Introduced in 1938 the Triumph Speed Twin 5T immediately set the standard for parallel twin bikes. The Speed Twin was the first bike made available to civilians from Triumph and is seen by many as the bike that ensured the survival of the Triumph marque. Fitted with the 498cc air cooled twin which produced 28hp and a resulted top speed of 90mph.
The 5T had a long and successful production life (with a break from 40-47 due to WWII) with several revisions made until the end of production in 1966.
This Triumph has a magnificent history. Shortly after being sold in 1939 the bike was called to war and the government came to collect the bike under the compulsory acquisition program. Unwilling to part with the bike, the then owner dismantled the bike, wrapped it in grease paper and buried it under a market garden in Wheelers Hill, Victoria, where it remained until the conclusion of the war in 1945.
The bike was brought back to the surface, reassembled and sold in 1946 to William Horner, the father of the current owner. William was a very active member in the vintage motorcycle community and restored the bike in the 1980’s. A wonderful story and an incredible motorcycle. Sold with Dusting Side car with aero screen.
Offered at Auction by Donington Auctions on 17 November 2019
500cc twin with dusting sidecar. Price range $39,000 - $49,000
