1966 Triumph T120 TT Special

Description

• AT AUCTION – Please click HERE
• Matching frame and engine number
• Authenticated in writing by TOMCC
• Two tone fuel tank
• Laced wheels
• Chrome rims

The Triumph Bonneville TT Special was built specifically for the US West Coast market. Built in limited numbers it is one of the rarest and most sought after of the Triumph factory specials from the 1960s.

Background and history

The Triumph (Bonneville) TT Special was released in 1963 and sold until 1967. It was a factory-built motorsport special, designed to race in the hugely popular flat track type circuits in the US

Only two USA West Coast Dealers sold the TT Special; Triumph Corporation “TriCor”  and Johnson Motors “JoMo”. Reports on exact numbers vary

The specification changed over time, and there’s no firm agreement from anyone on what the exact specification was for each year

However, many were fitted with 12:1 high compression ratio pistons, open exhaust pipes, an ET ignition, larger 1 3/16” carburettors, a 17T gearbox sprocket, and a tachometer, with no headlight or lighting, and no speedometer

A number were fitted with a 19T gearbox sprocket, and there were some other minor differences

This bike

The surviving examples of the Triumph Bonneville TT Special are now highly collectible, however there aren’t many left. Many lived hard lives on racetracks in the 1960s and were later broken for parts or scrapped.

• 650cc OHV parallel twin
• Top speed: 120mph (allegedly)
• Twin Amal carbs
• 4-speed, chain final drive
• Single downtube steel cradle frame
• Telescopic front forks
• Dual Girling shocks w/adjustable preload at the rear
• Full width drum brakes
• 32.5 inch seat height

Manufactured 1966. It was imported into the UK in 2017. Our vendor Andy purchased it in 2020 from a specialist dealer when he traded in his Yamaha. Two former keepers in the UK.

• Aubergine over Gloss White separated by a gold pin stripe
• Our vendor describes the paintwork as “Good overall. The tank has some blemishes”
• It now has electronic ignition
• Authentication paperwork in the Gallery from the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club
• Shorty exhausts
• Single off-set speedo
• Gloss Black side panels with gold motif

We understand this TT did come equipped with high compressions pistons. However, due to the low-grade fuel available today, our vendor noted instances of pre-detonation, or ‘pinking’.

He has swapped the pistons, but the originals will come with the TT

The stripped-back, cool, race retro look is completed by having a clean front end, minus a headlamp, no fixed rear number plate and dual use knobbly tyres.

Summary

The Bonneville is an iconic name for Triumph.  The factory had built so-called specialist bikes before, the TR6 being just one. When they were asked by JoMo in the USA to help build a race-ready special the TT was the result.

Allegedly, Evel Knievel thought it was so good he used a Triumph TT Special in one of his cunning stunts, jumping over Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Triumph revived the Bonnie brand in the 90’s. Tt is now their best-selling model. Nothing could quite capture the all-round package of a rare original. Gool looks, back to basic style and that sound from those pipes. Buy it for that alone.

Vehicle Location: Alford, Lincolnshire LN13 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Triumph T120 TT Special? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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