Highlights
- 1 of 60 examples
- In the same ownership for 30 years
- Amazing condition
The Appeal
If you like rare and well-maintained motorcycles, then this is the bike for you. Built by Les Williams specifically for the current owner it has stayed within their ownership for the past three decades. With a large history file, an extra seat, and a lot of curb appeal this bike will be a perfect addition to your collection
The History and Paperwork
- The story of this bike begins in the Triumph factory where it rolls off the production line as a bog standard T160 on the 1st of August 1975
- From then until the current owner acquires it the paperwork trail is a little thin on the ground
- What we do know is that the previous owner had started to put on Legend specific parts but wouldn’t part with the money to do a full conversion
- Acquired by the current owner in 1991 it was then sent to Les Williams for a full Legend conversion in November of 1992
- Luckily the current owner keeps every invoice so there are original quotes and correspondences between the current owner and Les Williams
- If you study the estimate sheet for the conversion you can see how much work goes into a conversion, with a full engine rebuild, paintwork, a new tank, and many other parts
- Looking through the invoices we can see how much work has been completed to get it to this standard
- Some more recent works include new silencers in 2011, new tyres in 2020, and a new battery in 2021.
- Within the paperwork bundle, we are also presented with the all-important V5 document, along with many old and also new style MOT certificates
- The MOT certificates show that between 1989-2005 it passed every year, it was then SORN between 2005-2010, and then the MOTs are kept up to date from 2010-2018. It is now classified as a historic vehicle and therefore does not legally require an MOT.
- This is an incredibly rare bike, with personal correspondences and stamps around the bike to prove that it is indeed a real Legend
- It is now time for you to add to the bike's history, whether you wish to display it or ride it through the country lanes you cannot afford to miss out on this amazing example.
The Condition
- The two identifying tags are still present
- Well presented
- Amazing paintwork quality
- It will come with an extra seat
Sitting pretty in the striking red with gold pinstriping you can’t help but stare at this bike. Since its conversion in 1992, the current owner has lavished care and attention over this fine piece of automotive art. It has always been stored in their garage under not one, but two soft covers, this has done wonders for the overall condition of the bike for sure.
If we start by focusing in on the areas that you will be interacting with the most, such as the handlebars, seat, and foot pegs. We can see that all of these are presented for sale in great condition. If we look closer at the handlebar section, we are met by the first of two identifying tags, this one shows us that the bike was made in England by Les Williams for the current owner, it is engraved with some very fancy calligraphic font. You will find the second identifying tag at the top of the frame on the right-hand side, this denotes that it is Legend number 57/60. Importantly, as they were built over 10 years you could even say that every bike is individual, with slight variations in parts.
Sitting atop the handlebars you find the instrument cluster, these all work as they should. The most important part is the odometer in the speedo. This shows that since the bike's full engine rebuild in 1992 it has only covered 1,967 miles.
Stepping back, we can take in the full beauty of this bike. The paint job that was undertaken in 1992 still looks amazing 30 years on, this is then complemented beautifully by all of the chrome and shiny parts that have been fitted. As it has been dry stored for the majority of its life none of the chrome elements appear to show any obvious signs of pitting or corrosion.
It must be said that the overall condition of this bike is very good, this is more than likely due to the wonderous care the current owner has lavished over it for the past three decades.
The Mechanics
- Full engine rebuild less than 2,000 miles ago
- Lovely runner
- Well maintained mechanically
According to the history books the Triumph Trident T160 could not have been released at a worse time, sitting in deep financial trouble the British motorcycle industry (especially Villiers Triumph) was hoping the newly released T160 would be a hit. Luckily for the industry, the T160 was the shining light it needed, the bike was a very good combination of power, practicality, and ease of use thanks to the additional electric starter.
If you have ever owned an older bike you will know about the exercise of ‘tickling’ the carbs before you start it, this Legend is very much the same. Once you have tickled the carbs enough, she will fire practically on the first attempt on the kickstart, and then every time after that on the electric started button.
With the amount of love and attention, the current owner has put into the maintenance of this bike it is no surprise that it is presented in such lovely mechanical condition. It is just raring for you to take it away and explore some of the best roads the world has to offer.
Summary
This bike has everything going for it. Firstly, it is a rare bike (1 of 60), Secondly, it has been owned and looked after by the same owner for the past three decades, and finally, it looks stunning from all angles.
It will be a perfect addition to your collection, whether you wish to store it as a piece of automotive art, or exploit the wonderful riding characteristics of the T160 it will do you proud.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
