Description
This motorcycle is Lot 304 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 304
1954 Triumph 649cc Tiger T110
Registration no. 848 CME
Frame no. 59748
Engine no. T110 59748
Every Triumph enthusiasts knows that the Bonneville owes its name to record-breaking successes on the eponymous Utah salt flats, but how many are aware that the machine which set a new 650cc production machine record of over 147mph in 1958 was a Tiger 110 equipped with twin carburettors? A development of the Thunderbird tourer, the T110 prototype performed brilliantly in the 1953 ISDT, thus providing the production version - launched later that year - with invaluable publicity.
The first Triumph with swinging-arm rear suspension, the T110 came with a revised engine incorporating a stronger crankshaft, high-compression pistons, larger inlet valves and 'hotter' cams. The T110 remained in production into 1961, one of the most important developments along the way being the introduction on this model for 1956 of the aluminium-alloy 'Delta' high-compression cylinder head, which increased power and pushed the T110's top speed towards 120mph.
Its accompanying Triumph OMCC certificate reveals that this matching-numbers T110 was manufactured on 1st November 1954 and supplied new to Turner Bros of Palmers Green, London N13. The private vendor purchased the T110 from a UK auction in 2023; it was offered from the estate of the late Mr Alan Holdaway from Southampton, who had restored the machine. See purchase invoice on file and original catalogue description.
Circa December 2023 a full nut and bolt restoration by Ace Classic London. Invoices on file.
Used sparingly since its restoration otherwise has been dry stored in the garage.
Sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.
Documents include:
Current V5C
Previous owner V5C
RF60 Logbook (issued 1955)
Triumph dating certificate (2013)
Ace Classic invoices
Charterhouse invoice and copy of description
DVLA Sorn correspondence
A 2013 handwritten purchase receipt from previous owner Alan Holdaway.
£6, 000 - 8, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
