HIGHLIGHTS

Extremely rare motorcycle
Spotless restored condition
498 cc vertical twin
Matching frame and engine numbers
Original registration number

THE APPEAL

Produced from 1949, the Trophy TR5 was probably one of the most handsome Triumph bikes ever made. Based on the Speed Twin, it was modified for off-road use but managed to retain good road manners too - capable of riding to work during the week and competing at the weekend.

The name Trophy came from the three ‘specials’ that Triumph built for the Italian International Six Day Trial in 1948, which went on to win three gold medals and the manufacturers team trophy.

A street-legal bike, this stunning trials machine is one of a reported 2,475 rigid framed bikes built, making it incredibly rare seventy-three years on. Restored some ten years ago, it is still in fantastic show condition and is said to start and run well.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered on the 5th January 1950
Original ‘buff’ Registration Book
V5 (in previous owner’s name)
Original registration number
Tank refurbishment Invoice
Reproduction of a Trophy Sales Brochure
Some previous MOT’s
Last (exempt) MOT was in July 2011
Taxed until the 1st July 2023

Examining the original log book, we can see that this Triumph Initially resided in Bristol until 1960 after which it moved to the county of Cheshire, and then swiftly to Middlesex and onto Lancashire in 1961. It became part of a private collection from 1996 to 2008 and was eventually purchased by the previous registered keeper in 2016.

MOT records indicate a record mileage of just 1,391 miles in 1994 and 5,041 miles in 2010.

THE CONDITION

Fantastic overall condition
Excellent painted frame and ancillaries
Refurbished sheen silver and chrome tank with luggage rack
Smiths speedometer and Lucas Ammeter
Nice chrome handlebars with one worn grip
Good front and rear lighting
Correct frame and engine stamps
Clean and shiny alloy components
Decent saddle and springs
Repainted alloy mudguards in sheen silver with black stripes
Presentable rims and undamaged spokes
Tyre pump attached

THE MECHANICS

498 cc OHV vertical twin
Standard compression 6.0:1
Around 25 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Single Amal Monobloc carburettor
4-speed wide ratio gearbox (non-unit) with right-foot shift
Multi-plate clutch
Fairly new modern DVR2 voltage regulator
Telescopic / rigid suspension
Standard looking drum brakes
Two-in-one high-level chrome exhaust system in great condition
Vee Rubber 2.75 x 21” front tyre and 3.50 x 18” rear with loads of tread

Free-revving, the TR5 engine was the first to feature an alloy barrel and head and offers strong low-down torque, and despite it’s comparatively low centre of gravity, makes up for it with outstanding traction.

We do not have any engine build information to hand, but are assured by the vendor that this low mileage engine runs well.

SUMMARY

To quote Triumph’s marketing, the Trophy is “…a light, tough model for off-road riders and incorporates every refinement dictated by experience in all the major competitions” - great stuff!

Possibly one for the collector and Sunday bike show runs rather than off-road trials, this rare showroom restored icon should be a great investment and enjoyable to own.

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