In 1951, the BSA Group purchased the assets of Triumph Engineering Company. This takeover would lead to problems for Triumph, and its eventual demise years later. The concept of the legendary Triumph Bonneville was resisted by BSA management, partially because it would show up BSA’s line. There was much debate between BSA and Triumph’s two American distributors, the Triumph Corporation in Baltimore and Johnson Motors in Pasedena. The Bonnie was eventually introduced in 1959, its name reflective of records set by Triumph-powered bikes at the storied Bonneville Salt Flats. The Bonneville reflected of the tension between the British company’s conservative philosophy, and the demands of the Americans, who wanted an even more powerful version of the TR6 Trophy scrambler and the ageing 6T Thunderbird. The result was a styling mix of frumpy British fully valenced fenders, a dated headlamp nacelle and a wide, touring seat. The new twin-carburetor head made it the fastest road bike Triumph had ever made, but it sure didn’t look it. After a buildup of 1959 Bonneville inventory and American dealers converting TR6s to the new twin-carb’ head so as not to lose sales, the Brits got the message. The 1960 Bonneville came to the ‘States with a smaller seat and tank, narrow fenders, a separate chromed headlight assembly and a tachometer – all features appealing to the more sporting rider. The Bonneville was on its way to motorcycling immortality. Over the years, the Bonnie was continually updated. A major redo was undertaken on the 1963 models, which got a new version of the engine, which incorporated the gearbox into the crankcase. A new frame with improved tensional stiffness was used for the new engine. Throughout the updates, the styling remained crisp and there were no jarring year-to-year changes. This Bonneville is from 1970 production, the year many feel was the pinnacle before corporate missteps changed the appearance of the model. It has been the subject of a thorough, accurate restoration right down to the ‘Astral Red’ with Silver twin-scallop tank design. With the odometer showing a mere 814 miles, the purchaser will have the opportunity to enjoy the pride of ownership of a ‘need nothing’ example of one of Triumph history’s signature motorcycles. Without reserve
In 1951, the BSA Group purchased the assets of Triumph Engineering Company. This takeover would lead to problems for Triumph, and its eventual demise years later. The concept of the legendary Triumph Bonneville was resisted by BSA management, partially because it would show up BSA’s line. There was much debate between BSA and Triumph’s two American distributors, the Triumph Corporation in Baltimore and Johnson Motors in Pasedena. The Bonnie was eventually introduced in 1959, its name reflective of records set by Triumph-powered bikes at the storied Bonneville Salt Flats. The Bonneville reflected of the tension between the British company’s conservative philosophy, and the demands of the Americans, who wanted an even more powerful version of the TR6 Trophy scrambler and the ageing 6T Thunderbird. The result was a styling mix of frumpy British fully valenced fenders, a dated headlamp nacelle and a wide, touring seat. The new twin-carburetor head made it the fastest road bike Triumph had ever made, but it sure didn’t look it. After a buildup of 1959 Bonneville inventory and American dealers converting TR6s to the new twin-carb’ head so as not to lose sales, the Brits got the message. The 1960 Bonneville came to the ‘States with a smaller seat and tank, narrow fenders, a separate chromed headlight assembly and a tachometer – all features appealing to the more sporting rider. The Bonneville was on its way to motorcycling immortality. Over the years, the Bonnie was continually updated. A major redo was undertaken on the 1963 models, which got a new version of the engine, which incorporated the gearbox into the crankcase. A new frame with improved tensional stiffness was used for the new engine. Throughout the updates, the styling remained crisp and there were no jarring year-to-year changes. This Bonneville is from 1970 production, the year many feel was the pinnacle before corporate missteps changed the appearance of the model. It has been the subject of a thorough, accurate restoration right down to the ‘Astral Red’ with Silver twin-scallop tank design. With the odometer showing a mere 814 miles, the purchaser will have the opportunity to enjoy the pride of ownership of a ‘need nothing’ example of one of Triumph history’s signature motorcycles. Without reserve
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
