Description
This motorcycle is Lot 224 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).
The David Plant Collection
** 1908 Triumph 4hp TT Model**
Registration no. U 5490
Frame no. 127175
Engine no. 3072 19 3 08
This Veteran Triumph's history file contains extensive correspondence relating to the machine, including a letter from Colin Missen to the vendor dated 10th November 2006 referring to the 100-Year TT re-enactment and Joe Kelly's Triumph, presumed to be this machine. There is a 2007 TT Re-enactment sticker present also (number '3').
Earlier correspondence from Missen to Joe Kelly includes letters dated 1985, 1975 and 1967 discussing details of the motorcycle. In the 1985 letter Missen remarks that, as far as his research indicates, Kelly's 1908 example is the oldest TT Model known to him. In a 1967 letter he notes that there were no other TT models on the register apart from 'ours'.
A further letter dated 5th December 1964 congratulates Kelly on acquiring the Veteran Triumph, stating: "Congrats due on the Veteran Triumph, which I know you'll make a grand job of." The same letter also asks: "What else has Oliver Langton got tucked away?" suggesting that the machine may have originated from Oliver Langton's collection. Missen also remarks that he was pleased to see the machine fitted with a twin-plug cylinder head, noting that this arrangement had been recommended in an early 'Hints and Tips' manual but was often thought never to have been used.
Additional correspondence from the mid-1960s is on file, including two letters to Joe Kelly from T Watson, Local Taxation Officer for Derbyshire County Council, dated 14th September 1964 and 2nd November 1964. These explain that the motorcycle had originally been registered 'R 2314' under the Motor Car Act of 1903, but that registration numbers were duplicated for use on both cars and motorcycles. The same number had also been allocated to a Studebaker car. Following the introduction of the Road Act of 1920 and the repeal of the 1903 Act, duplicate registrations were discontinued and the number 'R 2314' was retained for the Studebaker, resulting in the cancellation of the Triumph's registration. Kelly was advised to apply to the West Riding Motor Taxation Authority for a new registration for the motorcycle.
The machine is offered with a Pioneer Certificate dated 12th January 1966 issued in the name of J W E Kelly. Also on file are MoT certificates expiring in 1989, 1990 and 1991, together with a selection of photographs including an image from the Yorkshire Evening Press and the Gazette and Herald (York) showing the motorcycle being worked on by a student in what appears to be a college workshop. Further correspondence from the mid-1960s relating to the machine dating is also present.
Additional documentation includes old/ current V5C Registration Certificates; VMCC frame and engine number list; and an RF. 60 duplicate logbook (issued 1965).
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
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.
