1960 Triumph Thunderbird

6T D7325

This is a late 1960-model pre-unit ‘duplex’ Triumph Thunderbird 6T. It has matching engine & frame number 6T D7325 and original gearbox number verified by the factory records. It has its original British V5 registration and also a clear MI title in my name. HISTORY : I purchased this bike in England in 1992 as a basket case after it has been in storage in a basement in London for 18 years. It looked like it had suffered a primary chain failure and had been left to sit, so the motor was frozen but essentially original and complete. Restoration took place over the next 10 years (it was completed around 2002). I then brought it to the US when I moved here in 2004. Since then it has remained in our dining room (without fluids) as a museum showpiece (yes, I do have a very understanding wife !). I have seen only 1 other of these models for this year on EBAY here in the US - so probably rarer than your average Bonneville ! The complete history of the restoration goes with the sale. From the factory build records, the production date was 14-July 1960 (hence a very late 60 model). What makes this model extra-interesting is that it had the factory ‘side car’ option (which included a special gearbox ratio and 1” longer lower front fork members). I believe it was fitted with a sidecar at some point as I have some of the mounting brackets, but the chair itself is long gone. It does have the ‘C’ stamped correctly on the crankcase by the engine number to signify the ‘sidecar’ specification and the 'star' to indicate the ramp cam form for easy starting. The machine then left the factory on 27th July 1960 and was sold to a dealer ‘Shulan’ in Bracknell (located in the south east of England in county of Berkshire). It was registered with a Berkshire number and still has its original registration number ‘VRX 474’ (‘RX’ = Berkshire). Not so much a trailer queen, but more of a house guest, it has only been ridden a total of 3 miles since restoration. I have started it up every other year to ride it up the street (sounds good !), but I have never taken her out on open roads in the US. It does leak oil - particularly from the rear of the chaincase which I believe is due to corrosion on the inner cover. (I have a nice replacement cover but never fitted it – again trying to keep everything as original as possible, rather than have it as a daily rider). I reused as many of the original parts as possible during the restoration ; details I remember : Original chronometric 'revulator' speedo was professionally refurbished but I kept the indicated mileage (so I believe the bike has covered 32,083 miles from new !). Correct 18” WM2 Dunlop wheel rims were rechromed and fitted with NOS tires – front is a Dunlop ‘ribbed’ – little weatherchecked, but they don’t make these any more. Rear is an Avon Speedmaster Mk II. I did go with polished stainless spokes as they look so good. This was the last year for the iron head – motor is still on standard bore with new rings. Carb is original and correct number - air filter is also NOS item. New clutch was fitted as the original was not serviceable. A NOS alternator was also fitted to repair the damaged chaincase contents. Bill Hoard helped me out with the NOS downpipes. Mufflers are British reproductions. Paintwork was completed by ACE classics in London England to original Charcoal Grey color unique to ‘59 and ‘60 T-birds. Original nuts and bolts were cadmium plated. It has a NOS Lucas wiring harness and its original 6V wiring system. Lucas marked headlamp & tail lamp lens and original horn. For the new owner- it still has the longer lower front forks, which makes using the mainstand a little tricky unless you stand it on a block of wood to allow the rear wheel to clear the ground. I am now selling this bike in order to make room to show a couple of other bikes I am restoring. It is a wonderful piece of Triumph history – I enjoy looking at it every day. Viewing definitely recommended, I will offer to email high-res images for those that need more detail. Please assume it will need fully commissioning for road riding if that is your intention. Email with any questions - I reserve the right to end the auction at any time for any reason. Pick up from Brighton MI, or I will cooperate with your shipper.On Dec-31-11 at 10:46:20 PST, seller added the following information: Some things I remembered : it has the original 'Champion' spark arrester plug covers which I think were specific to the UK model. I also made a copy of the UK 'tax disc' that it would have had when first registered in 1960 (similar principle to the annual US tabs). This is the green disc you now see mounted at the front of the motor.On Jan-01-12 at 14:41:02 PST, seller added the following information: Final photos added - detailed the right hand side of the bike today. Noted there is a slight scrape on the RH exhaust pipe where the kicker had contacted it once. To answer a question : stainless spokes are 'butted' like the originals - just shinier :)