Description
This motorcycle is Lot 288 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Spring Stafford Sale (The International Classic MotorCycle Show) on April 25th & 26th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 94 are to be sold from 14:30 on Saturday 25th April 2026.
Lots 201 - 353 are to be sold from 11:30am on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 25th & 26th April 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The International Classic MotorCycle Show).
** 1939 Triumph 498cc Speed Twin Sprint Motorcycle**
Registration no. UXS 686
Frame no. TH9533
Engine no. 9-5T-18428
The private vendor has owned this 1939 Triumph Speed Twin sprinter for many years but did not register it until 2017. He had been sprinting the Triumph and it features on the front cover of Vintage Sprint Bikes by H H Brutlag. Running on petrol, the Triumph once did a 15. 39 seconds run at Santa Pod and has clocked 15. 85 seconds and 80mph at North Weald, beaten only by four methanol-burners on the latter occasion. The fuel tank is original (complete with hinged filler cap but minus the instrument panel) while the gear lever has been reversed to line up with the rear-set footrests.
Our vendor advises us that the VMCC inspected the machine and confirmed the serial numbers 'TH9533' and '9 5T 18428' as dating it from 1939. The registration 'UXS 686' is age-related and not original. The vendor has refitted the original primary chain case and put a mudguard and registration plate on the rear to make the Triumph look more suitable for potential road use. Unused for a considerable length of time, the machine will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent, or possibly more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed. The machine is offered with a V5C; VMCC dating correspondence; DVLA correspondence; and a copy of the aforementioned Vintage Sprint Bikes. It should be noted that the "9" in the frame number may actually be an "8." However, all of the aforementioned documents list the frame number as TH9533.
Key not required
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.
