1967 Triumph TR6 Trophy 650cc

Much loved by Steve McQueen and fellow Americans, the Triumph TR6 Trophy followed on from the successful 500cc TR5 and was particularly popular for desert racing in California. Introduced in 1956, the model used the T110 engine with cast iron barrel and Delta alloy cylinder head. 42bhp was initially claimed aided by the Siamese exhaust system and the 7 inch front brake provided good stopping power. This was later to be increased to 8 inch. The quick release headlamp was an added feature for the competitor who rode to and from the circuit.1957 saw a Lucas Red Label magneto fitted, which was replaced by coil ignition in 1963. By the time the 1967 model was introduced performance was enhanced by raising the compression to 9:1 and the addition of Bonneville exhaust valves and camshaft. This provided an extra 5bhp.

Not often seen in the home market, this is an interesting barn find and clearly well worth tackling, not least because it originally saw service in the British police force, hence the ‘P’ designation in the (matching) frame and engine numbers.  Being an ex Police motorcycle, it was produced with many special features, such as the fairing, a pre-production braking system with the air scoop front brake, brake levers, special tyres, chrome rear crash bars, the mirrors, a rear carrier and the carrier mounted on the petrol tank, which was not fitted to production bikes for obvious safety reasons.

First registered in Warwickshire May 1967, the current owner purchased this machine way back in 1977. It was used initially, up until the early eighties at least, but we presume that it has spent subsequent years in storage, hence its current condition.  We are told by the vendor that the engine kicks over, and there is free movement in the gearbox, but it will require restoration and recommissioning.

The history file contains one each of Haynes and Drake manuals for 650 and 750 Triumph Twins, DVLA correspondence, MOT test certificates from 1977, 79 and 80, the old V5 document and the current V5C registration certificate.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023