1959 Triumph Speed Twin

Description

• UNSOLD  at auction June 2023
• Show Winner 
• Amaranth Red 
• Matching numbers 
• Restored to a high standard 
• New fairings and panniers 
• Triumph Owner’s Club certificate of authenticity

“To win a place in an increasingly competitive market, a new motorcycle must be stylish as well as swift, up-to-the-minute aesthetically as well as technically. The designer must make it a highly functional piece of machinery and yet leave revealed at least a glimpse of that functional quality to please the eye of the enthusiast.”  

This was how ‘Motorcycling’ described the new Triumph T21 model in February 1957.  

This was a landmark bike for Triumph. That is why today, when Triumphs in this condition come to market, there is always a lot of interest. 

From the get-go the T21 was designed as a bike incorporating modern features that aimed to attract new buyers. The design brief was for a clean, high-performance roadster and the components and specifications definitely delivered. Built to recognise Triumph’s 21st Anniversary, it was the first Triumph to be fitted with the ‘bathtub’ design. 

Fast forward from the launch of the T21 model to 1958 and Triumph re- launched the famous Speed Twin name.  

The 5TA replaced the earlier 5T.  The crankshafts were common but rather than the stamped steel conrods, the 5TA uses Light Alloy H-Section rods. The stroke remains at 65.5mm, but the bore is increased to 69.0mm giving a new capacity of 490cc. Fitted with 7:1 pistons the performance improved to 27bhp. The 5TA has a 20 tooth gearbox sprocket in place of the 18 tooth one, alongside a slightly larger 375/3 (7/8inch) Amal Monoblock Carb. 

• This Triumph Speed Twin looks a peach 
• First registered 7 March 1959 in Northern Ireland 
• Frame number H7 833 
• Engine number 5TAH7833 
• Letter of Authenticity in the Gallery 
• The Smiths speedo is new and; the clock was changed at 38,000 miles
• *The odometer currently  shows 99 miles 
• Avon Fairing up front 
• Black & White dual seat 
• Craven panniers at the rear 
• Chrome luggage rack mounted on the tank 
• The paintwork is very good. 
• The front and rear mudguards are fibreglass, although you’d never know by looking. As we all know, the originals simply dissolved. These clearly won’t suffer that fate. They have been properly finished on both sides to replicate the originals 
• Chrome mirrors. Interestingly these are from a Ford Consul. Alister tells us “These are the best mirrors I’ve had on a motorcycle” 
• Fitted with indicators 
• Loads of new parts 
• New wheel rims with stainless steel spokes 
• Converted to 12 volt 
• Electronic ignition 
• Chrome wind-tone horns 
• Centre stand 
• New gearbox bearings 
• New chains 
• New clutch 

The Speed Twin has been with our vendor for around eight years. He understands that prior to his ownership, the engine was overhauled. Alister has completed all the bodywork items, etc. 

Once the refurb was finished, Alister took this to a show, and it won first time out – you might have spotted the photo commemorating that occasion in the gallery. That cannot be bad, can it? 

Summary 

Physical landmarks have traditionally been the most obvious measures of progress.  A statue, a building or such like.  

The Triumph Speed Twin is a landmark, but a moving, dynamic one. Triumph and the Speed Twin have influenced motorcycle engineering for decades. Often copied, rarely bettered. It’s no wonder the modern genius at Triumph brought back the Speed Twin name not so long ago on its modern retro range.  

Don’t miss this original piece of British motorcycling history.