Detail Info for: 1953 Triumph Thunderbird 1953 Triumph Thunderbird “Blackbird", 100 point restoration, stunning!

Transaction Info

Sold On:

05/26/2017

Price:

$ 19900.00

Condition:

Mileage:

Location:

Santa Monica, California, 90405

Seller Type:

Private Seller

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:

1953 Triumph Thunderbird

Submodel Body Type:

Engine:

Transmission:

VIN:

6T 34683

Vehicle Title:

Clear

Drive Train:

Fuel Type:

Standard Equipment:

Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

Superbly Restored!

1953 Triumph 650cc Thunderbird “Blackbird"

Frame Number: 34683 6T
Engine Number: 6T 34683

Triumph boss Edward Turner knew the value of a good headline. When demands for more power emanating from both American riders and British sidecarists grew too loud to ignore, he followed up the blockbuster 500cc Speed Twin with the 6T Thunderbird, announced in September of 1949. But a simple press release wouldn't do for Triumph's first 650. A spectacular launch stunt saw three Thunderbirds lap the banked concrete Montlhéry circuit in France at over 90mph for 500 miles, after which they each achieved a flying lap of 100-plus mph and were then ridden back the 400 miles to Coventry. Message delivered to customers and competition alike.

Moto-journalist Frank Melling: "The Thunderbird is one the most pleasant, rideable and thoroughly charming classic bikes available," he wrote. "The engine spins into life with a single, easy kick and then the bike will do everything from potter around a bike rally at 5mph to genuine, reliable 70mph cruising on the Interstate."

The first bikes were painted Thunder Blue, which was more appropriate for battleships than motorcycles. This was soon supplanted by the more pleasing Polychromatic Blue, a metallic color that became the Thunderbird's trademark hue. American dealers wanted something more menacing, however, in their quest to snag 'conquest sales' away from Harley-Davidson and Indian. Triumph listened and the response was the all-ebony 'Blackbird,' offered only in the U.S.

The rare Blackbird offered here is a 100 point restoration by well known Eastcoast marque expert, Roger Jones, originally for a long-time collector. Paint and brightwork are to concours condition as are all finishes and hardware. A matching numbers example, it was thoroughly gone through by a local Triumph and classic bike aficionados, Glory Motorworks, to ensure the bike is not just the show piece presented, but a reliable and fine running machine, ready for any tour or rally. The bike starts easily, idles smoothly and rides as good as it looks. Brakes and suspension match the power and smoothness of the bike. Everything works as it should.

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a ready-to-go concours show bike, which is ready to be ridden on any rally or tour with great ease and reliability.