Bearing a name which now causes motorcycle enthusiasts to be overwhelmed by a feeling of profound reverence, the Triumph Bonneville was released in 1959, taking its name from the achievements of Texan Triumph racer Johnny Allen on the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was the last production design of the celebrated Edward Turner, who had been instrumental in creating all of Triumph’s raciest post-Vintage bikes, the Speed Twin, Thunderbird and Tiger 110.
The original T120 Bonneville was developed in such a short space of time that it didn’t actually make it into Triumph’s 1959 catalogue, but it didn’t give the impression of being rushed. Its big, thumping 650cc twin assisted it quickly towards the ton, so it became an instant favourite with Ton-Up Boys. It wasn’t just rebellious teenagers who tried to squeeze as much speed out of it as possible, though. The Bonneville was developed for serious competition, and was perhaps most famously ridden by Steve McQueen in the 1964 International Six Days Trial.
The most significant update in the T120’s life came in 1963 when it changed from pre-unit to unit construction, i.e. the engine and gearbox were incorporated into a single housing whereas previously they had been separate. The purpose of this was to make the bike more stiffly-built and eliminate high-speed wobble, thereby enabling better performance to be extracted from it. This helped to keep sales high, and in fact 1967 was Bonneville's most successful year in America, with around 28,000 examples sold.
Prior to May, 2020, this Bonneville belonged to a gentleman in West Malling, Kent. He sold it through Godin Sporting Cars & Motorcycles Ltd. to the vendor. In 2019, the owner had taken it to Godin for recommissioning and to have the fuel tank cleaned. Its condition testifies that it has evidently been the recipient of a high-quality restoration at some point in the recent past, and the fact that the previous owner had number plates made for it in April, 2020, would suggest that its restoration had only just been completed. Tracing its mileage history back to one mile in 2011 would suggest that the engine was rebuilt 10 years ago, so we are inclined to believe that its restoration was a meticulous long-term affair.
The vendor acquired it for his small collection of classic motorcycles, all of which have been kept in concours-standard condition. He has spent a little bit of money on small parts such as gaskets and washers, just to eliminate whatever teething troubles it may have had. It is with some regret that he has taken the decision to sell his collection, although not too much as the reason for it is to make room for a Jaguar XK120.
In addition to its V5, the bike is being sold with a few recent receipts and invoices, an MoT certificate valid until August, 2022, and a Footman James agreed valuation certificate of £12,000 issued in July, 2020. Bidders will be pleased to note that the file also includes the Triumph Workshop Manual for Unit Construction 650 c.c. Twins, which should be a great friend to the home mechanic.
Given their popularity with collectors, quite a number of T120 Bonnevilles have been restored to a concours-worthy standard, and this is one of them. The paintwork is some of the best we have ever seen, in an attractive combination of crisp white set against velvety purple, and we could not spot a single fault or defect anywhere. Likewise for the chrome on the handlebars, headlight and wheels – it is so good that it really does have to be seen to be believed. The seat, in a fetching two-tone combination of black and light grey with white piping, was evidently reupholstered as part of the restoration and now presents as if it were brand-new. The glass of the lights also appears to be faultless.
As there is unfortunately no documentation describing the restoration, we cannot vouch for the originality of all the parts, but we are confident that the bike has been exactingly built to as-new factory specification. Rarely do we see anything which looks as ‘proper’ as this.
Having seen this bike run, we can only say that it is a perfect match for its cosmetic condition. The idle is rhythmic and euphonious, but it promises to roar when the throttle is opened. Given the evidence of comprehensive restoration and the fact that the engine is spotlessly clean, without any oil drips or other signs of trouble, we think it is self-evident that the engine was rebuilt as part of the restoration and so might be considered virtually brand-new. As we have pointed out, it has not yet even covered 500 miles, so really it still needs to finish being run in.
We are pleased to note that the MoT test which the Triumph reasonably passed highlighted not a single advisory note, so you can feel confident that this is a resoundingly safe bike as well as a thrilling and reliable one.
The appeal of a Bonneville need hardly be explained to motorcycle enthusiasts, but if you have not noticed them already, perhaps you would like to reflect for a minute on its beauty, its lines all converging on the fuel tank in a profound lesson on visual harmony. Or you may be moved by the potent 650cc twin, which made the Bonneville a masculine and exhilarating road-burner for the rider who cares about substance as well as style. If you understand both these things, please then consider that this is one of the best examples you will find anywhere, and its superb condition really cannot be understated. If ever a bike promised miles and miles of happy motorcycling, this is it.
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.
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1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R
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