Lot details Registration No: Un-Reg Frame No: 66703 Engine No: 6T66703 cc: 650 MOT Expiry Date: None
The Thunderbird was a natural progression for the development of the Triumph parallel twin cylinder. Its introduction in 1950 came at a time when the majority of the Meriden marque's competitors had succeeded in bringing their own 500 twins to the market place and served to place them on the back foot again. The instigation for the Thunderbird's development is commonly attributed to the demands of the North American market; however, Edward Turner's deep understanding of the motorcycle market suggests that a 650cc twin was, to a degree, inevitable following the success of the Speed Twin and Tiger 100. The new models cycle parts were essentially the same as those employed by the 500 twins in the range with a rigid frame, a "sprung hub" being offered as an option, headlamp nacelle and tank top luggage grid all being carried over from the 500's. For 1952 an SU carburettor replaced the Amal unit previously fitted and 1954 saw the introduction of an alternator. For 1955 the pivoted fork frame first seen on the sporting Tiger models of the previous season was introduced, the result being arguably one of the most attractive machines to emanate from Triumph.
This example, featuring matching numbers was the subject of a cosmetic and mechanical restoration carried out during 2005. It is offered with a green continuation log book.
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