Highlights

Comprehensive restoration between 2023 and 2024 by a Meriden Triumph restorer of many years experience
Desirable 1969 model which was the final year of pre-OIF
Approximately 30 miles covered since full engine rebuild
Imported from the US and now registered on UK plates
Collector-quality example barely used since restoration

The Appeal

While Malcolm Uphill was securing IoM TT glory on a T120 Thruxton and Bonnevilles were taking a straight 1-2-3 in the Thruxton 500, this beautiful T120R was leaving the works and finding its way, like most Bonnevilles, to the USA. It returned in 2023 whereupon a two year restoration was begun by a Meriden Triumph restorer of many years experience , work that the vendor describes as ‘nut and bolt.’

The quality of that work shines out of the photos. This is a chance for the buyer to acquire a freshly restored T120R that has barely been used since it was completed. It is a desirable version too, since 1969 was the final year of the pre-Oil-in-Frame models, a layout that provides the low-slung, slimmer and more balanced look for which these bikes are famed.

During the restoration, we are told that every component was stripped, with parts powder-coated, painted, chromed, and zinc-plated as appropriate. The engine was fully rebuilt and has covered only around 30 miles since, meaning it will still require careful running in. For buyer transparency, time-lapse videos documenting the restoration are available.

The bike is now registered on UK plates and is MOT exempt. A collector-quality example of the magnetically appealing Bonneville.

The vendor says:

“The engine has been completely rebuilt and has done 30 miles since the rebuild and will require running in. No known mechanical faults. The engine is starting and running correctly.

“My husband commissioned the restoration with no expense spared but sadly was unable to enjoy what was to be his dream bike. This is truly a stunning machine.”

Key Information

Mileage: 17,045 miles indicated (stated as correct by the vendor)
Country imported from: United States (registered on UK plates since 2023)
MOT status: exempt
Technical specs: 649cc vertical twin, four-speed manual
Paperwork: no details provided

The vendor says:

“The bike was imported from the US and has been subject of a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration in 2023 to 2024 by a highly regarded Meriden Triumph restorer based in Merseyside. The bike was stripped to every last nut and bolt, powder coated painted chromed and zinc plated as required. The engine was stripped and rebuilt. It has covered approximately 30 miles since restoration was completed. There are time/Lapse videos available of the restoration taking place.”

The Detail

Stripped to every last nut and bolt during the restoration, per the vendor
Components powder coated, painted, chromed, and zinc plated as required
Engine fully stripped and rebuilt
Engine has covered miles since and will require running in
Engine reported to be starting and running correctly with no known mechanical faults
The vendor describes the overall condition as very good with no known defects
Beautifully presented and restored bike in red and silver with gold pinstriping
Well-detailed finish with original Triumph badges plus Smiths dials and Triumph grips
Chrome in good order with only very light heat soak to downpipes as shown
Restoration commissioned with no expense spared, according to the vendor
Chrome wheels with tyres dated 2022

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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.