Description
This motorcycle is Lot 344 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).
** 1965 Triumph 650cc T120 Bonneville**
Registration no. BJL 11C
Frame no. T120 DU21797
Engine no. T120 DU21797
Capitalising on its record-breaking success at the eponymous Utah salt flats, Triumph introduced a new twin-carburettor sports roadster in September 1958: the Bonneville. Its newness notwithstanding, the Bonneville remained recognisably similar to Edward Turner's first Speed Twin of 1938. Unitary construction of engine and gearbox was already a feature of the 350 and 500 twins, though, and this innovation duly appeared on the 650s in 1963. The café racer's favourite, the Bonneville continued in this new form as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports roadster.
This example was acquired by our private vendor at Bonhams' 2014 Autumn Stafford Sale (Lot 220). At that time, the then owner advised that he had purchased the Bonneville in 2011. The last four MoT certificates - the most recent expiring in August 2015 - indicated that the Bonnie had covered just 75 miles since April 2011.
The machine was reported to have been restored at some stage, although no details of the work carried out were available, and it was believed that the extremely low mileage had been accumulated following the restoration. We were also advised that new fuel lines had been fitted in 2014, along with a new tachometer drive, and that the carburettors had been stripped and ultrasonically cleaned.
Since acquiring the Triumph in 2014, the current vendor has ridden it only sparingly. When the machine was last MoT tested in August 2015, the odometer recorded 191 miles, a reading that remains unchanged today.
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. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
A fantastic opportunity to purchase a well presented Bonnie with timeless British styling, lively 650cc parallel-twin engine and strong cultural legacy. Capable of over 100 mph in the day, and famed for its performance in the swinging sixties, it remains an iconic, and highly practical classic with strong collector appeal.
Offered with a V5C document; photocopied old V5C inside page; and the aforementioned MoTs. Switchgear key present.
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.
