1960 Triumph Trophy

D1046

I grew up in Sherman Oaks, California, never more than 2 or 3 miles from the Triumph shop owned by noted desert racer and movie stuntman Bud Ekins. As many know, Bud was a good friend of actor Steve McQueen and doubled for him in many of the stunts that Steve's character performed in some of his films. I remember when Bud returned from Europe after filming was completed for the classic film "The Great Escape," hair still bleached blonde to match the hair color of McQueen for the motorcycle riding stunts used in the film, including the famous jump over the wire fencing during the escape attempt from the German prisoner of war camp. I learned a few years ago that the bike used in that rather long scene was a 1960 Triumph TR 6 "Trophy" which must have left the factory looking just like the one I am offering here The bike used in the film, of course, was disguised to look like a German made motorcycle. The one I am offering for sale could not be that bike as this one is far too pristine. I purchased the bike at the auction in Las Vegas several years ago where I noticed at the previews quite a number of Englishmen and older Americans gathered around the bike admiring it and commenting favorably about the mechanical and cosmetic details of its restoration. Other than an unobtrusive conversion of the electrics from the standard 6 volt system to 12 volts, the bike is stock and original. From what I remember of the Triumphs of that time, even the seat is original. The numbers of the engine and frame are a match at number "D 1046," and are mated to an original 2 into one "Siamese" exhaust system which runs along the left side of the bike and terminating at the back with the proper cigar shaped muffler, and the pipes at the head turning straw in color. About mid-way along the pipe itself is an area is blackened by what might have been contact with something like a black plastic bag which I have tried removing with acetone and alcohol but which is difficult to remove. I didn't try anything abrasive for fear of damaging the chrome. The paint scheme, a quality job in beautiful condition, is silver over maroon on the tank, which also sports the original tank mounted parcel rack, with fenders painted silver with maroon stripes down the middle. The original type Smiths speedometer and tachometer are fitted and work perfectly. The Lucas headlamp is operated from the original switch which is mounted below the forward part of the seat on the right side of the bike. The tires are Japanese made Dunlop "K 70's," English versions of which were fitted originally, and in fine condition. The bike has had a recent major tune up by a veteran local mechanic who lives nearby and runs beautifully. The only issues to speak of is a clutch which will slip a bit under acceleration and a back brake which probably needs new shoes. The mechanic adjusted the clutch, told me everything inside the left case looked fine, but then never test rode it after doing the work. The chrome on the rear wheel is dull, although there is no rust to found on the bike. Also, the original style grips are beginning to split. Celebrating its 50th. birthday this year, this lovely Triumph turns heads on every outing. The bike must be paid for within 7 days. On Sep-05-10 at 15:31:56 PDT, seller added the following information: I have posted 2 additional photos showing the engine serial number in response to a request for them.