Five years ago an ad in www.vintagebike.co.uk was selling this exceptionnal motorcycle. The seller in Fukuoka (Japan) sent us some images, as we asked for the price. As we could not follow up the 6 figure amount, the bike was ultimately sold to a well known (lucky) French singer.
We'd like to share some of theses pics with you.
History: This bike, which would offer the Triumph sports reputation, was born by chance and against the advice of Edward Turner, then owner of the brand.
It was during one of his trips to the United States that engineer Freddie Clarke built the bike based on a Tiger 100 chassis and a generator engine made for British aviation, suspended rear hub developed by Turner.
This bike had its first victory by chance, through the fog. It was indeed a terrible weather at the Manx GP (1946). E. Lyons won the 500 Grand Prix victory by calmly following the yellow line in the fog of the Isle of Man, while all his opponents put the pile!
That is how the 500 Grand Prix was launched, and only a hundred copies were produced. There may be a handfull more than 10 copies left worldwide.
Technical:
- Engine: cylinder, 4 stroke, air cooled
- Displacement: 498 cm3
- Bore x Stroke: 63 x 80 mm
- Power: 42 hp. at 7200 rpm
- Weight: 142 kg
- Speed: 190 km/h
Other: 4 speed gearbox, secondary transmission by chain, through a simple split-cradle tubular frame, steel telescopic front suspension, rear suspension: hub suspension,
front and rear drum brakes .
By Yves.J.Hayat and Vincent Prat
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