1966 TRIUMPH 6T THUNDERBIRD EXPORT US SPEC
Description
1966 TRIUMPH 6T Thunderbird Export US Spec A truly stunning example from the Zimmerman Brothers Collection and Fully restored by Bill Hoard. Bill Hoard of Martin, Michigan, is the famous restorer of many Triumphs in the Zimmerman Brothers Collection. He is considered to be one of the best bike restorers in the world. Hoard’s work is featured in many Triumph collections in the USA. Most collectors agree that his work has set the benchmark restoration standards for Triumphs for more than 25 years. Bill has recently retired and this may be a rare chance to acquire one of his stunning restorations. You will not find a more factory correct restoration, the bike is as it rolled out of the factory in Meriden in 1966. The Triumph Thunderbird was introduced by Triumph in 1949 and was produced until 1966, making this a final year production model. Developed to Meet the American market's Need for Speed, the 6T Thunderbird used a variant of the earlier Speed Twin's parallel twin engine, enlarged from from 500cc to 650cc to give the added horsepower the American customers demanded. The concept of enlarging the Speed Twin, the Thunderbird name and its “paper dart” logo were thought up by Triumph Managing Director Edward Turner on one of his regular trips to Triumph's operations in the USA. Throughout this time, however, the Thunderbird retained its distinctive and stylish headlight nacelle and was referred to as a T Bird by the Americans. in fact - it was the mighty Ford Motor Company who had to pay Triumph Motorcycles to use the name Thunderbird on their new 2 seat sporty convertible in 1955 ! Triumph obtained infamous free publicity with Marlon Brando's 1953 motion picture, “The Wild One,” in which he rode a 1950 6T Thunderbird. In the book “Triumph Motorcycles in America,” there is a reproduced letter from Triumph's importers objecting to the producers’ use of their motorcycles in a film about rowdy and unruly motorcycle gangs ! This machine is being sold as a collector’s item, part of a stunning private collection of Vintage and Classic machines that have all been dry stored for several of years and will require recommissioning prior to use. Please note that historical classic vehicles are sold as an investment opportunity and are not supplied under the same terms and conditions as a modern day running motorcycle. Please Call or WhatsApp Chat 07 55 77 99 715 for more information regarding this classic machine