Highlights
- Offered for sale from a private collection
- Exhibited in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum until May 2022
- Four owners since 1994
- From the first year of production with several features unique to the ’56 model
The Appeal
Even if we consider, as many people do, the period from 1945 to 1965 to have been the golden age of British motorcycling, when no fewer than a dozen major marques were flying the flag for British industry at home and overseas, there was still something uniquely special about Triumphs.
Best remembered for its range of big parallel twins, Triumph had a particular desire to dominate the American market; its machines had to be stylish, fast and affordable if they were to entice American riders away from their Harley-Davidsons.
Best remembered for its range of big parallel twins, Triumph had a particular desire to dominate the American market; its machines had to be stylish, fast and affordable if they were to entice American riders away from their Harley-Davidsons.
This bike has had an interesting history. A previous keeper has written details of the bike's provenance. These state that factory records supplied by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) indicate its frame and matching engine number relate to a 1956 Triumph T100. These are the identifying details provided on the V5. However, he tells us that beneath the frame powder coating is the number 010409, which the VMCC state is for a 1957 T6. He also suspects that the engine has been restamped.
Whatever the exact provenance of this bike, perhaps when it looks this good it is a little superfluous. The vendor believes it was restored around 1994 and it remains now in very good order with smart light blue paintwork.
Having been owned by a prominent collector and exhibited until very recently in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, it has obviously been stored well and not subjected to hard use at any point in the recent past.
We don’t think it should take much more than a service to get it back on the road, so it should be a great buy for summer.
Having been owned by a prominent collector and exhibited until very recently in the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, it has obviously been stored well and not subjected to hard use at any point in the recent past.
We don’t think it should take much more than a service to get it back on the road, so it should be a great buy for summer.
The History and Paperwork
- VMCC records show the frame and engine number are for a 1956 T100
- See above for possible different origin details
- Registered with the DVLA on 11th April 1994
- Believed to have been restored or imported around that time
- Acquired by a prominent car and motorcycle collector in March 2016
- Exhibited at the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, Wiltshire, until May 2022
- Paperwork includes the current V5 and the Atwell-Wilson exhibit sheet
The Condition
- Appears to be a high-quality older restoration
- Some pleasing patina across the brightwork
- Fuel tank badge and trim unique to the 1956 TR6 but may not be original
- Metallic paint a distinctive feature of Triumphs of the 1950s
Evidently the recipient of a restoration at some point in the past, most likely dating from the early 1990s, this Triumph still presents beautifully today, with the restoration having mellowed to an attractive finish.
A lovely light patina is present across the brightwork, but the painted tank and mudguards still retain the bright sparkle of metallic paint, a feature of Triumphs in the 1950s long before it was common among other British and European manufacturers, but which brought it into step with the American marques.
A lovely light patina is present across the brightwork, but the painted tank and mudguards still retain the bright sparkle of metallic paint, a feature of Triumphs in the 1950s long before it was common among other British and European manufacturers, but which brought it into step with the American marques.
While there are a few minor paint blemishes on the fuel tank, we don’t think they harm its appearance and the bike remains eminently showable. The paint on the mudguards is very good and the chrome still shines brightly through its patina.
The wheels and tyres look to be in good condition and it is obvious that the seat has seen little use since it was restored, as there is very little evidence of wear apart from a few very small marks.
The wheels and tyres look to be in good condition and it is obvious that the seat has seen little use since it was restored, as there is very little evidence of wear apart from a few very small marks.
We did notice that one of the handlebar grips has a long split along it, so that will probably need to be replaced, but with so many classic Triumph parts suppliers around, that will be a very quick and inexpensive job.
Bidders may be interested to note that the TR6 features a quick-release headlamp, so it can conveniently be removed for races and refitted for the ride home.
Additionally, the fuel tank trim was a one-year-only feature, being replaced by the Triumph ‘harmonica’ badge for 1957.
Additionally, the fuel tank trim was a one-year-only feature, being replaced by the Triumph ‘harmonica’ badge for 1957.
The Mechanics
- Powerful 650cc parallel twin
- Seven-inch front brakes a unique feature of very early bikes
- Last MOT'd in 2012 with no advisories
- Very low mileage reading – just 7648 miles
The low odometer reading would suggest that the bike received an engine rebuild. A previous vendor indicates that this was around 1994. However, we lack the documentation to confirm this.
Although the Triumph has been off the road for a few years, we are advised that it should require little more than some new fuel and a fresh service to get it up and running again.
While its last MOT expired in 2013, it was submitted for a test every year from 2010 to 2012 and passed with no advisories, so we very much doubt there are any hidden surprises. It has covered just under 3,000 miles since its last MOT.
While its last MOT expired in 2013, it was submitted for a test every year from 2010 to 2012 and passed with no advisories, so we very much doubt there are any hidden surprises. It has covered just under 3,000 miles since its last MOT.
When a bike has been off the road for a little while, we do, of course, recommend that the buyer undertakes some precautionary checks and satisfies themselves as to its roadworthiness, but we don’t envisage there being any issues with this one.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
