Extensively documented with invoices totalling over £5000
Some history from the 1970s
No mileage covered since restoration
The Appeal
The Triumph Bonneville was released in 1959, taking its name from the achievements of Texan Triumph racer Johnny Allen on the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was the last production design of the celebrated Edward Turner, who had been instrumental in creating all of Triumph’s raciest post-Vintage bikes, the Speed Twin, Thunderbird and Tiger 110.
The original T120 Bonneville was developed in such a short space of time that it didn’t actually make it into Triumph’s 1959 catalogue, but it didn’t give the impression of being rushed. Its big, thumping 650cc twin assisted it quickly towards 100mph, so it became an instant favourite with Ton-Up Boys. It wasn’t just rebellious teenagers who tried to squeeze as much speed out of it as possible, though. The Bonneville was developed for serious competition, with several successful results in the Thruxton 500 Miles and other races.
Any enthusiast for classic British motorcycles should own a Bonneville at least once in their life, and this is, without doubt, one of the best you can buy. It’s not only a desirable early ‘pre-unit’ model, but it’s also fresh from a comprehensive restoration by a lifelong pre-unit Triumph enthusiast. The vendor bought it as a lockdown project and has lavished time and attention on it, stripping and rebuilding it with the help of an experienced classic Triumph mechanic. The result is a thing of real beauty, in outstanding cosmetic condition and with a magnificent engine note. All it needs is for someone to run it in and really enjoy riding it.
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured on 17th July 1961 and despatched on 28th July to Spokes & Son Ltd. of Northampton
Registered 14th August 1961
Earliest recorded owner Mr. Paul Raymond Tucker of Matson, Gloucestershire, in 1975
Purchased by the vendor, a lifelong enthusiast for pre-unit Triumphs, in July 2021 from Cosmo Classic Motorcycles Ltd. ‘to ride or restore, in need of recommissioning and work prior to use’
Subjected to a full restoration completed at home with the help of a professional motorcycle mechanic
Now offered for sale in running, ready-to-go condition with no road miles as the vendor seeks a new project
Sold with the current V5 and a continuation logbook from 1975, heritage certificate from the Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club, wiring diagram, digital restoration photographs and a large collection of invoices exceeding £5100 detailing new parts purchased for the restoration
Outstanding paintwork and chrome – all virtually brand-new
Various new parts used in the restoration
An ideal centrepiece for a collection, and a potential show-winner
It might be fair to say that Bonnevilles did not always have the easiest lives when they were new. Their racy looks and high-speed credentials meant they appealed to the ‘coffee-bar cowboys’ of the time who raced them along Britain’s trunk roads and ring roads from one cafe to the next. The owner of this one, though, has always had a healthy respect for Edward Turner’s designs, and it’s just one of several which he has restored to the very best condition.
At first glance, the bike looks lovely. On taking a closer look, ‘lovely’ doesn’t begin to do it justice. Cosmetically, it’s virtually as-new, and no corners were cut in making it look spot-on. It’s been fully resprayed in original Triumph colours, for one thing, and with spares availability for Bonnevilles virtually unrivalled in the motorcycle world, it benefits from the use of several brand-new parts, such as the front forks, handlebars and both wheels, which have chrome rims and stainless steel spokes. The seat is also new and so is the Duplex centre stand.
On scouring the bike for blemishes, we did notice one tiny paint chip by the oil tank filler cap but, apart from that, it’s close to perfect, and with sympathetic use it will still look fantastic in years to come. The frame has been powder-coated, so it has a durable finish which should last for thousands and thousands of miles. As for attention to detail, the owner has remembered the ‘World Motorcycle Speed Record Holder’ decal and even gone to the trouble of fitting the correct tax disc.
In short, the bike is both immaculate and very correct. You can’t ask for more, can you?
The Mechanics
Engine vapour-blasted and polished
Mechanical systems meticulously rebuilt and reconditioned, with dozens of new parts
Completed with the help of a specialist Triumph mechanic with over 50 years’ experience
Never ridden on the road since restoration, but starts and runs beautifully
The vendor purchased this bike knowing that some quick recommissioning would get it back on the road. He took a perfectionist approach, though, so, with the help of an experienced classic Triumph mechanic, he rebuilt it all from head to tail. To give an idea of just how much time and money went into it, here’s a list of new parts and jobs completed:
Completely reconditioned gearbox
Engine rebuilt with all-new gaskets, nuts, bolts and head studs
New pistons, valves and pushrods
New inner and outer chain case
New timing cover with rev counter drive
New kick-start
New Amal monobloc carburettors
New fuel taps
Reconditioned alternator
Reconditioned magneto
New oil pump
New rocker feed pipes and nuts
New high-level exhaust pipes and silencers
New throttle, clutch and brake cables
New speedometer
New rev counter
New oil pressure gauge to chain case
New clutch, chains and assembly
New front and rear brakes
Complete new wiring harness
New light switch
New rectifier
New 12v battery
There you have it: virtually a brand-new bike. After all that, it would have been a pity to leave the engine looking anything less than immaculate, so the vendor had it vapour-blasted and all the aluminium parts polished. The result is quite a dazzling engine, which is almost as beautiful on its own as the bike is as a whole.
You might well wonder why such an enthusiastic restorer has gone to such trouble, and yet not ridden the bike. The reason is simple: he has a small collection of pre-unit Triumphs, including an equally immaculate Bonneville which he rides regularly. This one was bought to restore, and now it’s finished room must be made for future projects. You can rest assured it runs beautifully, though. We have seen it start and run, crackling away with the sonorous staccato for which these big British twins are famous.
There is no record of MoTs for this bike but, based on what we know, we’re fairly sure it’s not likely to give you any trouble any time soon.
The Summary
Among classic bike enthusiasts, you’ll probably find a 50-50 split arguing whether the BSA Gold Star or the Triumph Bonneville was the greatest motorcycle of the Ton-Up era. We’re not going to take sides, but we will confirm that the Bonneville is an exceptional machine in all respects, and this is undoubtedly one of the best on the market.
Fresh from a comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, it has yet to notch up the first mile on its odometer, but it’s full of life and raring to go. Such a fine example is ideal for the collector who wants only the best but, after some gentle running in, it will be a pleasure to take to rallies, and you might even pick up some cups for your trophy cabinet.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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1961 Triumph Bonneville T120
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