1948 TRIUMPH 3T DELUXE CHOPPER
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
HIGHLIGHTS
• Rare Motorcycle
• Very light little chopper
• Freshly rebuilt 350cc engine
THE BACKGROUND
Despite Triumph’s early beginnings in Germany, by the mid-1920’s Triumph had become one of Britain’s main motorcycle manufacturers.
The 1930’s saw Triumph go through several restructuring moves including the sale of it’s car division to the Standard Motor Company. However the motorcycle division did better, and in 1936 was acquired by Jack Sangster who also owned the Ariel brand.
The company went from strength to strength exporting to the USA, and quickly became known as the Triumph Engineering Co Ltd.
The 1930’s saw Triumph go through several restructuring moves including the sale of it’s car division to the Standard Motor Company. However the motorcycle division did better, and in 1936 was acquired by Jack Sangster who also owned the Ariel brand.
The company went from strength to strength exporting to the USA, and quickly became known as the Triumph Engineering Co Ltd.
During the second world war Triumph’s Coventry factory was virtually destroyed in the Blitz of 1940, but machinery and tooling were recovered and production began again at a new plant in Meriden, Warwickshire in 1942.
After producing military motorbike’s during the war years, Triumph reverted to making civilian machines in 1946 and Engineers Edward Turner and Val Page soon designed the Speed Twin engine featuring a 360 degree parallel crank. The 3T 350cc twin (based on the same design), was then born - launched to fill the pressing need for an economical everyday ‘workhorse’.
After producing military motorbike’s during the war years, Triumph reverted to making civilian machines in 1946 and Engineers Edward Turner and Val Page soon designed the Speed Twin engine featuring a 360 degree parallel crank. The 3T 350cc twin (based on the same design), was then born - launched to fill the pressing need for an economical everyday ‘workhorse’.
THE HISTORY
This 3T was first registered on the 16.03.1948.
Bought in 2014, the current owner tells us that this 3T chopper was created in Wales in 2013 as a homage to a pit pony called Kruger who died in the Senghenydd coal mining disaster of 1913 along with 439 men! - the petrol tank filler cap is engraved to this effect.
The rear mud guard also features a plaque with the Welsh dragon and the inscription “Made in Wales”.
The rear mud guard also features a plaque with the Welsh dragon and the inscription “Made in Wales”.
THE PAPERWORK
The original buff logbook and current V5 are present with this bike along with the last Welsh issued MOT from 2014, receipts for the engine rebuild and various ‘research’ items of paperwork.
THE CONDITION
Overall, this motorcycle is in very good condition. It is clear that a lot of thought, money and man hours have gone into creating it. The customisation appears to be very well executed and the bike still retains that ‘period’ look. There are additional design references to the coal pits and ‘Kruger’ the pit pony which include chain-link rear guard supports and horseshoe footrests.
As the photos indicate, the powder coated frame and the purple fleck paint on the tanks and rear guard are all in excellent condition. The shiny bits are also clean. The custom engineered front forks look the business and great little touches like the front cycle lamp (with some age-related patina), NGK plugs and period leads and rear number plate frame complete the picture.
THE MECHANICS
The current owner tells us that this great little machine easily starts on the first kick - and smooth running is no doubt helped by the electronic ignition. The original 3T engine is freshly rebuilt (including the crank), at a cost of £800 alone.
With approximately 10 miles on the engine it will need running in. The punchy vertical twin develops approximately 19 horsepower and should be capable of around 74mph+. It features rocker boxes incorporated into it’s cast iron cylinder-head and a built-up (pressed together) crankshaft with one piece connecting rods. Happily there are no signs of any leaks.
With approximately 10 miles on the engine it will need running in. The punchy vertical twin develops approximately 19 horsepower and should be capable of around 74mph+. It features rocker boxes incorporated into it’s cast iron cylinder-head and a built-up (pressed together) crankshaft with one piece connecting rods. Happily there are no signs of any leaks.
The owner has also fitted a large rear sprocket for higher gearing and new brake shoes should offer rider confidence. The frame is standard with a neat extended bolt on the axle plates.
THE APPEAL
This very light compact chopper/bobber would ideally suit a younger, perhaps lighter person, although the current owner says “I’m 6.4 and it’s a comfortable ride…”.
Due to the relatively low numbers produced between 1946-1951 the 3T is indeed a rare sight these days. This ‘ready to go’ custom example should certainly turn heads with it’s vintage, mean, low-stance looks and returning around 80mpg, it’s low-down grunt will surely excite too.
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 sellers discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Vehicle specification
- Year 1948
- Make Triumph
- Model 3T Deluxe
- Colour Purple
- Odometer 10 Miles
- Engine size 350
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
23
bids
- Su•••• £5,000 20/07/21
- vi•••• £4,800 20/07/21
- ch•••• £4,600 20/07/21
- cr•••• £4,500 20/07/21
- st•••• £4,400 20/07/21
- cr•••• £4,250 20/07/21
- st•••• £4,150 19/07/21
- cr•••• £4,050 19/07/21
- Ki•••• £3,700 19/07/21
- st•••• £3,600 19/07/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.