In beautifully restored condition with a mere 262 miles covered since
The quality of this motorcycle is underscored by 24 first places in concours since restoration
The Appeal
The Triumph Speed Twin was a pivotal motorcycle in the development of more powerful and more refined models.
The revolutionary design by Edward Turner resulted in a twin-cylinder power unit that acted like a single. Both pistons rose and fell together on a 360-degree crankshaft.
The result was power and smoothness that had, previously, been but a pipe dream.
This particular example is surely unique, given its history and the sheer quality of its restoration.
A restoration that has won the motorcycle no less than twenty-four first places in various classic motorcycle concours. It was expertly undertaken by Westley Wall who is closely connected to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.
If you are in the market for a classic British motorcycle of this period, then you may have to go a long way to find a finer example.
The motorcycle features the signature twin saddle arrangement
The teardrop shaped tank is complete with tank top instrument binnacle and rubber knee pads
The low handlebars are highly chromed and are tipped with rubber grips
The single speedometer reading to 120 mph is placed ahead of the handlebars
Both sets of pegs and kickstart are rubber covered
As you would expect for such a beautifully restored motorcycle, everything here is in excellent condition
This motorcycle is in as close to factory condition as you are, surely, likely to find in an eighty-four-year-old vehicle.
The Speed Twin is low and small by today’s standards which will make for a comfortable and manageable riding experience.
Perfectly set up for pillion riding, which was much more common in this period, this motorcycle will provide you and a passenger many years of comfortable motorcycling adventures.
The motorcycle has been completely repainted as part of this ground-up restoration
Early models of the Speed Twin were only available in “Amaranth Red” with hand-painted gold pinstripes
The restoration has been entirely faithful to this period detail
The extensive chrome work is in excellent condition with a deep shine throughout
The spoked wheels are presented in chrome with accents of the Amaranth Red
The alloy sections of the engine and transmission are in near perfect condition
The finned cylinder housing is finished in a contrasting black
This Speed Twin is the perfect combination of chrome, bright Amaranth Red paintwork, and accents of metallic gold.
It is beautifully presented and eagerly draws the eye to its many details and nuances. The absolute windfall of concourse trophies will help emphasise the exquisite condition of this iconic British twin.1938 Triumph Speed twin (8).jpg362.88 KB
The Mechanics
The Speed Twin is fitted with that revolutionary 498cc parallel twin cylinder engine
The engine was fed by a single Amal Type 6 carburettor
An OHV, four-stroke engine originally producing around 27bhp
Power was fed to the rear wheel via a four-speed transmission and chain drive
These mechanicals are housed in a rigid frame
The spring mounted saddle provides the “suspension” for the motorcycle
The current owner reports that the motorcycle starts, runs and stops as well as its looks would suggest
The Speed Twin was a relatively light motorcycle and the innovative twin cylinder engine provided class leading power and torque.
This made for a spirited motorcycle which was fast and wieldy by the standards of the day. It was the smoothness provided by the innovative engine, however, that helped set the Speed Twin apart and cemented Triumph’s reputation for sporty motorcycles for many years to come.1938 Triumph Speed twin (33).jpg271.56 KB
Summary
This is a hard motorcycle to fault on any level.
To start with, it is a historically important model which marked the transition from crude and agricultural single cylinder motorcycles to something altogether more sophisticated and refined. This example has it all too!
A fascinating history with a near untimely end resulting in the exquisitely restored example you see here today. Low mileage, low owners, pristine condition, and a proven prize winner.
It is hard to imagine a better example being available outside of a museum collection. be sure not to miss this rare opportunity.
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