Description
A 1960 Triumph 500 Speed Twin (often designated as the 5TA) with such exceptionally low mileage (1, 374 miles) is a "time capsule" find.
I am the sixth owner. I have loads of receipts for work done and several mot certifications. It does turn over. But hasn’t been on the road since 1998.
The "Bathtub" Fairing: 1960 was the era of the "bathtub" rear enclosure. Mine still has this original sheet metal intact and uncut, the value is significantly higher. Many owners removed these in the 60s and 70s to make the bike look "sportier," so an intact one is a rarity.
Provenance & Paperwork: With only 1, 374 miles,
Matching Numbers: Ensure the engine and frame numbers match the factory records. This is critical for the upper-tier valuations.
Seeing the photo confirms this is a fantastic survivor. You have a "Bathtub" 5TA in what appears to be Ruby Red, and it looks remarkably original.
Based on the image, here is a more tailored assessment of its value and condition:
The "Bathtub" Enclosure: It is fully intact and has not been cut down. This is the single biggest "value-add" for this specific model, as these were frequently discarded in the 1960s.
Original Components: The headlight nacelle (incorporating the ammeter and switches), the tank-top luggage rack, and the "Mouth-organ" style tank badges all appear to be correct for a 1960 model.
Patina vs. Damage: There is visible paint loss on the rear enclosure and some surface age, but for a collector, this original paint is often more valuable than a modern respray. It tells a story that can't be faked.
Registration Number: The "HFO" plate suggests a UK registration (specifically Isle of Wight area originally), which adds to the provenance if the paperwork matches.
Given the visual condition and the 1, 374-mile claim:
Current Market Value: In the UK/ European market, a survivor in this "as-found" original state typically fetches £6, 000 – £8, 000.
The "Low Mile" Wildcard: If you can prove those 1, 374 miles are genuine (through a continuous chain of MOTs or original logbooks), a serious Triumph collector might push that toward £9, 000+ just to own one of the most original 5TAs left in existence.
Critical Advice for Preservation
If you are planning to sell or restore it, do not over-clean it.
Leave the Paint Alone: Don't try to touch up the scratches. A gentle wash and a coat of high-quality wax are all it needs to stabilize the finish.
Mechanical Recommissioning: If the engine hasn't turned over in years, do not try to kick-start it. Old oil can turn to sludge and block the internal "sludge trap" in the crankshaft, which will destroy the engine within minutes of running.
Tires: Those tires are likely decades old. Even if they have tread, they are "wooden" and unsafe for riding. Keep them if you want to show it as a static display, but replace them if you plan to hit the road.
Would you like me to look up the historical registration details for "HFO 844" to see if its MOT or tax history is still on the UK database?MOT history proofing original mileage
