1957 Triumph Thunderbird

6TO15XX

Clear

Offered for your consideration is my really cool 1957 Triumph Thunderbird. After purchasing two Triumphs, a '76 and '78 Bonneville, I became somewhat smitten with the British bikes. I am mainly into antique Indian motorcycles and as a past time enjoy restoring them. After the purchase of the two Bonnevilles I began looking for a 50's era Triumph with the intent of restoring it to new condition. That's when I found this sweetheart and grabbed her up. Two years have passed since I purchased her and other than purchasing new mufflers, a new seat and various bits and pieces I haven't done anything to her. I have to face reality, and with four antique Indians and a 1920 Excelsior ahead of her in the restoration queue I won't get to this bike for at least 3 more years. I hate to let her languish so it might just be the right time to let her go to a new home. As far as the bike goes, the engine, transmission and running gear are in superb condition. I took her to John Ireland, owner of English Motors in California. He put gas in the tank, kicked it twice and she fired right up. She doesn't smoke, makes no funny noises and shifts through the gears perfectly. Really it only needs a re-paint and some of the chrome re-done and it will be as good as the day it left the showroom floor. The rest of the bike is in good to superior condition. She is a great original condition bike. Obviously someone rebuilt the motor at some time in the not distant past since it's tight as a drum. It is far from a sagged out bag of bolts. You could ride this old sweetheart just as she is and enjoy many years of fun, trouble free riding. Or you could restore her, which is what I wanted to do. Restored these bikes bring in excess of 10K. Either way, you'll have the coolest bike pretty much anywhere you ride her. This is the "export" version of the Thunderbird, sold in the U.S. As an export model, it has the higher performance 8.5 to 1 compression ratio vs. 7 to 1 on the British version. She is surprisingly fast, and will whip the pants off my much bigger 1340cc Indian Chiefs. I really don't want to sell this old girl. If she doesn't make reserve I'll hang on to her and go ahead and do a cosmetic restoration down the road. Just to let you know, she currently doesn't have a battery in her. I have North of 30 bikes and even with battery maintainers I have to buy at least a half dozen batteries a year. The one in this old girl wasn't up to snuff so it went off to the recycler. I do not want to trade for another bike or any other vehicle, I have too many bikes as it is and as my better half regularly reminds me, she has not been able to park her car in the garage for years now. I need to clear up some space. I will not end the auction early, and don't bother asking what the reserve is. If she makes reserve the high bidder will become the new owner. She is a wonderful bike but remember she is 56 years old. There is no warranty and she is selling as is, where is. Know what you are bidding on. I am an Indian guy much more than a Triumph guy so my knowledge of them is somewhat limited. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll be happy to answer them as best I can. I will be happy to assist with shipping, but in the end it's the responsibility of the owner. I live in Las Vegas and that is where the bike is located. Non refundable deposit via paypal. Remainder to be paid prior to picking up the bike. Good luck, and happy bidding!