  • Location Wales
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
7 bids from 6 bidders
  • America•••• £2,100 02/10/23
  • Angrybu•••• £2,000 02/10/23
  • danasym•••• £1,500 01/10/23
  • Saxtorq•••• £1,350 01/10/23
  • danasym•••• £1,200 30/09/23
  • ruffef £1,000 28/09/23
  • vincent•••• £750 28/09/23

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.

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.