Highlights

Evocative Thunderbird restored by a Triumph aficionado
Complete and tidy bike for restoration
Interesting project for enthusiast of this highly regarded roadburner
Some parts and history included

The Appeal

Designed to compete against the best roadburners and named, appropriately enough, after a South Carolina hotel, the evocative 6T Thunderbird was one of the most desirable street machines of its era.

It owes its reputation to its low-slung lines and burbling 650cc 6T Speed Twin. Triumph’s decision to paint Thunderbirds a fetching shade of metallic blue helped too.

This lovely ‘53 Thunderbird is a timely reminder of just how good these bikes looked. It was restored in 1988 by the seller’s father, who was a Triumph enthusiast with a collection, of which the family much loves this one. Little used in recent years, it arrives as a project but is complete and appears very solid.

The Thunderbird played a key role in Britain’s transatlantic sales battle and was one of the greatest touring bikes of its era. For the right enthusiast this will be an interesting and rewarding project with a great bike at the end of it.

History and Paperwork

1953 Model Year bike as verified by Triumph VIN records
Built between September 1952 and August 1953 and an early build from this period
DVLA records first registration as 6th May 1965 but this appears to be incorrect
Re-registered by the seller’s father in 1988
Not current recognised in DVLA MOT database as off road for most of recent years
We are told it was SORN in 2011, 2012, and 2013
Comes with parts orders from the 1980s
onstructed by the owner's father, a Triumph aficionado
He considered it his most aesthetically pleasing bike
A folder with parts, costs, receipts, and letters to suppliers is included
The owner has only ever been a pillion passenger but enjoyed the experience

The Condition

Retains its factory correct light blue metallic paintwork
Complete bike that is an older restoration little used in recent years
Various signs of age and storage across surfaces as shown in photographs
Surface corrosion under the fuel cap and rubbers are aged
The rear seat is missing one securing bolt and square nut/washer
Push start bike with no found location for key
Tarnished chrome spoke wheels
Older tyres but they hold air

The Mechanics

650cc 6T Speed Twin engine developing 34bhp
4spd manual transmission with improved clutch and gearchange
Old fuel left in tank that will require draining
The bike hasn't been started in a while
The bike was fully operational before being parked
The buyer should expect to undertake a full check and mechanical recommissioning

BEFORE YOU BUY

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