2801958/59 Triumph 649cc T120R BonnevilleRegistration no. 159 XULFrame no. 021156Engine no. T120 021156Built in 1958 and first registered in 1959, this ‘Tangerine Dream’Bonnie was purchased in August 2011 from a Kent-based collectoras an unfinished project. ‘159 XUL’ is described by the vendor as ingenerally excellent condition, benefiting from a total restoration onlycompleted in June 2014. Works undertaken include rebuilding theengine with a re-bore and new piston, plus new big-end bearingsand nuts/bolts, main bearings, small-end bearings, valves and valveguides. The gearbox likewise has been rebuilt with new bearings, andthe clutch and primary chain are new also. Other noteworthy featuresinclude a restored competition magneto; reconditioned dynamo andvoltage regulator; new fork stanchions, bushes and oil seals; newwheel bearings, steering head bearings and swinging arm bushes;new brake shoes; new wiring harness; restored speedometer; andoverhauled carburettors. We are advised that the engine has beenturned over, using rollers, and showed good oil pressure. However,it has not been started and the usual adjustments and fine-tuningwill be required to bring the machine to perfection. Accompanyingdocumentation consists of a VMCC dating certificate and a V5Cregistration document.£12,000 - 14,000€17,000 - 20,0002811968 Triumph 649cc T120 BonnevilleRegistration no. ULR 787FFrame no. DU 83264Engine no. DU 83264Post-WW2, Triumph of Meriden were wedded to the ohv ‘twin’ andto their diminutive Terrier and Tiger Cub. Most of their big sellers werevariations on a similar theme, selling to a loyal public who appreciatedthe beefy torque of the twin in comparison to the then small-capacityJapanese offerings. Always enthusiastic in competition, Triumph’sessays on the famous salt flats, aimed at boosting American sales,resulted in 1958 in their most famous twin, the T120 ‘Bonneville’. Atfirst a high-compression, twin-carb. version of the Tiger ‘Ton-ten’,the ‘Bonneville’ rapidly became the model to which enthusiastsaspired, gaining along the way a duplex frame, more highly tunedengines and, to the regret of old hands, a much improved unitconstructionengine and ‘box in 1962. The model remained to theend of Meriden production and the original ‘Bonneville’ has beenin demand ever since. ULR 787F is a particularly good example ofthat later ‘Bonneville’, coming from a long-term enthusiast owner. Aformer VMCC Stafford Show stand exhibit, it is running very well, isin immaculate condition and is to original, undisturbed specification.Fitted with the very good twin-leading-shoe front brake, it copeshappily with today’s traffic. Expected to have an MOT by sale-time andcomplete with V5C, workshop manual and assorted papers it will be,as a Bonneville always is, ideal for the coming summer’s riding.£7,900 - 9,900€11,000 - 14,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.62 | the spring stafford sale
2821965 Triumph 649cc T120 BonnevilleRegistration no. CCB 929CFrame no. T120 DU15418Engine no. T120 DU15418Perhaps the most iconic, glamorous, and recognizable motorcycle ofthe 1960s, the Triumph Bonneville’s style, flair, and performance mademost of its competitors look staid by comparison. Even the Bonnevillemodel name was more exciting than the competition.Flamboyant two tone petrol tanks and mudguards were featured inmost years, and the 1965 finish of Pacific Blue and silver was surelyone of the most attractive colour combinations in the Bonneville’s longhistory.This immaculate matching numbers 1965 Bonnie has been in the longterm ownership of the vendor since 1992. It is now being offered forsale following the recent death of his mother. The subsequent sale ofthe parental home has resulted in a considerable loss of storage spacerequiring a thinning out of his collection.Between 1992 & 1994 it was the subject of a magnificent,comprehensive, no expense spared restoration by the extremely ableowner. The engine, gearbox, cycle parts, electrics, and cosmeticswere all rebuilt with meticulous attention to detail. The crank wasdynamically balanced by Basset Down Balancing. Other features of therestoration are genuine new old stock Dunlop wheel rims, correct newold stock Lucas switches, correct 389 Amal Monobloc carburettors,and a new wiring loom. A photographic record of the restoration isincluded in the sale. This Bonnie looks as fine today as it did when therebuild was completed.It is a T120 which is as good on the inside as it is on the outside.Freshly MoT’d this February, the Bonneville is accompanied by anumber of old tax discs and MoT certificates as well as a factoryworkshop manual and parts catalogue.£6,000 - 8,000€8,400 - 11,000Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.motorcycles | 63
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