1952 Triumph Thunderbird

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Unrestored original 1952 Triumph 6T Thunderbird. This is a unique opportunity to own an amazingly preserved 60 year old piece of British motorcycle history. The 6T Thunderbird, introduced in 1950, was Triumph's response to the post-war American market's desire for more power than was provided by the 500cc Triumphs (and Nortons and BSA's) of the 1940's. This model was the start of the legendary Triumph Bonneville/Trophy/Tiger 650cc line and was a true superbike of its time. It also started Triumph's long run as a favorite in Hollywood movies when Marlon Brando rode a 1950 Thunderbird in The Wild One. This particular example on auction is possibly the most original and preserved early Thunderbird not in a museum. Paint, chrome, etc is all original and in extraordinary condition for its age. I am only the third owner, and as you can see in the pictures the bike is still accompanied by the original bill of sale, toolkit, tire pump, owner's manual, etc. I bought the bike in 1996 with ~6500 miles on the beautiful chronometric speedo and have ridden it ~3000 miles since then. It starts easily and runs great. The original SU carburettor, unique to this model, is less fickle than I have found the more common Amal Monoblocs to be (and there's no tickler; this is actually an old britbike that doesn't get petrol on your finger). The sprung hub rear suspension in combination with the sprung saddle makes for a comically bouncy but comfortably non-jarring ride. Riding this classic always puts a smile on my face. There are a few non-original parts. The second owner, who bought the bike from the estate of the deceased original owner in 1991, replaced with NOS parts the wiring loom and some rubber parts such as handgrips, footpeg rubbers, tank mount bushings, etc. (He included most of the original parts in a box when I picked up the bike; I must admit I was a bit disappointed to see that he had cut off the original handgrips which were IMO in fine condition.) He also replaced the tires and drive chain. But overall the bike is remarkably original and preserved, and surprisingly reliable. I have only had to do standard maintenance while I've owned it. If you are more drawn to a rare unrestored rolling piece of mechanical history than to one of the more easily found restored bikes with new paint and new chrome and new engine internals, I am confident that you will not find a nicer example of this landmark model. One other non-original part is the tank bag. It is a period aftermarket piece (hence the non-trademark "Triumph" inscription) which I bought at a swap meet a few years before I found the bike to go under it. Included in sale if the high bidder wants to keep it with the bike. On Oct-18-11 at 09:26:38 PDT, seller added the following information:Bigger Pictures I thought I had ticked the option box for larger pictures, but I guess not since only small pictures are showing up. Larger versions can be seen by clicking here (will open new window).