1945 Triumph 5T Speed Twin

TF4172

1945 Triumph 5T Speed Twin More Pictures Available by visiting this link,http://gallery.me…chickandlynn/100016 I purchased this very rare machine from Baxter Cycle in Marne Iowa. Baxter Cycle performed a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Extensive documentation accompanies this motorcycle and attests to its rarity and originality. A January 29, 1988 letter from R.F. Currie, Editor of “The Classic Motorcycle” magazine, states: “…it so happens that I know this particular machine, having come across it many years ago when it was owned by the late John Griffith. As the engine number implies, it is a 1945 manufacture, and has a double claim [of rarity because of] the retention of its original registration number CNV545…and its significance in British motorcycle history. As Ivor Davies, former publicity manager of the Triumph Company, has told you, very few Triumphs were built in 1945, as the Works were struggling to return to civilian production after having been given over to military work for the previous six years. For this reason, the frame (number TF4172) is actually an 1939 pattern, and the machine was finished in black instead of the intended Amaranth Red because supplies of red paint had yet to be delivered from the paint makers. The history of the machine was investigated by the late John Griffith when it was in his possession and as is confirmed by the records of the Vintage MCC, no other 1945 Triumph [emphasis is in the original] is known to exist.” The original hand written from Ivor Davies, referred to above, concludes: “Ii is also very rare which may be a good thing when you come to sell it!” This machine appeared in a number of books and articles. A copy from a book (title obscured) shows a photo of “one time president of the VMCC, John Griffith, at speed on his 1945 Triumph Speed Twin.” The weekly magazine “On Two Wheels” shows this machine on page 1854 though unfortunately and inaccurately labeling it as a “Speed Twin of 1948”. “Motorcycle News” of September 3, 1975 tested CNV545, noting its racing history in the hands of original owner John and son (?) Steve Griffith, who is pictured in another article passing a Norton. CNV545 is shown on page 90 and on the back cover of Classic Motorcycles by Vic Willoughby. Numerous registration documents accompany the bike, in addition to the aforementioned original letters, a copy of the Willoughby book, and copies of the magazine articles. I can, I believe, email copies of the letters and articles cited above on request. The bike is completely sorted and has been ridden regularly. It has covered less than 1000 miles since the Baxter Cycle restoration. I have left the original CNV545 registration numbers on the bike, but it has a New Mexico title. Everyone but the police have asked about the English registration numbers. I keep its New Mexico plate and registration with me when I ride it. The bike placed second in the People’s Choice award at the Antique Motorcycle Club of America Borrego Springs Road Run in March, 2010, ahead of a Brough Superior and a Crocker. No one there had ever seen a 1945 Triumph Speed Twin.