1965 Triumph Thruxton Bonneville

Silverstone Auctions are delighted to offer this rare 1965 Triumph "Thruxton' Bonneville. Number 9 of only 52 assembled, this is your chance to acquire the most exclusive of all Triumph Bonnevilles.

The name THRUXTON relates to the 500 mile endurance race for production motorcycles held annually at the Hampshire circuit. Due to track conditions and availability, it moved to Castle Combe and Brands Hatch. This race gave the opportunity for manufacturers to demonstrate the speed and reliability of their machines. Such was the importance of this race the top riders of the day all participated. Winners and podium finishers included Phil Read, Percy Tait, Bob McIntyre, Derek Minter, Tony Godfrey, Dave Degens, Rex Butcher and John Hartle to name just a few.

Prior to 1965 it was left to dealers and privateers to demonstrate the abilities of the Triumph, which included a win by Mike Hailwood in the 1959 race.

To capitalise on these results, and with the arrival of Doug Hele from Norton, it was decided in 1964 to produce a Works variant to be called the "THRUXTON". The Experimental Department of Triumph under Doug Hele were given the task of building the bike. A minimum of 50 would be required to meet the ACU homologation rules for Production Motorcycle Racing. Modifications included; a tuned exhaust system with stepped headers, balance pipe and special long silencers that in effect acted like a megaphone. Performance Camshafts, pistons and a special engine lubrication system were able to cope with the rigours of endurance racing. Brakes, chassis and suspension were also upgraded. Weight loss included the historically large, impressive Triumph fuel tank badge being reduced to just a transfer, the tank knee-pads made ultra slim to not only save weight but allow the rider to tuck those knees in for better aerodynamics.

Only 8 bikes were manufactured during 1964 as prototypes and the Thruxton was officially launched with the small number of only 52 made in 1965.

On Triumph's first outing at the Thruxton 500 race, now held at Castle Combe, it achieved a notable 1st Place in the hands of Barry Lawton and Dave Degens. The following year heralded another victory, now at Brands Hatch ridden by Dave Degens and Rex Butcher. Further outstanding victories were achieved in the Isle of Man Production TT with John Hartle and Malcolm Uphill in the 1967 and 1969 events respectively. One notable headline of the day read; "Rod Gould was timed at the Highlander at 140mph - A speed only bettered by Agostini's MV".

'CWC 988C' was number 9 of 52 made and supplied to the Swindon Motor Company. The bike was first registered to Martyn Ockwell on the 12/07/1965. It is an unmolested example in excellent condition which has been with the current owner for the past 19 years and comes with a 12 month MOT.

This is a very rare and special motorcycle that would grace any collection.