Description
This motorcycle is Lot 264 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 264
Pre-production model, originally registered to the Triumph factory
1968 Triumph 741cc Trident T150T
Registration no. SUE 335G
Frame no. KC00508 T150T
Engine no. KC00508 T150T
Pre-production bike
First registered to the Triumph Factory
Matching numbers
Loaned to Joseph Lucas, Birmingham
Like most larger manufacturers at home and abroad during the 1960s, the Triumph / BSA concern were researching larger, multi-cylinder models to satisfy the worldwide demand for larger capacity, faster motorcycles to bolster sales in many countries, but primarily their most important market, the USA. They examined a variety of configurations and capacities, but, unlike their Japanese counterparts who followed the four-cylinder pathway, they settled on a triple with a 750cc capacity. Several years in development, the main protagonists were Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele. A prototype was being tested as early as 1965, but the model was not announced to the world until September 1968. Whilst a few machines may have made their way to the USA in late 1968, the bikes were not available for the British public to buy until April 1969.
The Triumph Owners Club have confirmed that SUE 335G was manufactured in September 1968, and despatched on 30th October 1968 (see TOMCC letter on file). This information was kindly supplied to the club by Dick Shepherd, who owns the early Trident records. These details also confirm that this bike was subsequently loaned to Joseph Lucas, Birmingham. A second letter from the TOMCC confirms that SUE 335G was registered to the Triumph factory (letter also on file). Date of first registration is 4th November 1968. A copy of the Warwickshire registration register on file confirms that the machine was registered to 'Triumph M/ Cycles Meriden Works'.
In summary, being manufactured in September 1968 and registered to the factory prior to being loaned to Joseph Lucas, it is likely that this machine is a one used for development, road testing, demonstration, or press testing, before the model was available to buy, some 5 months later. No doubt further research may well prove worthwhile.
Unearthed by the present owner, SUE 335G had apparently been languishing unused for some years, although some preservative had been applied to the wheel rims and exhausts. It displays a mileage of 40, 935 on the odometer. Still with the original engine and frame, as confirmed by its matching numbers, it will need thorough re-commissioning or restoration, and is sold strictly as viewed. The engine turns over and an ignition key is present. Documentation consists of a current V5C, and the aforementioned letters and copy of the registration register. A thoroughly interesting project with fascinating history.
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.
