Description
This motorcycle is Lot 32 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online June Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between June 6th through June 16th, with lots closing from midday June 16th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 11th & 12th June 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 32
1938 Triumph 349cc Tiger 80
Registration no. XBV 395
Frame no. TL 6157
Engine no. 8 – T80 - 8055
Just as he had done at Ariel in the 1920s, Val Page transformed his employer's ageing range on his arrival at Triumph as Chief Designer in 1932. The new line-up comprised overhead-valve and sidevalve singles in capacities ranging from 250cc to 500cc, plus the range-topping 650cc 6/ 1 sidecar tug. Endowed with distinctive timing-gear covers - a feature Page would employ later at BSA - the engines were simple yet robust in construction and amenable to a fair degree of tuning in the case of the overhead-valve units.
Edward Turner's arrival at Triumph in 1936 resulted in extensive improvements to the range. A brilliant stylist, Turner transformed Page's overhead-valve singles by adopting sports specification engines, high-level exhausts, chromed fuel tanks, and a new name: Tiger. Frames, forks, engines, and gearboxes were all improved for 1937. Today, Turner's Tigers are widely recognised as the most stylish sports roadsters of the period and thus are highly sought after.
This Tiger 80 was registered to the owner on 30th July 2019. Apparently an older restoration, the machine is missing its gearbox end-cover and kickstart mechanism, possibly indicating that there was/ is a fault with the gearbox. Accordingly, this motorcycle is sold strictly as viewed, its mechanical condition being unknown (unable to check compression due to lack of gearbox components). Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate. No previous history is known.
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.
