The café racer's favorite since its launch in 1959, the Bonneville continued as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports model after the switch to unitary construction of the engine/gearbox in 1963. An alloy cylinder head equipped with twin carburetors helped the 'Bonnie' motor produce 46bhp at 6,500rpm, and the model was reckoned good for a top speed approaching 120mph. The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes a 'TT Special' (also known as the 'Competition Sports') Bonneville was introduced in 1964. The Triumph twin was already a formidable force in American flat-track racing, and the TT Special's stripped-down look, smaller fuel tank and short, open exhaust pipes echoed the style of the racers. By this time a maximum output of 52bhp was claimed for the Bonneville, while the TT Special engine produced 54bhp courtesy of 11.2:1 pistons (up from the T120 roadster's 9.0:1). A crankcase under-shield, tachometer-only instrumentation, larger-section front tire and an absence of lighting further distinguished the TT, which came with lowered overall gearing reflecting its intended role as primarily a dirt bike. Dating from the final year of TT production, this example was restored a few years ago by the noted Triumph restorer Gary Chitwood, whose work for the Sullivan Brothers has been featured in motorcycle books and calendars. An original matching-numbers machine, it has been completely rebuilt with all new internal parts, hard-to-find AC coils, original stainless fenders, new Dunlop K-70 tires, new Dunlop wheel rims and 'new old stock' TT exhaust pipes. This T120 TT Special has been kept as authentic as possible using Hutchinson Aubergine/Gold paint and a new seat and control cables. Original parts have been re-plated appropriately and there is no extra chrome. We are advised that one seat hinge and two carburetor cables need adjustment, and that neither gas nor oil has been added. Not fired up since completion, this motorcycle is presented in excellent condition and represents an opportunity to acquire a rare and highly collectible Bonneville variant. Offered with Certificate of Title.
The café racer's favorite since its launch in 1959, the Bonneville continued as Triumph's top-of-the-range sports model after the switch to unitary construction of the engine/gearbox in 1963. An alloy cylinder head equipped with twin carburetors helped the 'Bonnie' motor produce 46bhp at 6,500rpm, and the model was reckoned good for a top speed approaching 120mph. The USA had long been Triumph's most important export market, and to cater for local tastes a 'TT Special' (also known as the 'Competition Sports') Bonneville was introduced in 1964. The Triumph twin was already a formidable force in American flat-track racing, and the TT Special's stripped-down look, smaller fuel tank and short, open exhaust pipes echoed the style of the racers. By this time a maximum output of 52bhp was claimed for the Bonneville, while the TT Special engine produced 54bhp courtesy of 11.2:1 pistons (up from the T120 roadster's 9.0:1). A crankcase under-shield, tachometer-only instrumentation, larger-section front tire and an absence of lighting further distinguished the TT, which came with lowered overall gearing reflecting its intended role as primarily a dirt bike. Dating from the final year of TT production, this example was restored a few years ago by the noted Triumph restorer Gary Chitwood, whose work for the Sullivan Brothers has been featured in motorcycle books and calendars. An original matching-numbers machine, it has been completely rebuilt with all new internal parts, hard-to-find AC coils, original stainless fenders, new Dunlop K-70 tires, new Dunlop wheel rims and 'new old stock' TT exhaust pipes. This T120 TT Special has been kept as authentic as possible using Hutchinson Aubergine/Gold paint and a new seat and control cables. Original parts have been re-plated appropriately and there is no extra chrome. We are advised that one seat hinge and two carburetor cables need adjustment, and that neither gas nor oil has been added. Not fired up since completion, this motorcycle is presented in excellent condition and represents an opportunity to acquire a rare and highly collectible Bonneville variant. Offered with Certificate of Title.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
